Our Mission
To provide comprehensive case management services to low-income families, elderly and disabled, to enhance stability and promote self-sufficiency through the building of community relationships.
What We Do
Prairie Opportunity offers a diverse range of services across several key areas:
Energy Cost Relief Programs
Making Homes Energy Efficient with Weatherization
Education & Employment for Economic Stability
Our Impact
Over the decades, Prairie Opportunity has become a cornerstone of the community.
Through our direct assistance programs, we've helped thousands of residents reduce their energy expenses, secure stable employment, and gain access to necessary resources. Our work is not just about providing aid; it's about enabling people to make lasting changes for themselves and their families.
Prairie Opportunity’s Service Area
While our primary service area includes Choctaw, Clay, Noxubee, Leake, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston counties, our Weatherization Program extends to additional counties including Attala, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes, Montgomery, Yalobusha, and Leflore.
Our Leadership
Dr. Fredrick L. Hickmon is the Executive Director of Prairie Opportunity, Incorporated, where he leads initiatives that empower individuals and families across the Golden Triangle and surrounding areas to achieve self-sufficiency. His leadership is deeply personal. Dr. Hickmon’s journey began with Prairie Opportunity’s Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which provided him with his first job and a foundation for financial independence. Now, as a seasoned leader, he has come full circle, dedicated to expanding opportunities for those facing economic challenges.
With over 25 years of experience in educational leadership and community development, Dr. Hickmon has built a career rooted in service, advocacy, and transformation. Holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, he has served as an adjunct professor at Mississippi State University and The University of Mississippi, where he has mentored emerging professionals and shaped the future of education. A certified trauma-skilled expert, he believes in an integrated approach to social services, integrating mental wellness, workforce development, and progressive apprenticeship models to create lasting change.
Dr. Hickmon’s leadership at Prairie Opportunity, Inc. is driven by his belief that access to opportunity transforms lives. His strategic vision focuses on expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and implementing innovative programs that address poverty, economic mobility, and community resilience. His own success story serves as a testament to the agency’s mission—helping individuals not only survive but thrive.
A fearless advocate for fairness and empowerment, Dr. Hickmon is committed to ensuring that Prairie Opportunity, Inc. stays a pillar of hope and progress for those it serves. Under his guidance, the organization continues to develop initiatives that bridge gaps, foster independence, and create pathways to a brighter future for the people of Mississippi.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at Prairie Opportunity plays a crucial role in overseeing the organization's strategic direction and ensuring we meet our mission to serve the community effectively. Our board is composed of members from three sectors representing the diversity and needs of the communities we serve:
Current Representatives:
Joyce Harrington (Winston County)
Lee Hill (Webster County)
Sherman Patterson (Noxubee County)
Leah Bishop (Oktibbeha County)
Calvin Jones (Choctaw County)
Jimmy Davidson (Clay County)
Current Representatives:
Lula Tate (Noxubee County)
Virgie M. Coburn (Winston County)
Gwendolyn Ware (Oktibbeha County)
Mike Ford (Webster County)
LaVonne Harris (Lowndes County)
Sylvia Jones (Choctaw County)
Mary Jean Vance (Clay County)
Current Representatives:
Julius Clark (Oktibbeha County)
Victoria Goss (Winston County)
Virgil S. Mills (Webster County)
Deloria Stewart (Noxubee County)
Annie Barry (Lowndes County)
Peggie Turner (Choctaw County)
Hattie Deans (Clay County)
Current Board Members
Jeffery Smith (Lowndes County)
Julius Clark (Oktibbeha County)
Lula Tate (Noxubee County)
Gwendolyn Ware (Oktibbeha County)
Jimmy Davidson (Clay County)
Apply for Employment
If you're passionate about making a difference and want to join our efforts, start by downloading the application from our website.
If you need any assistance during the application process or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at (662) 323-3397 for guidance.
Mail It In:
Prairie Opportunity - Employment
501 7th St N,
Columbus, MS 39701
Or, Upload It Here:
Local Office Directory
We are dedicated to being accessible and responsive to the communities we serve.
For further assistance or specific inquiries, please feel free to reach out during our regular office hours. Our team is here to help and guide you through the services available at Prairie Opportunity.
Oktibbeha County (Central Office)
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Address
501 Hwy 12 West, Ste 100
PO Box 1526
Starkville, MS 39750 -
Phone
662-323-3397
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Email
Contact Sandra Miller at smiller@prairieopp.com
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Hours
M-F 8am-5pm
Leake County
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Address
201 Chipley Street
Carthage, MS 39051 -
Phone
601-267-4510
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Email
Contact Ashley Shines at ashines@prairieopp.com
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Hours
M, T, W, F 8am-5pm
Noxubee County
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Address
2999 Jefferson Street
Macon, MS 39741 -
Phone
662-726-4861
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Point of Contact for Inquiries:
Gail Dotson
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Hours
M, W, F 8am-5pm
Winston County
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Address
921 S Church Street
Louisville, MS 39339 -
Phone
662-726-4861
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Point of Contact for Inquiries:
Allison Roach
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Hours
T, W, Th 8am-5pm
Clay County
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Address
122 Jackson Street
West Point, MS 39773 -
Phone
662-494-4862
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Point of Contact for Inquiries:
Janice Miller
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Hours
T, W, Th 8am-5pm
Lowndes County
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Address
501 7th Street N, Ste 5
Columbus, MS 39701 -
Phone
662-328-1669
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Point of Contact for Inquiries:
Chiquita Evans
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Hours
M-F 8am-5pm
Webster County
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Address
35 North Dunn Street
Eupora, MS 39744 -
Phone
662-258-8233
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Email
Contact Tiffany Burnside at tburnside@prairieopp.com
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Hours
M, Th, F 8am-5pm