Southern Regional Office
Since 1995, CDF-Southern Regional Office has nurtured partnerships with religious and community groups, children's advocates, youth leaders, and public officials across the South. Our collaborative efforts have fostered positive transformations throughout the Southern states, including legislative changes, support for accessible child care, increased children's enrollment in healthcare programs, and essential student funding.
Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids
Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) Mississippi unites parents, schools, childcare providers, Head Start, and advocates to ensure school readiness and academic success for Mississippi’s 3 to 8-year-olds.
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Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative
The Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative (SRBWI) empowers women across rural counties in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Through training, advocacy, and leadership programs, we foster economic development, build networks, and challenge policies to uplift families and communities. Our focus? Building skills, networks, and local businesses, creating lasting change.
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Take Action for Children and Youth
Addressing America’s systemic disparities starts with our children and youth. Join us in ensuring every young person receives the support they need to thrive. Take action now.
Learn MoreUpdates from the Southern Regional Office
Share Your Story
Your story matters. Have you or your community been impacted by our programs or advocacy work? We want to hear from you.
Share Your StoryPrograms in the Southern Regional Office
Freedom Schools
At CDF Freedom Schools®, we’re not just educating; we’re nurturing lifelong learners and advocates for progress. By empowering the youngest generation, we’re sculpting a brighter tomorrow where we celebrate every young person’s potential, and affirming their impact on the world is profound.
CDF Freedom Schools
Movement Building
Through collaborative action and community-centered initiatives, we seek to reduce child poverty, achieve education equity, improve child well-being, and more. Together, we’re shaping a world where every young person’s journey is marked by dignity, hope, and joy.
Building a Movement for YouthNews from the Southern Regional Office
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Charity
A Celebration of Joy: CDF-Southern Regional Office 2026
Join us for storytelling, creativity, and celebration, all centered in the people who inspire our work.…
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Rural Mississippians Stand to Lose Again in Efforts to Gain Access to Quality, Affordable Broadband Internet
Trump administration’s efforts to rescind $700 million of the $1.2 billion in broadband expansion grants allocated to Mississippi through Biden’s BEAD program diminishes opportunity in the state.…
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Child Welfare
As Comment Window Closes, CDF-SRO, Mississippians Urge BEAM to Deliver Affordable, Equitable Broadband
As Mississippi’s public comment window for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Draft Final Proposal closes, Children’s Defense Fund–Southern Regional Office (CDF-SRO) and the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative (SRBWI) are calling on the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) to strengthen accountability, affordability, and equity in the state’s broadband internet rollout, even within the limits set by recent federal rule changes.…
Stay Connected with Southern Regional Office
Contact Us
Children’s Defense Fund – Southern Regional Office
3000 Old Canton Road, Suite 405
Jackson, Mississippi 39216
Phone: (601) 321-1966