Mississippi Power employees inspire brighter future for community

Mississippi Power employees at Plant Ratcliffee recently served their community by promoting environmental stewardship and inspiring local teenagers through Ochsner Rush Health’s Project Inspire.

As one of the plant’s annual environmental stewardship projects, a host of employees replanted flowers and shrubbery alongside business windows and streets surrounding the Kemper County Courthouse in downtown DeKalb.

“We take pride in taking care of our environment and making our community look the best it possibly can,” said Mississippi Power Administrative Assistant Phyllis Naylor. “Over the years, this project has become a staple for our team, and we look forward to continuing to improve our area.”

Employees have worked to maintain the large planters each year and keep them in pristine condition to beautify the downtown area. Scattered throughout the town, the planters have become notable to the town’s history. They were purchased more than 35 years ago by businesses and individuals as part of an initiative to make DeKalb more attractive.

The team also provided a tour of the plant to local students in Ochsner Rush Health’s Project Inspire program. During the tour, employees connected with the group by detailing their energy careers, sharing stories about their upbringing, providing mentorship opportunities and discussing the history Mississippi Power.

“On behalf of our students and staff at Ochsner Rush Health’s Project Inspire, I would like to thank Mississippi Power for hosting us at your facility. Your team’s hospitality, professionalism and dedication to education and our community are truly inspiring,” said Dr. Jason Defatta, DO, who leads the local program. “The students learned firsthand about sustainable energy practices and various career paths within the company. Thank you again for your time, effort and commitment to supporting our program. We look forward to future collaborations.”

Project Inspire’s goal is to decrease recidivism by showing younger generations opportunities for a brighter future. Local juvenile offenders participate in the program to gain insight into the consequences of gun violence. In addition to completing community service projects, the students are paired with mentors, visiting local industries and job shadowing employees to learn more about potential career pathways.

Project Inspire was first established in 2017 at the University of South Alabama. Through an ongoing partnership between Ochsner Rush Health, the Meridian Youth Court and the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, the program has continued to uplift the lives of at-risk youth across East Mississippi.

Now in its 100th year of service, Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for more than 192,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power is proud to be an industry leader in safety and reliability. The company was recognized in 2024 by the Southeastern Electric Exchange for the Top Safety Performance in its generation category. For outstanding storm response, the company has also been honored by the Edison Electric Institute multiple times with an Emergency Response Award. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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