2024 Annual Report
Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2023
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
Board membership is a key component of a healthy organization. Community Action has a unique tripartite board structure that requires representation from the private, public and low-income communities. I have had the privilege of working with several dedicated board members during my tenure.
When it is time for those individuals to leave the board, it is always bittersweet. Mr. Paul Lee is one of those board members whose presence will be sorely missed. I met Mr. Lee in 2008 when he was a parent in the Head Start program, and I was the Head Start Director. Paul was elected by the parents at his center to serve as a parent representative to the Policy Council. He enjoyed the role and could be counted on to attend and participate in monthly meetings. He was re-elected to serve a second term.
When his son aged out of the program, I asked him to serve as a Community Representative to the Policy Council. Eventually, he was elected to serve two terms on the Board. Paul has served so long that his son has graduated high school. He is a dedicated father who volunteered at the center whenever he had the time. He worked offshore, so sometimes he couldn't make a meeting, but when he was available, he could be counted on to be there, body and mind.
We awarded Mr. Lee a plaque at his final meeting in December, but it can't begin to reflect our gratitude. Thank you, Paul, for your contribution to the success of the agency.
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. 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, 2023, 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.
Policy Council
The CASOMS Head Start Policy Council is a vital governance body responsible for ensuring that the program meets the needs of children and families through shared decision-making and oversight. It provides parents with a voice in program planning, policies, and operations, fostering family engagement and community collaboration.
The council is composed of eight parent representatives and five community leaders, ensuring a balanced representation of both enrolled families and external expertise. This collaborative structure strengthens program decision-making, enhances services, and ensures community and parental input guide CASOMS Head Start's success.
Community Leaders
Parent Representatives — Moss Point
Pascagoula
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Shalimar LegisterVice Chair
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Leandra SlaterAlternate
Gautier
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Jamaryum Jordan
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Lyn Trussell
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Shatasi ReddixAlternate
Ocean Springs
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Aundra Bishop
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Ashley BelcherAlternate
EHS Representative
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Shanekqua Washington
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Lanitta GradyAlternate
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 activity, fuel, and awards/incentives.
Head Start Demographics
Ages at Enrollment
Primary Language
Race and Ethnicity
Head Start Enrollment
Eligible Children Served
Families at Enrollment
Head Start Eligibility
Early Head Start
Ages at Enrollment
Race and Ethnicity
School Readiness
Spring 2023–2024 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.
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
Medical Exams
Body Mass Index
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
Early Head Start Physical Health
Early Head Start Pregnant Women
Disability Services
Head Start (IEPs)
Receiving Services
- Speech or Language 20
- Developmental Delay 10
- Autism 1
- Hearing 1
Early Head Start (IFSPs)
Children enrolled who had an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) indicating eligibility for early intervention services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Diagnosed Chronic Conditions
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. Based on our annual community needs assessment, we target efforts in areas identified by the community, for the community.
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. Benefits target households with low incomes, particularly those that have a high home energy burden and/or have members who are elderly, disabled, or have young children. All funds are paid directly to the utility companies on behalf of the eligible family.
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. Active Parenting offers workshops for families with children ages 0 through 5 and 6 and up. Within My Reach is designed to strengthen the adult partnership to allow parents to provide a healthy family environment for their children.
Parent Involvement Activities
Community Action of South Mississippi Head Start emphasizes parents' vital role in their child's development and success. We offer a variety of parent involvement activities to foster meaningful engagement, provide resources, and create opportunities for families to participate in their child's Head Start journey.
Policy Council Participation
Parents take an active role in program governance, contributing to decision-making, policy development, and the overall direction of Head Start services. This opportunity empowers families and builds leadership skills.
Monthly Engagement Events
Each center organizes monthly events tailored to inform and engage families, including:
- Cruising the Coast (October)
- Donuts with Dads
- Dads on the Playground
Parent Curriculum & Trips
The program includes a Parent Curriculum designed to enhance parenting skills and support children's growth. Completion of the curriculum is a requirement for families to participate in the annual Parent Trip, celebrating their commitment and involvement.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The VITA grant program is an IRS initiative designed to support free tax preparation service for the underserved. The South Mississippi VITA coalition is comprised of Community Action of South MS, Mercy Housing and Human Development, and Keesler AFB. VITA is offered at 5 locations across the coast and has provided tax assistance for 19+ years to individuals who make under $70,000 per year.
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 through a partnership with Sisters in Christ and Feeding America.
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.
Community Engagement
CASOMS partners with organizations across the Gulf Coast to strengthen communities and expand services for the families we serve.