2022 Annual Report
Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2021
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.
Download PDFLetter from the Executive Director
As I complete my first year as Executive Director, I have much for which to be thankful. Thank you to the agency's dedicated Board of Directors for engaging with the management team and guiding us through it all. The name change from Jackson County Civic Action to Community Action of South Mississippi was met with enthusiasm by the community. We continued branding activities throughout the year and began work on a strategic plan to take us into the future.
The agency continued to make positive gains toward recovery from the effects of the pandemic. Thanks to high vaccination rates among staff and clients, Head Start enrollment and Aging transportation increased significantly. Although staff shortages continue to plague operations, teamwork and dedication to the greater good buoyed staff, who wore multiple hats during this time.
The agency was able to meet the needs of more clients than in previous years, due to the influx of additional federal funds during the pandemic. Our partners are integral to our success. A huge thank you to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and the Pascagoula Gautier School District for your continued support and partnership.
We were chosen, as an exemplary program, by the MS Department of Economic Assistance, to host Dr. Lanikque Howard, Director of the Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families. We assured her that the work we are entrusted with performing is being done well.
Executive Team
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
Category II — Private Sector
Category III — Low-Income Sector
Independent Auditor's Report
In addition to regular reviews and self-assessments, an independent audit is performed annually. Areas of review include internal control over financial reporting and tests of compliance with certain 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, 2021, 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 provides parents with a voice in program planning, policies, and operations, fostering family engagement and community collaboration.
Community Representatives
Parent Representatives
Federal Programs Revenue
Fiscal Year 2022
Head Start Budget
*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
Early Head Start
Head Start Race and Ethnicity
Early Head Start Race and Ethnicity
School Readiness
Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment Results
To collect school readiness data, the agency used the Teaching Strategies GOLD online assessment instrument. Teachers assessed children quarterly across Fall, Winter, and Spring, tracking growth from Emerging to Accomplished in each developmental area.
Head Start Physical Health
*Access to immunizations was limited during the pandemic.
Body Mass Index
Dental Health
Early Head Start Physical Health
Disability Services
Head Start (IEPs)
Primary Disability
- Speech or Language32
- Developmental Delay3
- Autism Spectrum Disorder1
- Emotional Disturbance1
Early Head Start (IFSPs)
Children enrolled who had an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) indicating eligibility for early intervention services under IDEA.
Mental Health
Due to a shortage of mental health professionals, the agency created relaxing spaces for staff and encouraged use of the Employee Assistance Program while implementing health and safety practices.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
Employment, Education, and Housing have been serious issues this year. The agency engages in programming to assist clients with meeting their goals based on our annual community needs assessment.
VITA Tax Assistance
Food Pantry
Food insecurity is a problem throughout our service area. This year, CASOMS partnered with Aetna/CVS and Wayne Lees to provide 65 Thanksgiving baskets for seniors and those in need in Jackson County. We also provided food vouchers for families in Harrison and George counties.
Water Assistance (LIHWAP)
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program received $13 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to help income-eligible residents maintain access to drinking water and wastewater services. Assistance covered water bills, wastewater and sewer bills, stormwater fees, reconnection fees, and late fees. All funds were paid directly to utility providers.
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Due to passage of the American Rescue Plan, Mississippi received a record $66.9 million for LIHEAP in 2021, more than double the state's typical annual funding. The highest amount Mississippi has ever received.
Parenting Initiative
With TANF grant funding, CASOMS began providing parenting classes in Harrison and Jackson counties in February 2022 using Active Parenting and Within My Reach curricula.
Nutrition Programs
Child and Adult Care Food Program
CASOMS contracts with the MS Department of Education to provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks to children enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start, and First Step Childcare. CACFP also provides meals and snacks to children and youth who participate in afterschool care programs or reside in emergency shelters.
Family Day Care Homes
CASOMS operates the FDCH program in George, Harrison, Jackson, Perry, and Stone counties. FDCH provides USDA meal reimbursements for private homes where children under 13 receive care, making day care more affordable for lower income families.
Licensed homes care for 6-15 children. Alternate approved homes care for 5 children or less.
Summer Food Service Program
Due to severe staff shortages, CASOMS was unable to operate the Summer Food Service Program during the summer of 2022.
60+ Senior Programs
We remain flexible and determined to rebuild our aging program. As the pandemic continued, we saw significant drops in attendance at our senior centers and experienced staffing issues that impacted our transportation department. We are hopeful that 2023 will bring us closer to our pre-COVID numbers in attendance, transportation, and meals.
Community Engagement
CASOMS partners with organizations across the Gulf Coast to strengthen communities and expand services.