Celebrating 40 Years

Celebrating 40 Years.

1985

MadCAAP is Born!

On December, 17, 1985, a group of concerned citizens led by Sister Grace Mary McGuire began to ponder ways they could make a concrete difference in the lives of people living in deplorable poverty in the Canton, Flora, and Camden areas of Madison County. The group became Madison Countians Allied Against Poverty (MadCAAP). MadCAAP’s Clothes Closet (Grace’s Closet) is named in honor of Sister Grace Mary.

Time Magazine - A New Kind of Moving Day by Daniel S. Levy - October 30, 1989 - pg. 25 - photo by Christopher R. Harris

https://msbt.org/wall-of-fame/sr-grace-mary-mcguire-msbt/ - Wall of Fame - Sister Grace Mary McGuire

Harold, Minta and Krista

Krista’s Kottage was one of MadCAAP’s most heartfelt and impactful housing programs. Its roots trace back to longtime volunteer Harold Waldrop, a retired JCPenney store manager who began serving with MadCAAP in 1997.

Years earlier, in 1994, Harold and his wife, Minta, built a small cottage just 100 feet from their home in Madison County to provide their daughter Krista, born with Down Syndrome, the opportunity to live more independently.

Inspired by this personal project, Harold helped launch a program through MadCAAP to offer similar homes to families in need. As noted in People magazine (Feb. 20, 2006), twenty “Krista Kottages” had been built by then—each a 1,100 sq. ft. home for families earning under $1,000 a year.

The program name intentionally used a “K” in honor of Krista. Though no longer active, it is believed that by 2015, thirty-five cottages were completed. Krista’s Kottage remains a powerful example of compassion translated into action.

1997

2007

The Food Pantry
MadCAAP opens its doors to the food pantry. That year, 229 families received food. Curiously, as of today, we provide food for the same number of families every 2 weeks.

The food pantry measured 315 square feet. The space constraints and electrical configuration meant that refrigerators and freezers were scattered throughout the building. There was only one sink, not appropriate for food handling, and the canned goods and packing boxes were located/stored throughout the building.

Clothes Closet (aka Grace's Closet)
In 2007, MadCAAP had a total of 771 clothing shoppers. People would form a line around the building to get clothes.

The lack of space at the previous clothing closet meant that other items were also stored there. That made it impossible to efficiently sort and hang clothes in that cramped space.

2011

"Hope Today" Capital Campaign funded the 8,900-square-foot education and resource center in Canton. Since its construction, the center has served approximately 2,750 Madison County families annually.

Old MadCAAP building located on South Liberty in Canton Mississippi

Mailbox at old MadCAAP building located at 3141 S. Liberty in Canton, Mississippi.

Video render for the "HOPE Today" campaign. The video showcased the vision for the new MadCAAP facility at Watford Parkway Drive. It also gave a detailed 3D rendering and was used to encourage donations towards the fundraising goal of $800,000 in 2011. The building was designed by Joseph Orr Architecture.

472260645_10162825717043969_1761360997963581789_n-topaz-upscale-4x.jpg

Amy Streetman, Krista Waldrop, and (fill in the blank) at the 2012 groundbreaking

2012

Photo Album

Since 2008, MadCAAP has operated a community garden that provides fresh produce to families and children who may never before have sampled a ripe tomato or a crisp cucumber.

In 2012, the community garden moved from its previous location in the heart of Canton (Hargon Street) to a new plot of land a couple of minutes away from MadCAAP's building on Watford Parkway, making it convenient to drop off fresh produce to our clients.

That year, MadCAAP harvested over 12,000 pounds of produce (The Herald Madison County, "MadCAAP's Garden Thrives" by Lucy Weber, Tuesday, December 4, 2012).

A MadCAAP client picks and takes fresh produce from our lobby

All the fruits and vegetables grown at the "Helping Hands Garden of Hope" are used to feed our clientele. Similarly, our entire garden is run by volunteers.

2023

In 2023, MadCAAP again ventured out to improve life for all of Madison County by expanding its facility and adding an educational annex and resource center. The campaign to raise funds is called "HOPE Grows."

The additional 3,600 square feet would house these additions and feature new classrooms, a computer lab, and a cooking demonstration center.

Hope Grows supports children and seniors with meals, mentoring, and meaningful programs. Currently, the education annex and resource center hosts MadCAAP programs such as "Fit Tuesday" and "Wellness Wednesday," catering to our senior adults. Additionally, our young clientele benefits from after-school programs like "B.A.S.E. Camp."

The original goal of $600,000 is a work in progress, and sponsorship and naming opportunities are still available. To learn more, click here.