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Serving Jackson, Harrison, and George Counties
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Annual Reports

Community Action of South Mississippi publishes an annual report each year to share our programs, progress, and financial accountability with the communities we serve across Jackson, Harrison, and George counties.

Each report covers our federally funded programs, including Head Start, energy assistance, food pantry, transportation, senior services, VITA tax preparation, and community services. You will find enrollment data, financial summaries from independent audits, program outcomes, and the people making it happen.

All reports are available as downloadable PDF documents. If you need a report in an alternative format such as large print, audio, or another language, please request an alternative format or call (228) 769-3292.

Browse Our Reports

Select a year to view program outcomes, financial data, and community impact in accessible HTML. PDF downloads are also available on each report page.

Latest Report

2025 Annual Report

Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2024

A letter from Executive Director Vanessa Gibson, independent auditor's report, federal program revenue, Head Start and Early Head Start enrollment and outcomes, CSBG community impact, LIHEAP energy assistance, VITA tax preparation results, food pantry distribution, senior programs, parenting initiative, and community engagement highlights.

478
Children Enrolled in Head Start
6,513
Individuals Received Energy Assistance
$6.5M
Tax Refunds Returned to the Community
2,567
Individuals Received Food Assistance
Read Full Report Download PDF

Previous Annual Reports

2024

Head Start enrollment, LIHEAP assistance, CSBG outcomes, food pantry, and VITA tax preparation for the fiscal year ending September 2023.

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2023

Program highlights, community impact data, federal funding breakdown, and independent audit findings for the fiscal year ending September 2022.

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2022

Annual outcomes across Head Start, energy assistance, community services, and senior programs for the fiscal year ending September 2021.

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2021

Service delivery during COVID recovery, program enrollment, financial accountability, and community partnerships for the fiscal year ending September 2020.

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All reports are available in accessible HTML and as PDF downloads. If you need a report in large print, audio, Braille, or another format, please request an alternative format or call (228) 769-3292.

2025 Annual Report

Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2024

Download PDF

Letter from the Executive Director

We navigated a turbulent year, which began and ended with threats to our funding. Throughout, we have continued to deliver quality services to clients in Jackson, George, and Harrison counties.

More people accessed our food pantry as food insecurity increased. Thank you to our many partners, such as Ingalls Shipbuilding, for donating to the food pantry in anticipation of increased demand.

Thank you to our steadfast employees for remaining focused on the mission. I am beyond grateful for your commitment. Thank you to the Board and Policy Council for providing leadership and critical guidance to the management team.

Most importantly, thank you to the community for allowing us to serve you. For trusting us to bring you timely information and resources to improve your standard of living. Community Action will continue to forge ahead in the coming year.

Vanessa Gibson
Executive Director

Leadership Team

VG
Vanessa Gibson
Executive Director
ADA Coordinator
LK
Lee Ann Kendrick
Adult Services Director
TB
Tiffany Bradley
Finance Director
TT
Tayonka Thomas
Children's Services Director
KG
Kelli Green
Human Resources Manager

Board of Directors

Officers

  • Lauren Kelley
    Chairman
  • Donna Stewart
    Vice Chairman
  • Dr. Regina Watts
    Secretary
  • Christian Hartley
    Finance Chair

Members

  • Myra Cunningham
  • Carlos Moulds
    Personnel Chair
  • Lisa Hudgins
  • Kimberly Weary

Members

  • Letha Bolton
    Planning Chair
  • Rhonda Odom
  • Yolanda Flint
  • Nancy Jo Maples

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, 2024, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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.

Policy Council

Community Representatives

Dr. LaToya Worthen
Arlington Elementary, Principal
Dr. Chiazo Nnawuchi
Pediatric Care Physician
Lisa Hudgins
MGCCC, Early Childhood Education
Elizabeth Murphy
Ina Thompson Moss Point Library, Branch Manager

Parent Representatives

Moss Point
Hannah McNair
Jason Ray
Makayla Lodrigue
Katlin Woods
Alternate
Pascagoula
Krista Stallworth
Alexis Keys
Alternate
April Hickman
Alternate
Gautier
Terrance Trussell
Lyn Le Trussell
Ocean Springs
Aundra Bishop
Policy Council Chair
Destiny Arrington
Alternate

Federal Programs Revenue

Fiscal Year 2024

Total Federal Revenue
$12,771,931
Across 10 federal programs serving Jackson, Harrison, and George counties
Federal programs revenue for fiscal year 2024
Program Amount
Head Start (Operating)$6,542,268
LIHEAP (Energy Assistance)$3,722,479
CSBG (Community Services Block Grant)$1,195,084
USDA (Child Nutrition)$565,552
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 (Family Day Care Homes)$71,568
Total$12,771,931

Head Start Budget

FY2024 Expenditures

7/1/2024 – 4/30/2025

Head Start and Early Head Start expenditures for fiscal year 2024
CategoryAmount
Personnel$3,327,116
Fringe Benefits$940,830
Contractual$720,515
Indirect Costs$580,441
Miscellaneous**$243,387
Supplies$86,420
Travel/Training$61,307
Other*$43,851
Equipment$21,846
Total$6,025,713
FY2025 Proposed

7/1/2025 – 4/30/2026

Head Start and Early Head Start proposed expenditures for fiscal year 2025
CategoryAmount
Personnel$3,636,759
Fringe Benefits$1,426,620
Indirect Costs$688,647
Contractual$440,202
Miscellaneous**$184,620
Travel/Training$68,432
Supplies$59,850
Other*$37,140
Total$6,542,270

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

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

Head Start

436
Funded Enrollment
478
Cumulative Enrollment

Ages at Enrollment

281
Children Age 4
195
Children Age 3
2
Children Age 2

Eligibility

Head Start eligibility categories
Public Assistance (SNAP)261
Below 100% Poverty132
Homeless38
Over Income23
Disability/Special Needs17
Foster Care7

Primary Language

Head Start children by primary language
English439
Dual Language42
Spanish36
East Asian2
American Sign Language1

Race and Ethnicity

Head Start children by race and ethnicity
Race Hispanic/
Latino		 Non-Hispanic
Black or African American9305
White4672
Biracial or Multi-Racial1030
Asian22
American Indian or Alaska Native20
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander00

Early Head Start

98
Funded Enrollment
111
Cumulative Enrollment

Eligibility

Early Head Start eligibility categories
Public Assistance68
Below 100% Poverty42
Homeless9
Over Income6
Disability/Special Needs3
Foster Care2

Primary Language

Early Head Start children by primary language
English123
Dual Language9
Spanish6
American Sign Language0

Race and Ethnicity

Early Head Start children by race and ethnicity
Race Hispanic/
Latino		 Non-Hispanic
Black or African American194
White519
Biracial or Multi-Racial56
American Indian or Alaska Native00
Asian00
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander00

School Readiness

Spring 2024–2025 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 2024 to 2025
Development Area Below Meets Exceeds
Social/Emotional 9 78 40
Physical 17 95 2
Language 10 56 11
Cognitive 12 41 7
Literacy 6 23 1
Mathematics 14 15 1
Spanish Language 0 1 0
Spanish Literacy 0 1 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 Insurance437418
Enrolled in Medicaid and/or CHIP421404
Ongoing Source of Continuous Health Care321416
Up-to-Date on All Immunizations140293
Up-to-Date on EPSDT Well Child Care60409
Received Treatment for Chronic Conditions—12

Medical Exams

60
Exams at Enrollment
450
Exams at End of Year
86%
of Cumulative Enrollment

Body Mass Index

255
Healthy Weight
116
Obese
53
Overweight
16
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
Dentist at Enrollment293
Dentist at End of Year414
Dental Treatment
Head Start dental treatment
Needed Treatment42
Received Treatment14

Head Start Disability Services

Enrolled with IEP

32
Children Receiving Special Services
Receiving Services
  • Speech or Language20
  • Developmental Delay11
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder5
  • Emotional Disturbance0

Diagnosed Chronic Conditions

  • Asthma20
  • Vision11
  • Hearing5
  • Life-Threatening Allergies5
  • Elevated Lead4
  • Autism3
  • Seizures2
  • ADHD1
  • Diabetes0

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 Insurance10498
Enrolled in Medicaid and/or CHIP9892
Ongoing Source of Continuous Health Care8698
Up-to-Date on All Immunizations—96
Up-to-Date on EPSDT Well Child Care—67
Received Treatment for Chronic Conditions—5

Early Head Start Disability Services

Children with IFSP

8
Children with Individualized Family Service Plan

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

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.

Employment
204
Mississippians assisted with full-time employment, increased salary and benefits, and workplace skills
Housing
770
Households assisted to eliminate homelessness and prevent evictions and foreclosures
$420,169
Housing Assistance Funded
Education
50
Clients completed a recognized credential, certificate, or degree achievement
Health & Social Behavior
788
Clients helped to increase their nutrition, cooking, shopping, and budgeting skills for healthy meals
Seniors
1,994
Senior citizens helped to maintain an independent lifestyle and remain in their home
Disability Support
1,664
Mississippians with disabilities helped to stay in their home and maintain independence
Income & Asset Building
178
Improved long-term financial well-being
Civic Engagement
152
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. All funds are paid directly to the utility companies on behalf of the eligible family.

3,041
Households Assisted
6,513
Individuals Assisted
$223,204
HVAC Repairs and Replacements

Largest Vendor Payments in 2025

LIHEAP payments to largest utility vendors in 2025
Mississippi Power$991,339
Singing River EPA$656,515
Coast EPA$305,190

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. Through pre/post testing and annual follow up, 100% of families who participated report still using the tools they learned.

141
Parents in Active Parenting
Harrison & Jackson Counties
47
Adults in Within My Reach
Relationship Workshops
100%
of Families Still Using Tools Learned from Active Parenting

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The VITA Coalition is comprised of Community Action of South Mississippi and Mercy Housing. We offer tax preparation services at five locations across the coast for eligible taxpayers. The coalition has provided tax assistance for 20+ years to individuals who make under $70,000 per year.

$6.5M
Total Tax Refunds Returned to Community
4,461
Federal Returns Completed
1,515
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 in 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
16,800
Senior Center Visits
14,810
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 Chevron Refinery Little Libraries Pascagoula Audubon Center Policy Council and Board of Directors Partnerships with Public Schools Excel by 5 Pascagoula-Gautier School District Jackson George Regional Library American Heart Association Heart Walk Breast Cancer Awareness Month Coastal Family Health Center South MS Smiles Vision Center Vancleave Volunteer Fire Department Let's Go Gulf Coast BAZ Family Medical Clinic

Our Locations

Head Start Centers

Gautier Head Start Center
1017 Highway 90, Gautier, MS 39553
Jackson Elementary Head Start
3203 Lanier Avenue, Pascagoula, MS 39581
Martin Bluff HS (Martin Bluff Elementary)
1306 Roys Road, Gautier, MS 39553
Jefferson Head Start Center
5343 Jefferson Avenue, Moss Point, MS 39563
Pascagoula Head Start
3301 Spruce Street, Pascagoula, MS 39581
Kreole Head Start (Kreole Primary School)
6312 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Moss Point, MS 39563
Taconi Head Start
711 Magnolia Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
First Step Childcare Center
5343 Jefferson Avenue, Moss Point, MS 39563

Senior Centers

Ocean Springs Senior Center
514 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Moss Point Senior Center
5343 Jefferson Avenue, Moss Point, MS 39563

CSBG / LIHEAP Centers

Jackson County
5343 Jefferson Avenue, Moss Point, MS 39563
Harrison County
500 24th Street, Gulfport, MS 39507
George County
11 Holmes Street, Lucedale, MS 39453
Administration Office
5343 Jefferson Avenue, Moss Point, MS 39563
(228) 769-3292

Questions About Our Programs?

Learn more about the services we offer or contact our team to find out how we can help.

View Our Services Contact Us
(228) 769-3292