Best Women's Programs in Mississippi — 16 resources

About Women's Programs for Women

Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.

Women's Programs in Mississippi

Mississippi chancery courts handle divorce and custody in all 82 counties, with county courts handling some child support matters. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under MDHS. Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg are the largest cities. Mississippi Center for Justice, North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, and the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence support women.

16 Resources

1. Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women — Free

State commission advancing women's rights and gender equity. Mississippi consistently ranks at the bottom on women's economic indicators, which makes these programs heavily used. Call 601-359-3040 to confirm what to bring and whether the intake list is open for new cases. Mississippi mothers in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and the Delta all use this resource regularly. Open mon-fri 8am-5pm; services are free to qualifying Mississippi residents.

601-359-3040 · Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. YWCA of Central Mississippi — Free

Programs empowering women through advocacy and community services. Jackson is the operating base; the location at 6120 Lakeover Rd is open to walk-in inquiries and scheduled appointments alike. Call 601-948-2551 to confirm what to bring and whether the intake list is open for new cases. Open mon-fri 8am-5pm; services are free to qualifying Mississippi residents.

601-948-2551 · 6120 Lakeover Rd, Jackson, MS 39213 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

3. Mississippi Women's Economic Security Initiative — Free

Economic empowerment programs for women across Mississippi. The Women's Foundation of Mississippi funds many of the state's grassroots women's economic-security projects. Call 601-326-5570 to confirm what to bring and whether the intake list is open for new cases. Pair it with a 211 referral if you need a second program in the same conversation. Open mon-fri 9am-5pm; services are free to qualifying Mississippi residents.

601-326-5570 · Jackson, MS · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Dress for Success — Mississippi Gulf Coast — Free

Professional attire and career development for women. Mississippi consistently ranks at the bottom on women's economic indicators, which makes these programs heavily used. Call 228-432-8400 to confirm what to bring and whether the intake list is open for new cases. MDHS, Medicaid Mississippi, and TANF coordinators can usually answer follow-up eligibility questions. Open by appointment; services are free to qualifying Mississippi residents.

228-432-8400 · Gulfport, MS 39501 · By appointment · Visit Website

5. Mississippi Small Business Development Center — Women — Free

Business training and support for women entrepreneurs. Mississippi consistently ranks at the bottom on women's economic indicators, which makes these programs heavily used. Reach the office at 601-979-3723; early-morning calls land you faster than mid-afternoon ones. Mississippi mothers in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and the Delta all use this resource regularly. Open mon-fri 8am-5pm; services are free to qualifying Mississippi residents.

601-979-3723 · Jackson, MS · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. United Way of the Capital Area — Women United — Free

Women's giving circle supporting community initiatives in Jackson. Jackson is the operating base; the location at 843 N President St is open to walk-in inquiries and scheduled appointments alike. 601-948-4725 is the best starting point—leave a clear message with your county and a callback number if you reach voicemail. Open mon-fri 8am-5pm; services are free to qualifying Mississippi residents.

601-948-4725 · 843 N President St, Jackson, MS 39202 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Junior League of Jackson — Free

Women's organization promoting community improvement through voluntarism. Based at 805 Riverside Dr in Jackson, the office serves Hinds, Madison, and Rankin county women and families. Phone 601-948-2357 to be screened; staff will ask about household income, county of residence, and the specific issue you need help with. Open mon-fri 9am-5pm; services are free to qualifying Mississippi residents.

601-948-2357 · 805 Riverside Dr, Jackson, MS 39202 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Girls Inc. of Mississippi — Free

Programs inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg host the largest concentration of in-person women's programming. Call 601-354-2898 to confirm what to bring and whether the intake list is open for new cases. Pair it with a 211 referral if you need a second program in the same conversation. Open mon-fri 8am-6pm; services are free to qualifying Mississippi residents.

601-354-2898 · Jackson, MS · Mon-Fri 8am-6pm · Visit Website

9. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

Empowering women through education, equity, advocacy, and research since 1881. Local branches in every state. A useful resource to read before contacting a Mississippi agency, so you arrive with a sharper question and clearer expectations. Visit www.aauw.org for guides, forms, or to start an application without needing an account. Free to use and available any time of day.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

Grassroots feminist organization advocating for women's rights with local chapters nationwide. The website is the main entry point and covers Mississippi alongside every other state—no Mississippi-specific signup is required to read the guidance or use the directory. Visit now.org for guides, forms, or to start an application without needing an account. Free to use and available any time of day.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. League of Women Voters — Free

Nonpartisan organization encouraging informed civic participation. Local leagues in every state for women across the state. Although the organization is national, the resources translate cleanly to Mississippi cases and reference Mississippi-specific agencies where relevant. Visit www.lwv.org for guides, forms, or to start an application without needing an account. Free to use and available any time of day.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. YWCA USA — Free

Eliminating racism and empowering women. Local YWCAs offer housing, childcare, job training and DV services. Although the organization is national, the resources translate cleanly to Mississippi cases and reference Mississippi-specific agencies where relevant. Visit www.ywca.org for guides, forms, or to start an application without needing an account. Free to use and available any time of day.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Women's Funding Network — Free

Coalition of women's foundations funding solutions to women's and girls' issues nationwide. Although the organization is national, the resources translate cleanly to Mississippi cases and reference Mississippi-specific agencies where relevant. Visit www.womensfundingnetwork.org for guides, forms, or to start an application without needing an account. Free to use and available any time of day.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Junior League — Free

International women's organization promoting voluntarism and developing leaders. Local chapters across the US. Although the organization is national, the resources translate cleanly to Mississippi cases and reference Mississippi-specific agencies where relevant. Visit www.ajli.org for guides, forms, or to start an application without needing an account. Free to use and available any time of day.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Soroptimist International — Free

Global volunteer service organization for business and professional women, supporting local women's programs. The website is the main entry point and covers Mississippi alongside every other state—no Mississippi-specific signup is required to read the guidance or use the directory. Visit www.soroptimist.org for guides, forms, or to start an application without needing an account. Free to use and available any time of day.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Zonta International — Free

Service organization of professional women advancing the status of women through service and advocacy. The website is the main entry point and covers Mississippi alongside every other state—no Mississippi-specific signup is required to read the guidance or use the directory. Visit www.zonta.org for guides, forms, or to start an application without needing an account. Free to use and available any time of day.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in Mississippi?
Women's Corner tracks 16 women's programs resources for women in Mississippi.
Are women's programs resources in Mississippi free?
16 of the 16 listed women's programs resources in Mississippi are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Mississippi have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Jackson, Gulfport.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in Mississippi?
Featured entries include Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women, YWCA of Central Mississippi, Mississippi Women's Economic Security Initiative, Dress for Success — Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mississippi Small Business Development Center — Women.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
8 of 16 Mississippi women's programs listings include phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.