Jackson Free Press

After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, lawyer Melissa DiFatta wanted to revaluate her priorities. Her brother lost his home and, a month later, lost his son. "I decided to change jobs and really make a difference in Mississippi," DiFatta says.

She resigned from the Jackson law firm where she was working and took a job in November 2005 as the chief legal officer at the Mississippi Children's Home Services (1801 N. West St., 601-360-0583). The non-profit organization helps at-risk children and families with therapy and education across the state. MCHS has a campus-based program in Jackson and a community-based program statewide that provides educational services.

In her job as a legal counsel, DiFatta, 43, handles investigations dealing with the kids' allegations about problems in the home, employment law issues and contracts. She also lobbies to educate legislators on issues dealing with children and families. Some of the state agencies she works with include the Departments of Mental Health, Education, and Social and Human Services.

DiFatta believes education is the answer to a lot of the community's problems.

"Everyone has contributions they can make, but (children) are told they are not worth anything," she says. "People should focus more on the front end of education and more on what children are good at, how they can contribute to society. Throwing them in jail is the back end, and in the long run costs us billions."

DiFatta also serves on the National Association on Mental Illness board. She helps with policies and other legal issues, and she is the only attorney on the board.

"Where I work serves mentally ill children, so NAMI and my work fit hand-in-glove," DiFatta says.

She is a member of legal organizations such as the Mississippi Women's Law Association and serves on the board of the Northeast YMCA. As a "Y" board member for three years, she helps with connecting contacts and building relationships with local members.

In 1990, DiFatta received a degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. She attended the University of Mississippi School of Law and has practiced law for 15 years.

In 1997, she moved to the Belhaven neighborhood from her hometown, Pascagoula. She is married to artist and Madison Central High School teacher Anthony DiFatta. They have an 8-year-old son, Preston.

"The Belhaven and Fondren area has a sense of community," DiFatta says.

"People in Jackson tend to make a difference and make things happen. Hopes come to fruition."

Previous Comments

ID

165657

Comment

Melissa is a great friend, wife and mother. I'm so lucky to have her as my partner.

Author

DiFatta

Date

2012-01-01T16:33:33-06:00

ID

165658

Comment

Wonderful piece about a wonderful woman whose vision benefits not only her family but many, many Mississippians.

Author

Lynette

Date

2012-01-02T12:26:33-06:00