Aldersgate Mission: Empowering Families for over 50 Years

Nestled in the heart of downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Aldersgate Mission stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Established in 1972 as a ministry of Main Street United Methodist Church, Aldersgate has dedicated over five decades to nurturing the academic, social, and spiritual growth of children and youth in the Briarfield community.​

Since its inception, Aldersgate Mission has been committed to uplifting young lives. At times, serving nearly 90 children and youth from the downtown Hattiesburg area, the mission focuses on enhancing their development to help them become independent and productive members of society .​

Community Impact

Aldersgate's programs are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by the youth in the Briarfield community. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, the mission offers after-school programs, mentorship, and spiritual guidance. These initiatives aim to foster resilience, academic achievement, and moral integrity among the participants. Under the faithful leadership of Executive Director Rev. Linda Dixon, Aldersgate has become a hub of stability and opportunity for children and families who need it most.

What Aldersgate Does

Aldersgate focuses on two primary areas: child development and family empowerment. The program offers a free, K–12 after-school program during the academic year and a summer reading camp designed to boost literacy and provide enriching experiences through field trips and creative learning.

• After-School Program (August–May): Runs daily from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and offers tutoring, homework assistance, and mentorship.

• Summer Reading Camp: Operates from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for three weeks and includes focused literacy instruction and field trips.

These programs are staffed by around 10–12 dedicated workers and bolstered by a network of approximately 30 rotating volunteers, many of whom come from local universities like the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, as well as local churches.

But Aldersgate’s reach goes beyond children. It actively supports parents and guardians, offering family meetings, GED assistance, and connections to workforce training programs through partnerships with Pearl River Community College. This holistic approach fosters generational change.

Serving Families on the Edge

The families served by Aldersgate often live at or below the poverty line, particularly in the Briarfield housing area. Many face instability, low educational attainment, and limited access to enrichment opportunities for their children. The ministry steps into that gap by providing a stable, nurturing environment where kids can learn and grow—and where parents are offered tools to rebuild.

At present, Aldersgate serves approximately 35 children—a number impacted by the ongoing reconstruction at Briarfield. Still, its leaders are working closely with Hawkins Elementary to expand their reach to new families in the upcoming season which would include over 60 children and youth.

All services are provided at no cost to families, making Aldersgate not only a place of support but a critical economic lifeline. As Dixon shared, “We hate to loose a child (when they move)...but our goal is to help them get up and know that their environment does not determine where they’re going.”

Leading with Love: Linda Dixon

In 2009, Rev. Linda Dixon answered a call to ministry that brought her from seminary at Emory University to the Hattiesburg District, where she was appointed associate pastor with a special charge to lead the work of Aldersgate.

Dixon’s heart for the community and her understanding of the struggles families face has shaped Aldersgate into a vital support system for those navigating poverty, lack of education, unstable housing, and other complex life circumstances.

Children greet Rev. Dixon as she returns from time away after a personal loss.

Dixon brings more than experience—she brings a heart full of compassion and vision. For her, the most meaningful part of her work is watching families become whole, seeing children succeed in school, and watching parents rise out of poverty. She speaks of joy in helping parents “soar” and acknowledges the bittersweet reality that once they do, they often move to better housing and are not able to return to Aldersgate.

Even through personal hardship—including the recent loss of her husband—Dixon continues to serve with humility and love. “Main Street UMC makes sure all this happens for these children,” she says, giving credit to the church that makes the ministry possible.

A Ministry that Makes a Difference

In an era when programs for children and families face funding cuts and mounting challenges, Aldersgate remains a light in the community. It stands as proof that when faith and service come together, transformation follows.

From a safe place for kids after school to a support system that helps parents earn GEDs and job training, Aldersgate embodies what it means to serve “the least of these” in the most profound and practical ways.

To support or volunteer with Aldersgate, contact Main Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. Every helping hand strengthens the foundation of this ministry’s work.