Helping People, Changing Lives

About Us

Community Action of South Mississippi has served families across Jackson, Harrison, and George Counties for more than 60 years. From Head Start classrooms to energy assistance, food pantry services to senior programs, we meet people where they are and walk with them toward independence.

60+ Years of Service

3 Counties Served

200+ Staff & Volunteers

Get Help Now View Our Programs

CASOMS staff and community members at a program event in South Mississippi

1965 Serving Since

Our Mission

What Drives Us Every Day

"To provide quality services that empower the community and foster independence."

Our Vision

Where We Are Headed

"To be the standard of excellence in developing and delivering quality, responsive services."

Our Core Values

Everything we do at CASOMS is guided by three commitments that shape how we serve our community.

Empowerment

We do not just provide services. We give families the tools, knowledge, and support they need to build stability on their own terms.

Accountability

As stewards of federal and state funding, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, compliance, and responsible service delivery.

Dignity

Every person who walks through our doors is treated with respect. We believe that needing help is not a failure; it is a step toward something better.

Our Story

More Than 60 Years of Serving South Mississippi

Community Action of South Mississippi was established in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. From the beginning, the mission was clear: give families the resources they need to build lives of independence and dignity.

What started as a small effort in Jackson County has grown into a regional organization with offices in three counties, more than 150 full-time employees, 21 part-time staff, and 42 dedicated volunteers. Today, CASOMS operates Head Start centers, senior centers, food pantries, energy assistance programs, transportation services, and more.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and federally designated Community Action Agency, every dollar we receive goes directly toward helping people. We are accountable to the families we serve and to the communities that trust us.

CASOMS team members working together at the community office in Moss Point

Helping People, Changing Lives

Since 1965 across South Mississippi

Our Journey

1965

Founded Under the War on Poverty

Established as a Community Action Agency under the Economic Opportunity Act, bringing critical services to families in Jackson County, Mississippi.

1970s

Head Start Comes to South Mississippi

Launched Head Start and Early Head Start programs, giving thousands of children across Jackson County a strong start through early education, nutrition, and family support.

1980s

Expanding to Meet Growing Needs

Added energy assistance through LIHEAP, food pantry operations, and senior services to meet the growing needs of families across Jackson County.

2000s

Transportation and Community Development

Launched demand response transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities, financial literacy workshops, VITA free tax preparation, and expanded community partnerships.

2016

Expanding across the Gulf Coast

Expanded into Harrison County and George County, opening new offices and extending Head Start, energy assistance, and community programs to families across three counties in South Mississippi.

Today

200+ Staff and Volunteers Serving Three Counties

With 9 Head Start centers, 2 senior centers, 3 county offices, and over a dozen programs, CASOMS continues to be the largest community action agency on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Our People

Leadership Team

The people who guide our mission every day, leading with experience, accountability, and a deep commitment to the families we serve.

Vanessa Gibson

Executive Director

Vanessa leads the strategic direction of CASOMS and oversees all programs, operations, and compliance across three counties. She also serves as the organization's ADA Coordinator, ensuring that every service and facility meets federal accessibility standards.

(228) 769-3292 vgibson@casoms.org

Tayonka Thomas

Director of Children and Youth Services

tthomas@casoms.org

Lee Ann Kendrick

Director of Adult Services

lkendrick@casoms.org

Tiffany Bradley

Director of Finance

tbradley@casoms.org

Kelli Green

Human Resources Manager

kgreen@casoms.org

Board of Directors

Our board provides leadership, governance, and critical guidance to the management team. Members represent a balanced mix of public, private, and community interests across our service area.

Officers

Lauren Kelley

Chairman
Donna Stewart

Vice Chairman
Dr. Regina Watts

Secretary

Committee Chairs

Christian Hartley

Finance
Carlos Moulds

Personnel
Letha Bolton

Planning

Members

Myra Cunningham
Lisa Hudgins
Kimberly Weary
Rhonda Odom
Yolanda Flint
Nancy Jo Maples

Policy Council

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

Composed of eight parent representatives and four community leaders, ensuring balanced representation of enrolled families and external expertise.

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

Alternate: Katlin Woods
Pascagoula

Krista Stallworth

Alternates: Alexis Keys, April Hickman
Gautier

Terrance Trussell, Lyn Le Trussell
Ocean Springs

Aundra Bishop (Policy Council Chair)

Alternate: Destiny Arrington

Where We Serve

Three Counties, One Mission

CASOMS operates offices and programs across Jackson, Harrison, and George Counties, bringing services directly to the communities that need them.

Jackson County

Main Office

5343 Jefferson Ave. / P.O. Box 8723
Moss Point, MS 39562

(228) 769-3292

Harrison County

Branch Office

500 24th St.
Gulfport, MS 39507

(228) 896-1409

George County

Branch Office

11 Holmes St.
Lucedale, MS 39453

(601) 770-1340

150+ Full-Time Staff

9 Head Start Centers

12+ Programs Offered

2,567 Food Pantry Recipients (2025)

We Are Here to Help

Whether you need energy assistance, food, childcare, transportation, or just a place to start, our team is ready to connect you with the right program.

Get Help Now Contact Us

(228) 769-3292