About Us
Board of Directors | Administrative 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
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.
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.
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.
South Central Missouri Community Action Agency
Board of Directors
| COUNTY | BOARD MEMBER | SECTOR | ORGANIZATION REPRESENTED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butler | Judy Moss Board Vice President | Low-Income Representative | CASA (Early Childhood Representative) |
| Dalene Armstrong Board Secretary | Public | MU Extension Council-Butler County | |
| Tammy Pool-Harper | Private | Poplar Bluff Housing | |
| Carter | Barbara Rogers | Low-Income Representative | Carter County Senior Center |
| Debi Reynolds | Public | Carter County Clerk | |
| Marsha Towner | Private | Whole Health Outreach | |
| Dent | Barry Baugh | Low-Income Representative | Salem United Methodist Church |
| Shannon VanKirk | Public | Dent County Collector | |
| Dennis Purcell Board President | Private | Chamber of Commerce | |
| Reynolds | Jeff Rathbun | Low-Income Representative | Fellowship Baptist Church Alliance |
| Eddie Williams | Public | County Associate Commissioner | |
| Beth Buford | Private | Peoples Community Bank (Financial Representative) | |
| Ripley | Charles Abbott | Low-Income Representative | Doniphan Gospel Rescue Mission |
| Erin Longo | Public | Private Business owner - 1808 Public House | |
| Matt Michel | Private | Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney | |
| Shannon | Ruby Craig | Low-Income Representative | Shannon County Helping Hands |
| Ryan Liggett | Public | Eminence School Board Member | |
| Roger Dillon BOARD TREASURER | Private | Chamber of Commerce | |
| Wayne | (Vacant) | Low-Income Representative | |
| Doug Wood | Public | Wayne County Commission | |
| Chad Henson | Private | Piedmont Chamber | |
| PC/Board Liaison | Raymond Richardson | Policy Council | Liaison |
Administrative Staff
Administrative Office
8055 Old Alton Road, P.O. Box 6
Winona, MO 65588
View Administrative Office on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Phone: (573) 325-4255 Fax: (573) 325-4542
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday
7:30 a.m.- 5:30Gin p.m.
Leadership Team
Ginger Hill – Executive Director
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Frances Akers – Deputy Director
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Gary Nichols – Energy Director
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Matthew Derryberry – Finance Director
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Ginger Hill – Community Services Director
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Denise Faulkner – Human Resources Director
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Cathy Hicks – SkillUP Director
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Kelly Johnson – Head Start PD Manager / Program Operations
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Shandell Farris – Head Start Director
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