Agency Overview

Pearl River Valley Opportunity, Inc. (PRVO) is a private nonprofit 501(c)3 community action agency.  On January 8, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced his War on Poverty by introducing legislation that would expand the federal government’s role in poverty reduction efforts. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 created the framework for community action agencies to help fight America’s War on Poverty.  PRVO was incorporated on August 27, 1965, as the community action agency to fight poverty in Southeast Mississippi by opening to everyone an opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity as envisioned under the Economic Opportunity Act.  PRVO began its operations with a staff of five and a grant of $30,000.  Today, PRVO serves families from twelve county offices, nine Head Start/Early Head Start Centers, four Senior Meal Sites, and eleven affordable housing developments.  PRVO provides services in Covington, Forrest, Greene, Hancock, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Stone, and Washington counties.