The Mesquite Social Services (MSS) closed down Friday after serving the community for about 58 years.Â
MSS was initiated by Mesquite resident Jewel Westmoreland, and it started as a food pantry with a shoestring budget. The original MSS started out of Westmorelandâs Mesquite home in 1963 and helped the community move forward and help them through tough times.
âShe would empower them, move them forward, cry with them, but also fix whatever it was,â Program and Community Development Director Michael Schoegel said. âThatâs something weâve been doing to keep true to her.â
Since its origin, MSS has developed into more programs to help individuals and families through financial crises and become self-sufficient. It has been able to help through food pantry, assist with GED tests and provide financial relief, clothing, and rent and utilities.Â
A Mesquite charity that’s helped people out of poverty for nearly 58 years will close this week
The nonprofit Mesquite Social Services was squeezed by the COVID-19 pandemic while it tried to keep up with soaring need, its director said.
Volunteer Bill Reich packs Thanksgiving Day dinner boxes for needy families at Mesquite Social Services Mesquite in 2019. The nonprofit announced it would close at the end of this week.(DMN file photo)
Mesquite Social Services began nearly 58 years ago as a tiny food pantry.
Started at a home on a shoestring budget, the pantry grew to offer basic emergency needs, including food, clothing and help paying for rent and utilities.