2024 Annual Report

Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2023

Program outcomes, financial data, and community impact from Community Action of South Mississippi. If you need this report in an alternative format, please request one here or call (228) 769-3292.

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Letter from the Executive Director

Board membership is a key component of a healthy organization. Community Action has a unique tripartite board structure that requires representation from the private, public and low-income communities. I have had the privilege of working with several dedicated board members during my tenure.

When it is time for those individuals to leave the board, it is always bittersweet. Mr. Paul Lee is one of those board members whose presence will be sorely missed. I met Mr. Lee in 2008 when he was a parent in the Head Start program, and I was the Head Start Director. Paul was elected by the parents at his center to serve as a parent representative to the Policy Council. He enjoyed the role and could be counted on to attend and participate in monthly meetings. He was re-elected to serve a second term.

When his son aged out of the program, I asked him to serve as a Community Representative to the Policy Council. Eventually, he was elected to serve two terms on the Board. Paul has served so long that his son has graduated high school. He is a dedicated father who volunteered at the center whenever he had the time. He worked offshore, so sometimes he couldn't make a meeting, but when he was available, he could be counted on to be there, body and mind.

We awarded Mr. Lee a plaque at his final meeting in December, but it can't begin to reflect our gratitude. Thank you, Paul, for your contribution to the success of the agency.

Vanessa Gibson

Executive Director

Executive Team

Vanessa Gibson

Executive Director

Lee Ann Kendrick

Adult Services Director

Tiffany Bradley

Finance Director

Tayonka Thomas

Children and Youth Services Director

Kelli Green

Human Resource Manager

Mission

It is our mission to provide quality services that empower the community and foster independence.

Vision

Our vision is to be the standard of excellence in developing and delivering quality, responsive services.

Board of Directors

Category I — Public Sector

Carlos Moulds

Nancy Jo Maples

Terri Tyler

Secretary

Donna Stewart

Category II — Private Sector

Mandye Ferande

Board Chair

Christian Hartley

Lauren Kelley

Vice Chair

Ricky McCorvey

Category III — Low-Income Sector

Paul Lee

Rosetta Williams

Angie Cowan

Bernard Kirkland

Independent Auditor's Report

In addition to regular reviews and self-assessments, an independent audit is performed annually. The audit covers internal control over financial reporting and compliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, grants, and other matters.

In the auditor's opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Community Action of South Mississippi, Inc. as of September 30, 2023, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Policy Council

The CASOMS Head Start Policy Council is a vital governance body responsible for ensuring that the program meets the needs of children and families through shared decision-making and oversight. It provides parents with a voice in program planning, policies, and operations, fostering family engagement and community collaboration.

The council is composed of eight parent representatives and five community leaders, ensuring a balanced representation of both enrolled families and external expertise. This collaborative structure strengthens program decision-making, enhances services, and ensures community and parental input guide CASOMS Head Start's success.

Community Leaders

Letha Boulton

Chair

Laura Harry

Terri Tyler

Board Liaison

Dr. Chiazo Nnawuchi

Parent Representatives — Moss Point

ChaNiqua Bilbo

Secretary

Kenisha Bullard

Assistant Secretary

Tommy Sherrod

Alternate

Pascagoula

Shalimar Legister

Vice Chair
Leandra Slater

Alternate

Gautier

Jamaryum Jordan
Lyn Trussell
Shatasi Reddix

Alternate

Ocean Springs

Aundra Bishop
Ashley Belcher

Alternate

EHS Representative

Shanekqua Washington
Lanitta Grady

Alternate

Federal Programs Revenue

Fiscal Year 2023

Total Federal Revenue

$13,725,307

Across 11 federal programs serving Jackson, Harrison, and George counties

Federal programs revenue for fiscal year 2023
Program	Amount
Head Start (Operating)	$6,393,779
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)	$3,250,166
LIHEAP DRS (Disaster Relief)	$1,500,000
CSBG (Community Services Block Grant)	$1,269,261
USDA (Child Nutrition)	$565,553
Title XX (Transportation)	$250,904
TANF (Parenting Initiative)	$204,896
Title III B (Senior Centers)	$73,108
Title III C (Congregate Meals)	$73,099
VITA (Tax Assistance)	$72,973
FDCH	$71,568
Total	$13,725,307

Head Start Budget

FY2023 Expenditures

7/1/2023 – 4/30/2024

Head Start and Early Head Start expenditures for fiscal year 2023
Category	Amount
Personnel	$3,327,116
Fringe Benefits	$940,830
Indirect Costs	$580,441
Contractual	$720,515
Miscellaneous*	$243,387
Supplies	$224,069
Travel/Training	$60,247
Other**	$43,851
Equipment	$21,846
Total	$6,162,302

FY2024 Proposed

7/1/2024 – 4/30/2025

Head Start and Early Head Start proposed expenditures for fiscal year 2024
Category	Amount
Personnel	$3,648,531
Fringe Benefits	$1,418,774
Indirect Costs	$686,903
Contractual	$421,933
Miscellaneous*	$185,100
Travel/Training	$76,887
Supplies	$58,800
Other**	$45,340
Total	$6,542,268

*Miscellaneous includes utilities, lease payments, repairs, maintenance, facility maintenance, and telephone.

**Other includes food, medical and dental services, field trips and treats, parent activity, fuel, and awards/incentives.

Head Start Demographics

Ages at Enrollment

281

Children Age 4

195

Children Age 3

Children Age 2

Primary Language

Head Start children by primary language
Language	Children
English	498
Dual Language	32
Spanish	23
American Sign Language	2
East Asian	1

Race and Ethnicity

Head Start children by race and ethnicity
Race	Hispanic/ Latino	Non-Hispanic
Black or African American	8	326
White	33	104
Biracial or Multi-Racial	8	35
American Indian	0	5
Asian	1	1
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	0	0

Head Start Enrollment

436

Funded Enrollment

524

Cumulative Enrollment

420

Average Monthly Enrollment

96% of Funded Enrollment

Eligible Children Served

499

95% of Cumulative Enrollment

Families at Enrollment

468

321

Single-Parent

147

Two-Parent

Head Start Eligibility

Head Start eligibility categories and number of children
Eligibility Category	Children
Public Assistance (SNAP)	201
Income at or Below 100% of Federal Poverty Line	182
Homeless	43
Public Assistance (SSI)	33
100% to 130% of Poverty	25
Public Assistance (TANF)	14
Over Income	12
Foster Care	9

Early Head Start

Funded Enrollment

135

Cumulative Enrollment

114 Children · 21 Pregnant Women

Average Monthly

94% of Funded

134

Eligible Children Served

99% of Cumulative

Families at Enrollment

112

Single-Parent Families

Two-Parent Families

Ages at Enrollment

Children Age 2

Children Age 1

Children Under 1

Primary Language

Early Head Start children by primary language
English	127
Spanish	8
Dual Language	3
East Asian	0
American Sign Language	0

Eligibility

Early Head Start eligibility categories
SNAP	50
Below 100% Poverty	49
Homeless	13
SSI	8
Foster Care	3
Over Income	3
TANF	2
100% to 130% Poverty	1

Race and Ethnicity

Early Head Start children by race and ethnicity
Race	Hispanic/ Latino	Non-Hispanic
Black or African American	2	85
White	6	26
Biracial or Multi-Racial	5	10
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	1	0
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	0

School Readiness

Spring 2023–2024 Assessment Results

To collect school readiness data, our program used the Teaching Strategies GOLD online assessment instrument. The system measures the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are most predictive of school success. The tool has 38 objectives organized into nine areas of development and learning, covering social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and the arts.

School readiness assessment results by developmental area, spring 2023 to 2024
Development Area	Below	Meets	Exceeds
Social/Emotional	38	156	58
Physical	43	168	41
Language	46	150	54
Cognitive	46	150	54
Literacy	40	169	43
Mathematics	60	142	50
Spanish Language	0	2	0
Spanish Literacy	0	2	0

Teachers used the Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment tool quarterly to collect the data needed to plan activities for individual children. Through observations, work samplings, and parental input, teachers leveled children in each objective area. At the end of each observation cycle, reports were generated to show which children are meeting, exceeding, or below an area of development and learning.

Head Start Physical Health

Head Start children health coverage at enrollment compared to end of enrollment year
Health Indicator	At Enrollment	End of Year
Children with Health Insurance	506	500
Enrolled in Medicaid and/or CHIP	486	480
Ongoing Source of Continuous Health Care	449	483
Up-to-Date on All Immunizations	220	327
Up-to-Date on EPSDT Well Child Care	60	450

Medical Exams

Exams at Enrollment

450

Exams at End of Year

86%

of Cumulative Enrollment

Body Mass Index

316

Obese

Healthy Weight

Overweight

Underweight

The agency has implemented the following programs to combat childhood obesity: The Organwise Guys, which empowers kids to be healthy and smart from the inside out; Color Me Healthy, to get children excited about eating smart and moving more; and the 5210 program to educate children and families on good nutrition and exercise.

Dental Health

Dental Access

Head Start dental access at enrollment and end of year
Dentist at Enrollment	406
Dentist at End of Year	478
Oral Exam During Year	434

Dental Treatment

Head Start dental treatment during the year
Received Oral Care	395
Needed Treatment	101
Received Treatment	73

Early Head Start Physical Health

Early Head Start children health coverage at enrollment compared to end of year
Health Indicator	At Enrollment	End of Year
Children with Health Insurance	112	112
Enrolled in Medicaid and/or CHIP	105	105
Ongoing Source of Continuous Health Care	103	109
Up-to-Date on All Immunizations	101	95
Up-to-Date on EPSDT Well Child Care	0	57

Medical Exams

Early Head Start medical exams
At Enrollment	0
End of Year	57
% of Cumulative	86%

Dental Health

Early Head Start dental health
Oral Care at Enrollment	86
Oral Care at End of Year	109
Needed and Received Treatment	4

Early Head Start Pregnant Women

Pregnant Women Enrolled

Received Prenatal Care

Postpartum

Pregnant women health coverage at enrollment compared to end of year
Health Indicator	At Enrollment	End of Year
Enrolled in Medicaid and/or CHIP	18	18
Ongoing Source of Continuous Health Care	13	18

Disability Services

Head Start (IEPs)

At Enrollment

End of Year

Receiving Services

Speech or Language 20
Developmental Delay 10
Autism 1
Hearing 1

Early Head Start (IFSPs)

At Enrollment

During Program Year

Children enrolled who had an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) indicating eligibility for early intervention services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Diagnosed Chronic Conditions

Head Start

Head Start diagnosed chronic conditions
Asthma	20
Vision	11
Hearing	5
Life-Threatening Allergies	5
Elevated Lead	4
Autism	3
Seizures	2
ADHD	1
Diabetes	0

Early Head Start

Early Head Start diagnosed chronic conditions
Hearing	4
Autism	1
Asthma	1
Elevated Lead	1
Diabetes	1
Life-Threatening Allergies	1
ADHD	0
Seizures	0
Vision	0

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

Community Action of South Mississippi engages in programming to assist clients in becoming self-sufficient. CSBG clients are encouraged to participate with the case management program to assist with meeting their goals in the areas of Employment, Education, Income and Asset Building, Housing, Health and Social Behavior, and Civic Engagement. Based on our annual community needs assessment, we target efforts in areas identified by the community, for the community.

Employment

264

Mississippians assisted with full-time employment, increased salary and benefits, and workplace skills

Housing

746

Households assisted to eliminate homelessness and prevent evictions and foreclosures

$479,424

Housing Assistance Funded

Education

Clients completed a recognized credential, certificate, or degree achievement

Health & Social Behavior

1,022

Clients helped to increase their nutrition, cooking, shopping, and budgeting skills for healthy meals

Seniors

1,388

Senior citizens helped to maintain an independent lifestyle and remain in their home

Disability Support

1,112

Mississippians with disabilities helped to stay in their home and maintain independence

Income & Asset Building

591

Assisted meeting basic needs

275

Improved long-term financial well-being

Civic Engagement

134

Mississippians assisted in improving leadership skills, social capacity, and community engagement

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Community Action of South Mississippi provides LIHEAP services for George, Harrison, and Jackson counties. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. Benefits target households with low incomes, particularly those that have a high home energy burden and/or have members who are elderly, disabled, or have young children. All funds are paid directly to the utility companies on behalf of the eligible family.

3,880

Households Assisted

8,494

Individuals Assisted

$268,001

HVAC Repairs and Replacements

Largest Vendor Payments in 2024

LIHEAP payments to largest utility vendors in 2024
Mississippi Power	$1,196,408
Singing River EPA	$767,001
Coast EPA	$341,607

Parenting Initiative

With grant funding from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), CASOMS provides parenting classes for parents in Harrison and Jackson counties using two curricula: Active Parenting and Within My Reach. Active Parenting offers workshops for families with children ages 0 through 5 and 6 and up. Within My Reach is designed to strengthen the adult partnership to allow parents to provide a healthy family environment for their children.

259

Parents in Active Parenting

Harrison & Jackson Counties

Adults in Within My Reach

Relationship Workshops

100%

of Families Still Using Tools Learned from Active Parenting

Parent Involvement Activities

Community Action of South Mississippi Head Start emphasizes parents' vital role in their child's development and success. We offer a variety of parent involvement activities to foster meaningful engagement, provide resources, and create opportunities for families to participate in their child's Head Start journey.

Policy Council Participation

Parents take an active role in program governance, contributing to decision-making, policy development, and the overall direction of Head Start services. This opportunity empowers families and builds leadership skills.

Monthly Engagement Events

Each center organizes monthly events tailored to inform and engage families, including:

Cruising the Coast (October)
Donuts with Dads
Dads on the Playground

Parent Curriculum & Trips

The program includes a Parent Curriculum designed to enhance parenting skills and support children's growth. Completion of the curriculum is a requirement for families to participate in the annual Parent Trip, celebrating their commitment and involvement.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The VITA grant program is an IRS initiative designed to support free tax preparation service for the underserved. The South Mississippi VITA coalition is comprised of Community Action of South MS, Mercy Housing and Human Development, and Keesler AFB. VITA is offered at 5 locations across the coast and has provided tax assistance for 19+ years to individuals who make under $70,000 per year.

$5.75M

Total Tax Refunds Returned to Community

4,166

Federal Returns Completed

1,548

Total Volunteer Hours

$220

Average Family Savings on Tax Prep

Food Pantry

Food insecurity is a problem throughout our service area. Community Service Block Grant funds are used to purchase food for our food pantries in George and Jackson counties. Food baskets are distributed on Fridays or daily on an emergency basis as needed. The baskets include meat, fish, dairy, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and canned goods.

CASOMS also offers a food pantry in George County through a partnership with Sisters in Christ and Feeding America.

Boxes Provided

2,567 Individuals

In Jackson & George Counties

1,993

Total Households

987

Senior Citizens

820

Adults

415

Children

60+ Senior Programs

Healthy bodies, alert minds, energized spirits. Community Action of South Mississippi's Senior Program offers adults age 60 and over year-round activities to support independence and enhance quality of life. The senior center is a focal point in the community where individuals come together for services, educational programs, recreational activities, and socialization that enhance dignity and encourage involvement.

24,355

Transportation Trips

18,271

Senior Center Visits

15,536

Congregate Meals Served

Community Engagement

CASOMS partners with organizations across the Gulf Coast to strengthen communities and expand services for the families we serve.

Health Advisory Committee United Way Literacy Week Chevron Refinery Little Libraries Pascagoula Audubon Center Scranton Nature Center Lynn Meadows Children's Museum Pascagoula-Gautier School District Excel by 5 Pre-K Launchpad Books Come Alive Jackson & George County Library American Cancer Society Relay for Life American Heart Association Heart Walk Breast Cancer Awareness Month HIV/AIDS Awareness Workshops Coastal Family Health Center South MS Smiles Vancleave Library Vancleave Volunteer Fire Department Let's Go Gulf Coast BAZ Family Medical Clinic Vision Center

Our Locations

Head Start Centers

Gautier HS (Gautier Elementary)

505 Magnolia Tree Drive, Gautier, MS 39553

Gautier Head Start Center

1017 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553

Martin Bluff HS (Martin Bluff Elementary)

1306 Roys Rd, Gautier, MS 39553

Taconi Head Start

711 Magnolia Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Pascagoula HS

3301 Spruce Street, Pascagoula, MS 39581

Jefferson Head Start Center