Board of Directors Administrative Office Staff
The idea of Community Action came out of the enactment of the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) of 1964. The overall purpose of the statute was to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty in the United States. Under the Act, a federal Office of Economic Opportunity was established, state Economic Opportunity offices were formed, and new community-based organizations called Community Action Agencies evolved.
South Central Missouri Community Action Agency was incorporated in 1965 under the Equal Opportunity Act, 1964 as a not-for-profit Community Action Agency serving the counties of Butler, Carter, Dent, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon and Wayne.
"...it is therefore the policy of the United States to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation by opening to everyone, the opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity." Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson
What Is Our Mission?
The mission of South Central Missouri Community Action Agency is to assist low-income families in their efforts to become self-sufficient by providing programs and services to improve the quality of their lives and the opportunity to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty.
What Is Our Vision?
For Families
All families are supported in their goals to be self sufficient. They are viewed not as burdens to society but as productive citizens who can make a positive difference. We envision families who have the potential to improve their own lives and the determination to help others. Our vision is that all families are self reliant and have support systems in their community.
For Communities
Our community vision is not defined by geographical boundaries or stock market analyses. We envision our communities as large families concerned with the well-being of all its citizens. We want neighborhoods that are safe and growing, employers who are fair and rewarding and academic institutions that are innovative and achieving. Our vision is that communities invest in their people, realizing that human investment reaps the greatest returns.
For Agency
The agency will be a leader in south central Missouri by providing innovative and creative solutions for families and communities grappling with the effects of poverty. Through established partnerships and human connections we will use our best tools and resources against an enemy that threatens the lives and livelihood of the people we serve. Our vision as an agency is to end poverty - one family at a time.
About Us
South Central Missouri Community Action Agency is governed by a twenty-one member tri-partite Board of Directors. One-third of the board is elected public officials or their representatives. One-third is representatives of business, industry, labor, religion, welfare, education, or other major groups and interests in the community. One-third is individuals who represent the poor in the area served. The tri-partite composition of membership provides for the actual problems experienced by the poor to be voiced by their representatives and responded to by the representatives of the business and local government.
COUNTY | MEMBER | SECTOR | ORGANIZATION |
Butler | Judy Moss | Low-Income | CASA |
Ed DeGaris | Public |
City of Poplar Bluff-Councilman | |
Robert Smith | Private | Attorney-at-Law | |
Carter | Richard Clyburn | Low-Income | East Carter Co. Nutrition Center |
Mary Godsy | Public | Carter Co. Circuit Clerk | |
Marsha Towner | Private | Whole Health Outreach | |
Dent | Barry Baugh | Low-Income | Salem United Methodist Church |
Dennis Purcell(President) | Public | Associate Commissioner |
|
Lelia Cotner(Vice Pres.) | Private | Dent Co. Shelter Workshop | |
Reynolds | Dale Hawkins | Low-Income | Black River Baptist Food Pantry |
Doug Warren | Public | County Commissioner | |
Beth Buford | Private | Great Southern Bank | |
Ripley | Betty Hampton | Low-Income | Ripley Co. Sheltered Workshop |
Mike Barton | Public |
Ripley Co. Sheriff |
|
Ruth Austin | Private | Kiwanis Club | |
Shannon | Colleen Detwiler (Sec.) | Low-Income | Shannon Co. Sheltered Workshop |
Roger Dillon (Treas.) | Private | Chamber of Commerce | |
Ryan Liggett | Public | Eminence School Board Memeber | |
Wayne | Kim Combs | Low-Income | Clearwater Ministerial Alliance |
Chad Henson | Public | Wayne Co. Commissioner | |
Bill McMurry | Private | Chamber of Commerce | |
Elizabeth Price | PC/Board Liason |

Ann Smith - Executive Director
Administrative Office
8055 Old Alton Road
P.O. Box 6
Winona, MO 65588
Phone: (573) 325-4255
Fax: (573) 325-4542
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
All voice telephone numbers in this email may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Missouri Relay Service at 711
E-mail: scmcaa@hotmail.com
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Leadership Team
Frances Akers - Executive Secretary
Myra Martin/Mary Nance- Head Start Director
Gary Nichols - Energy Director
Brandie Alley - Finance Director
Ginger Hill - Community Services Director
Cindy Bridges - Youth Training and Special Projects Director
Denise Faulkner - Human Resources Manager
Sara Bell - Miechv Director
Cathy Hicks - Functional Leader - Career Center