One year after 4-month-old Denilson Elligson died during a medical crisis while the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services tried to find him, a Harrison County committee is pushing for a new law and stronger community partnerships they hope could prevent similar tragedies.

The Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw Tribe, based in Jackson County, is working to preserve and revive its language, ceremonies and cultural identity — despite lacking recognition from both state and federal governments.

At small repairs — flickering lights, broken toilets and a growing list of maintenance needs — are a daily challenge. Amid the wear and tear, the nonprofit organization remains focused on what matters most: supporting individuals with disabilities.