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.
What Drives Us Every Day
"To provide quality services that empower the community and foster independence."
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.
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.
Helping People, Changing Lives
Since 1965 across South Mississippi
Our Journey
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 DirectorVanessa 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.
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
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Lauren KelleyChairman
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Donna StewartVice Chairman
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Dr. Regina WattsSecretary
Committee Chairs
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Christian HartleyFinance
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Carlos MouldsPersonnel
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Letha BoltonPlanning
Members
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Myra Cunningham
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Lisa Hudgins
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Kimberly Weary
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Rhonda Odom
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Yolanda Flint
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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
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Dr. LaToya WorthenArlington Elementary, Principal
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Dr. Chiazo NnawuchiPediatric Care Physician
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Lisa HudginsMGCCC, Early Childhood Education
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Elizabeth MurphyIna Thompson Moss Point Library, Branch Manager
Parent Representatives
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Moss PointHannah McNair, Jason Ray, Makayla LodrigueAlternate: Katlin Woods
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PascagoulaKrista StallworthAlternates: Alexis Keys, April Hickman
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GautierTerrance Trussell, Lyn Le Trussell
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Ocean SpringsAundra Bishop (Policy Council Chair)Alternate: Destiny Arrington
Three Counties, One Mission
CASOMS operates offices and programs across Jackson, Harrison, and George Counties, bringing services directly to the communities that need them.
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.
(228) 769-3292