Two and a half years ago, Steve and Doreen Millon returned to Oxford with a mission: to give back to the community they now call home.

After retiring early and coming back to the area where they had once lived, the couple launched Faith Planters, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing local youth with exposure to new educational and career opportunities.

For the Millons, the move back to Oxford was the beginning of a journey to make a positive impact on the lives of young people and their families. With five daughters, Steve and Doreen knew first-hand the challenges that come with raising children and navigating life’s many stages.

Faith Planters’ mission is to be a bridge of resources within the community, serving young people, their parents, and families by facilitating mentorships, providing Christian education, and offering guidance for career exposure.

The Youth Mentoring program hosts monthly activities designed to bring together parents, children, and the broader community. Whether it’s skating trips to Memphis, bowling outings, or educational experiences like visiting the Burn Belfry Church Museum or learning about elections at the local courthouse, these events give young people a chance to learn, grow, and have fun—all while building strong connections with their peers and mentors.

“We’re all about educating children in life experiences, educating them in Scripture, exposing them to different things and activities, giving them opportunities,” Doreen said. “Some kids may not have ever gone outside of the county, so we want to expose them to new experiences.”

The Millons emphasize the importance of parents being actively involved, believing that families participating together strengthens the bond between parent and child.

The Mobile Clothes Closet is held three times a year. The nonprofit sets up free clothing distribution events for families with children from preschool through high school. Parents and children can select up to five complete outfits, shoes and other items.

The next Mobile Clothes Closet event will be held at the Oxford Activity Center from 8 to 10 a.m. on Nov. 2.

Faith Planters is entirely funded by donations. A group of local men contribute between $50 and $75 a month, and community members, both within and outside of Oxford, have seen the work Faith Planters is doing and offer financial help. The United Way has also been a key supporter, providing two, $500 grants recently that have helped sustain the clothing closet and youth activities.

All of the nonprofit’s outings, activities, and events are fully funded so families can participate without worrying about admission fees, food, or other expenses.

“We don’t want money to be something that prohibits individuals from being involved,” Steve said.

For more information on Faith Planters call 662-607-4848 or email them at faithplanters@gmail.com. Donations can be sent through Cash App at $faithplanters.