EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jim Yancey
Jim is the Director of the Coalition and oversees the day to day operation of the non-profit. He teaches evidence based prevention curriculums to Prevention Specialists throughout the state of Mississippi, coordinates underage drinking training with other partner organizations and instructs employees from local agencies and municipalities in stress management training. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University and completed his graduate work at Reformed Theological Seminary in Clinton, Mississippi. During post-Katrina operations Jim was the Medical/Mental Health Branch Director for the Unified Command of Jackson County. He assists the South Mississippi Response Team in debriefings for first responders in the aftermath of a critical incident. Jim is a veteran and served for five years as a USAF Survival Instructor and as a Survival Specialist in the Middle East for seven years. Jim is married to Paula Stennett-Yancey and they have three sons.
STAFF
Robert Smith
Program Director
Download MS Press (11/18/2009) Front Page story about Robert
'Shelter' Bob Smith is the SPF-SIG Program Manager at JCCSC. The SPF-SIG program encourages youth 12-18 to not use alcohol. Prior to working with JCCSC Shelter Bob worker for the American Red Cross helping people in their recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Shelter worked for DMH for 23 years. Shelter Bob was born in Brookhaven, MS and got his high school education there. He volunteered in the civil rights movement from 1964 to 1972. Shelter Bob earned his under graduate degree from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa and a Masters of Social work from Boston College at Chestnut Hill, Ma. Shelter did further study in alcohol counseling. He spent 23 years working within the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health before moving back to Mississippi in 2007.
Shelter Bob worked with children in mental health, substance users, abused and with families in similarly situations for a number of years. He prides himself for his community coalition building. He is a team player and supports organizational building. Shelter has received multiply awards and is most proud of his four children, all now grown and making positive contributors to society.
Shelter Bob says the best job of his life is his current job at JCCSC. It is fulfilling for him because it enables him to give back to children and to the community.
Lindella Thomas
Grants Manager
Lindella Thomas is the Grants Manager at JCCSC. Prior to working at the Coalition she has worked at various other jobs. She really enjoys working at the Coalition and helping to make a difference in her community.
Amy Wilson
Prevention Specialist
Amy has been with the Coalition since 2006. She is trained in Project Northland’s evidence based programs, Slick Tracy, Amazing Alternative, Power-Lines, Class Action and the Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol curriculum. Amy has worked with middle school, high school and college students. She has trained other Prevention Specialists in Mississippi in evidence based programs, stress management, and educated youth and adults at local health fairs. Amy is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. She is a licensed teacher and an active community volunteer in Ocean Springs and an avid tennis player. Amy is married to Dr. Charles Wilson and they have a daughter and two sons.
Brooke Van
Prevention Specialist
Brooke has been with the Coalition since September of 2010. Prior to working at the Coalition Brooke was a stay at home mom of two. She is trained in Project Northland’s evidence based programs, Slick Tracy, Amazing Alternative and the Power-Lines curriculums. Brooke brings her experience in business into the school setting and she is passionate about teaching kids the dangers of drugs and alcohol and the long term negative impact on their lives. This passion comes from someone very close to her had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for years. By educating kids on alcohol and drug prevention at a young age, Brooke sees she is making a difference.
