2021 Annual Report
Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2020
Progress in a Pandemic
Program outcomes, pandemic response, 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
The year began like any other, filled with hope, optimism, and Mardi Gras parades. Soon a mysterious virus discovered a world away would change our lives forever. The world began shutting down borders, schools, and businesses in March of 2020. Head Start and Senior centers closed. Agency employees worked from home and learned how to use Zoom.
Our seniors experienced loneliness and isolation as congregate meals and transportation services were halted. Staff shortages became commonplace as COVID-19 spread. Each week, a new classroom was shut down for 10 days as we struggled to provide services to parents who needed to work.
During it all, Community Action of South Mississippi continued to provide services. Staff delivered meals to grateful seniors who just wanted to talk, get a hug, and a little companionship. Parents picked up meals from Head Start centers. Information packets, toys, books, crayons, and instructional supports were distributed weekly to families.
Light at the end of the tunnel arrived in December 2020 when vaccines received Emergency Use Authorization. We look forward with hope and perseverance to a return to normalcy.
Passionate Leadership and a Lasting Legacy
Former Executive Director, Diann Payne
After serving the agency for 37 years, Diann Payne announced her retirement in 2021. She began at Jackson County Civic Action in 1984 as Deputy Director/Finance Director and was selected to lead as Executive Director in 1997.
Under her leadership, Head Start facilities were renovated, new facilities were built, public school partnerships were formed, and the VITA program grew to prepare the most returns in the Mississippi network. She received the United Way Community Impact Award and the Innovation Award from the MS Department of Human Services. She always led with passion and left a lasting legacy.
Leadership Team
Mission
It is our mission to serve culturally diverse communities by providing quality services that promote human development and self-sufficiency.
Vision
To be the standard of excellence in developing, providing, and delivering quality, responsive services to the elderly, children, and families. A model agency with dedicated employees and a participative work environment that fosters teamwork and personal growth.
Board of Directors
Public Sector
Private Sector
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 as of September 30, 2020, 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.
Federal Programs Revenue
Fiscal Year 2021
Head Start Budget
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. Due to pandemic-related closures, assessment numbers reflect reduced class sizes.
Head Start Physical Health
*Access to immunizations was limited during the pandemic.
Body Mass Index
Dental Health
Disability Services
Head Start (IEPs)
Diagnosed Conditions
- Asthma10
- Vision Problems3
- Autism Spectrum Disorder1
- Life-Threatening Allergies1
Early Head Start (IFSPs)
Children enrolled who had an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) indicating eligibility for early intervention services under IDEA.
Mental Health
Children received an individual mental health assessment from a mental health professional.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
In 2021, three key areas were identified as priorities in the midst of the pandemic: employment, training, and housing security. The agency engages in programming to assist clients with meeting their goals based on an annual community needs assessment.
VITA Tax Assistance
Community Action of South Mississippi has provided free tax preparation assistance for 16+ years to individuals who make under $58,000 per year.
Food Pantry
Food insecurity is a problem throughout the Community Action of South Mississippi service area. Food baskets are distributed on Fridays or on an emergency basis as needed.
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a critical, life-saving program that targets and serves the most vulnerable: older Americans, individuals with disabilities, and children. The majority of these families survive on less than $20,000 per year.
Parent and Family Engagement
We began the 2020-2021 school year by inviting parents to a Summer Orientation focused on School Readiness and the Seven Family Outcomes: Family Well-Being, Positive Parent-Child Relationships, Families as Lifelong Educators, Families as Learners, Family Engagement in Transitions, Family Connections to Peers and Community, and Families as Advocates and Leaders.
Engagement Activities
Senior Services
Healthy bodies, alert minds, energized spirits. Community Action of South Mississippi's Senior Program is designed to deliver year-round services for adults 60+ through diverse activities to support independence and enhance quality of life. During the pandemic, congregate meals and transportation were severely impacted, but staff continued delivering meals and providing companionship to isolated seniors.
Community Engagement
CASOMS partners with organizations across the Gulf Coast to strengthen communities and expand services.