2023 Annual Report
Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2022
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
After several years of tumultuous change brought on by the pandemic, a change in leadership, and a name change, the agency began to settle into a new routine. Head Start was finally able to return to normal after operating with reduced class sizes to combat the spread of COVID-19. Parents and children alike were excited by this news and the year began full of hope for the future.
The Aging Transportation program struggled to hire and retain drivers, so dedicated staff pitched in to ensure that our seniors were picked up and delivered daily. Participation by seniors returned to pre-COVID numbers as their confidence in our ability to keep them safe from airborne contagions increased. They were ready to mingle after being isolated for so long.
COVID funding and guidelines also began to phase out this year. As we embarked on a new normal, it was important to maintain open lines of communication with the community and staff regarding expectations as we moved forward.
The leadership and faithful employees of this agency are to be commended for navigating successfully through each adversity that has come our way. We are strong, resourceful, and resilient. We look forward to the years ahead and the opportunity to continue serving our community.
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, Community Action of South Mississippi, Inc. complied, in all material respects, with the types of compliance requirements that could have a direct and material effect on each of its major federal programs for the year ended September 30, 2022.
Policy Council
Community Representatives
Parent Representatives
Federal Programs Revenue
Fiscal Year 2023
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 activities, fuel, and awards/incentives.
Head Start
Enrollment
Early Head Start
Enrollment
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. The system measures the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are most predictive of school success. Teachers assessed children quarterly across Fall, Winter, and Spring, tracking growth from Emerging to Accomplished in each developmental area.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
Community Action of South Mississippi engages in programming to assist clients with meeting their goals in the areas of Employment, Education, Income and Asset Building, Housing, Health and Social Behavior, and Civic Engagement. Employment, Education, and Housing have been serious issues this year.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs for George, Harrison, and Jackson counties. All funds are paid directly to utility companies on behalf of the eligible family.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP)
LIHWAP provided 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 water providers on behalf of eligible families. This program was discontinued for 2024.
Parenting Initiative
With TANF grant funding, CASOMS provides parenting classes in Harrison and Jackson counties using Active Parenting and Within My Reach curricula. Through pre/post testing and annual follow up, 100% of families who participated report still using the tools they learned.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The South Mississippi VITA coalition is comprised of Community Action of South MS, Mercy Housing and Human Development, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and Keesler AFB. VITA is offered at 6 locations across the coast and has provided tax assistance for 18+ years to individuals who make under $65,000 per year.
Food Pantry
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, including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, and canned goods.
In 2023, CASOMS expanded the food pantry operation to include George County through a partnership with Sisters in Christ and Feeding America.
Nutrition Programs
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 through the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
CASOMS operates the FDCH program in George, Harrison, Jackson, Perry, and Stone counties, providing meal reimbursements for licensed and alternate approved homes caring for children under 13.
60+ Senior Programs
Healthy bodies, alert minds, energized spirits. CASOMS Senior Program offers adults age 60 and over year-round activities to support independence and enhance quality of life. We are pleased to say that we have finally recouped our pre-COVID attendance and participation.
Community Engagement
CASOMS partners with organizations across the Gulf Coast to strengthen communities and expand services for the families we serve.