Oseola McCarty worked a lifetime ironing clothes and became a national icon of generosity after donating her life savings of $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi to established scholarships for needy youth.
She appeared on ABC,NBC, CNN, BET, MTV and the Oprah Winfrey Show as well as being interviewed by notable television reporters Bryant Gumble and Barbara Walters.
After her generous gift to USM, she was featured in Newsweek, The New York Times, People, Life, Ebony, Essence, and Jet magazines.
She was also the recipient of many awards such as the Presidential Citizens Medal, Wallenberg Humanitarian Award, and the UNESCO Avicenna Medal.
ABOUT OSEOLA McCARTY
MISSION
Our mission is "To Empower Youth to Win in Every Area of Their Lives." To devote the necessary resources to ensuring that all young people are able to build new skills, make contributions, and become a productive part of a community and feel "in control" over their future.
We will also provide an atmosphere of support and guidance to ensure a sense of competence, a sense of usefulness, a sense of belonging and a sense of empowerment.
THREE OBJECTIVES THAT SUPPORT OUR MISSION
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Our center will offer a range of high-quality educational and recreational services during the youth's out of school time.
The students who participate in these services regularly will demonstrate educational and social benefits and exhibit positive behavioral changes.
Our center will work with families to help to provide that sustained support and strengthen family ties.
