SR1’s Community Building

On Wednesday, August 7, federal officials conducted enforcement actions at several food-processing plants in Mississippi, including Koch Foods, Inc. in Forest, MS, the county seat of Scott County—one of SR1’s core service areas.

Forest is a community of about 5,600 residents with a rich mix of cultures. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2017), the population includes 49.6% African-American, 25.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 24.8% Caucasian residents. At Forest Elementary, the only elementary school in the district and SR1’s primary partner school, the demographics reflect a similar diversity, with Hispanic/Latino students representing more than one-third of enrollment.

When the plant actions occurred, many families in Forest were directly affected, including children at Forest Elementary. Teachers described heartbreaking moments as students worried about their parents and home life being disrupted.

Recognizing the impact on the community, SR1 stepped in to provide essential supplies such as food, water, and other items to families in need.

Supporting local communities during challenging times has always been part of SR1’s mission. While SR1’s focus is on building students’ academic and social skills, its proven Education Model emphasizes community building as a foundation for long-term success.

Through these efforts, SR1 continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping Central Mississippi families remain strong, resilient, and supported.