Community Action of Southern Indiana Transitions Programs to Ohio Valley Opportunities

Proactive decision preserves services for families across Clark, Floyd, and Harrison Counties.

The Board of Directors of Community Action of Southern Indiana (CASI) has voted to relinquish the agency's state and federal awards by the end of 2026 and to endorse Ohio Valley Opportunities, Inc. (OVO) as the successor provider of Community Action services in Clark, Floyd, and Harrison Counties.

The decision, approved unanimously by CASI's board on July 29, 2026, is intended to ensure that families currently receiving services experience no interruption in care. Programs affected include Head Start and Early Head Start, the Housing Choice Voucher program, the Weatherization Assistance Program, Individual Development Accounts, Community Services Block Grant services, and the agency's Minority Health Program.

"This was not an easy decision. CASI has been part of this community for decades, and the people who built it have every right to grieve what's ending” said CASI’s Executive Director, Adrian Jamieson. “But the work was never about the name on the building. It's the joy of children in our Head Start classrooms, a young entrepreneur receiving financial literacy education, and an elderly couple carrying for their grandchildren who have access to stable housing for the first time in their lives. Ohio Valley Opportunities can carry that forward with a strength we couldn't sustain on our own, and that's worth more than our sign out front."

For over 60 years, OVO has strengthened southern Indiana as a trusted Community Action Agency – empowering individuals and families, delivering essential support, and building resilient communities.

"CASI’s legacy of impact across southern Indiana is something we hold with deep respect. For over 60 years, Community Action has survived and adapted because our mission is bigger than any single organization,” shared OVO’s Executive Director, Brad Wood. “This transition is about two organizations coming together proactively to build a stronger, more resilient anti-poverty network for our region. We are ready to listen, learn, and partner as we deliver high-impact services, and we are deeply humbled by the trust placed in us.”

Federal and state awards cannot be transferred directly between organizations. Therefore CASI must formally relinquish its awards, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Head Start and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority will determine successor providers through their established processes. CASI has participated in ongoing communication with both agencies and will endorse OVO's applications.

CASI and OVO have been working together on a detailed transition agreement addressing programs, staff, records, and facilities. The agreement is being structured to offer employment to as many CASI employees as possible, with wage and benefit protections during the transition period.

Families currently enrolled in CASI programs do not need to take any action at this time. Services continue as normal, and participants will receive direct communication about any changes affecting them.

Founded in 1965 as Clark County Community Action, the agency later became Hoosier Valley Economic Opportunity Corporation before adopting its current name. Over 61 years it has changed not only the name, but also its structure and its service area to meet the needs of southern Indiana families. Once program close-out and award relinquishment are complete, CASI will sunset as an organization, and the programs it built will continue under Ohio Valley Opportunities.

CASI and OVO plan to host a community open house in October for residents, partners, and vendors to meet OVO's leadership and ask questions directly.

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear CASI Community,

I am deeply proud of what CASI's programs offer today and genuinely hopeful about what they'll become under OVO's care. Change is always difficult, but it is a big part of CASI's history and is necessary to support growth. We were originally founded in 1965 under the name Clark County Community Action. Since then, our name and programs have evolved several times to meet changing community needs.

Alongside our Board of Directors, I am confident in endorsing this path forward and in OVO's commitment to carrying the best parts of CASI forward: Our commitment to community, our staff, and to addressing the root causes of poverty.

With gratitude,

Adrian

More About the Transition

What's happening?

CASI's Board has voted to relinquish the agency's state and federal awards by the end of 2026 and to endorse Ohio Valley Opportunities, Inc. (OVO) as the successor provider of Community Action services in Clark, Floyd, and Harrison Counties.

Why now?

The CASI Board looked hard at the next several years and concluded these programs would be more secure inside a larger organization. Making this decision now while we have a good partner in place, allows us to provide consistency to our community, clients, and staff.

Is this related to financial mismanagement?

CASI's audits are public record and have always been posted on our website. Our 2024–25 audit reflects findings that link back to decisions made in 2020–2021, under previous leadership. These were identified and self-disclosed by CASI's current leadership to our auditors and funding partners, and are not reflective of how the agency operates today. Since then, CASI has overhauled its financial controls and compliance procedures under new staff and Board leadership.

This transition is related to that history in that it formally separates CASI's programs from any lingering concerns tied to that period, placing them with a partner organization on fully current footing. It reflects the Board's judgment about the years ahead, made from a position of strength rather than crisis.

What will happen to CASI?

Once all programs are fully transferred, CASI will dissolve.

Who is Ohio Valley Opportunities?

Ohio Valley Opportunities (OVO) is a neighboring Community Action Agency. OVO still believes in the mission it started with over 60 years ago: to reduce the barriers that prevent individuals with low-incomes from reaching self-sufficiency. OVO’s programs and services complement the workforce development and human service systems by making costly utility bills more affordable, helping people secure and maintain housing, providing free comprehensive preschool services, assisting in crisis situations, and creating linkages to other community agencies.

You may have even already met some of OVO's staff! OVO currently operates their Energy Assistance Program out of CASI's Springhill building in Clark County.

Learn more about OVO here.

When does this take effect?

It is anticipated that CASI will work to relinquish all of its awards by the end of 2026, with OVO continuing programming on January 1, 2027.

Will services be interrupted?

This change is being made now to prevent any disruption in services.

I'm enrolled in Head Start / Early Head Start. What happens to my child's spot?

If you or your family receive services from CASI nothing changes right now. You don't need to do anything. These programs will continue to operate in the same space.

I have a Housing Choice Voucher. Does anything change for me or my landlord?

If you are on the HCV waitlist, currently utilize a voucher, or are a landlord, nothing changes right now. You don't need to do anything. The HCV program will continue to operate in Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties.

Do I need to reapply or fill out anything new?

Not at this time. You will be notified of any changes directly by mail or email.

How will you keep us updated?

This landing page will be updated regularly as more information becomes available. You can also follow us on Facebook for regular updates.

I have more questions. Who can I reach out to?

You can reach out to CASI's Executive Director, Adrian Jamieson: ajamieson@casi1.org or (812) 288-6451 Ext 2144.

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