About Us
Who we are and why compassion wins.
Our Mission
Compassion Wins Inc. empowers individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential by providing inclusive programs, family support, and community connection.
Our Story
Life has defining moments, and mine came one fall morning in 2003 while I was substitute teaching between college classes. That's when I met a kindergarten student named Casey Thomas. At the time, Casey couldn't walk without his walker, eat without his feeding tube, or speak without his assistive technology device. His dad dropped him off, said they'd had a rough night, and told me he'd come back if Casey needed him. That morning changed the course of my life. Watching Casey fight with everything he had just to finish his school day opened my eyes to the life of someone with special needs.
A few years later, in 2006, Commerce High School Principal Donnie Drew, an icon in our town, met me at the bus one afternoon while I was covering for a driver who had called in sick. He said, "Massey, I hear you may be interested in a job." Then, in true Mr. Drew fashion, he added, "You may have a chance, since nobody else has applied." A year later, my sister Wendy was hired, and I've been blessed to work alongside her for 19 years and counting. Together, we have taught and gotten to know so many remarkable students with special needs and their families.
Over the last 20 years, so many people have reached out asking how they can help, serve, provide, or simply visit. Businesses, local churches, and individuals have made so much possible for those with special needs and their families. Some have quietly dropped by, said very little, and told me, "I don't need recognition. Thank you for what you do." Those people know who they are. Thank you for the difference you're making and the lives you continue to bless.
On December 14, 2025, Pastor Nick Dalton of The Jefferson Church shared a message titled "Compassion at Christmas." I remember sitting there that morning and feeling called to act. That feeling stayed with me, and in the spring of 2026, I sat down to lunch with Mr. Jon Howell and shared my passion, my heart, and my dreams for the special needs community. I never imagined that conversation would become Compassion Wins, Inc., an opportunity to reach and bless individuals and families who have experienced life raising or caring for someone with special needs.
Casey's story is a big part of why. A little more than a year after we met, I got to witness his first trip to Disney World alongside him and his family. A few years later, he didn't just attend my wedding, he was part of it. One of our fondest memories came in 2019 at Commerce High School, where Casey was a student in my class. I got to watch him call himself a graduate, something doctors once told his parents would never happen.
Most recently, on Friday, September 25th, Casey and his family joined us, along with students from Commerce High School and Jefferson High School. It was Compassion Wins' first-ever sponsored experience, and together we attended Disney On Ice at Gas South Arena.
Our motto is simple: we are simply a nonprofit organization with a passion for serving people who may need a little extra help finding their purpose.
Every individual deserves the chance to shine. Compassion Wins exists to show that when community and compassion are connected, we all WIN.
Wes Massey
Founder, Compassion Wins, Inc.
Board of Directors
Wes Massey
Board Chair / President, Compassion Wins, Inc.
Wes Massey is the heartbeat and founder of Compassion Wins, Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering abilities and inspiring futures. A lifelong member of Jackson County, Wes is a 2001 honor graduate of Commerce High School, where he has taught Moderate/Severe Special Education since 2006.
Read Wes's full bio
Wes earned his Associate's Degree from Gainesville College in 2004 and his Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Georgia in the spring of 2006. He went on to earn a Master's Degree from Troy University and his Educational Specialist Degree in Teaching and Learning from Piedmont College in 2010.
Wes's commitment to individuals with disabilities reaches well beyond the classroom. From 2007 to 2009, he served on the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council, appointed by Commissioner Thurmond and Governor Perdue. In 2007, he received the Georgia Rehabilitation Association Personal Achievement Award and was an invited guest at the National Rehabilitation Association's Annual Governmental Affairs Summit in Washington, DC.
Wes is also a sought-after speaker. He has delivered keynote addresses for the Georgia Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation Unit, the Georgia Rehabilitation Association Legislative Seminar, the Legislative Breakfast, the Augusta High School High Tech Awards Luncheon, and the Georgia Rehabilitation Association Conference. He also served as commencement speaker for the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation Vocational Units Class of 2007. More recently, he was the keynote speaker at Commerce High School's Academic Honors Night in October 2023.
In recognition of his dedication to students, Wes was named the 2023/2024 Teacher of the Year for both Commerce High School and the Commerce City School System.
Wes lives in Jefferson, Georgia, with his wife, Lauren, and their two children, Walker and Amelia. The family is proud to call The Jefferson Church their home, where they worship and serve alongside their church family.
Wendy Sims
Board Member, Compassion Wins, Inc.
Wendy Sims brings nearly two decades of dedicated educational experience, leadership, and heart to the Compassion Wins, Inc. Board of Directors. A lifelong advocate for student growth and inclusive support, Wendy has served as a Special Education Teacher and Department Head at Commerce High School since 2007. Her commitment to fostering compassionate, supportive learning environments makes her an invaluable voice in driving the mission of Compassion Wins, Inc. forward.
Read Wendy's full bio
A recognized leader in her school and community, Wendy's educational career is defined by excellence and active involvement. She has served in numerous leadership roles, including on the CHS Leadership Team, as a SACS/AdvanceED Representative, and as the Special Education Department Chair. Her dedication to her students and colleagues earned her prestigious honors, including being named the 2018 Commerce High School Teacher of the Year and the 2018 Commerce City School System Teacher of the Year.
Wendy's academic achievements reflect her passion for lifelong learning and professional development. She holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Teaching and Learning from Piedmont College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. She also earned a Master of Science in Post-Secondary Education with a concentration in Foundations of Education from Troy University with Summa Cum Laude honors, a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Georgia (Cum Laude), and an Associate of Science in Early Childhood from Gainesville College.
Outside of her professional life, Wendy is deeply rooted in her local community. She currently resides in Jefferson, Georgia, with her husband, Matt, and their son, Luke. They attend The Jefferson Church. Through her service on the board, Wendy is eager to apply her expertise in education, advocacy, and community building to help advance the impactful vision of Compassion Wins, Inc.
Janis Mangum
Board Member, Compassion Wins, Inc.
Janis Mangum is the retired Sheriff of Jackson County, Georgia, with 39 years in law enforcement. She retired in December 2024 after 12 years as sheriff. She was first elected in 2012 and was re-elected twice. She is the third woman elected sheriff in Georgia.
Read Janis's full bio
Sheriff Mangum began her career with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office in 1985 as a radio operator. Over the years she also worked for the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Georgia State Patrol. Before becoming sheriff, she spent 19 years as a criminal investigator with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
In 2023, her fellow sheriffs voted her Georgia Sheriff of the Year, an honor she counts as her greatest professional achievement. That year she also received the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement Award and was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Albert Gordon American Legion Post 56.
Sheriff Mangum has also given years of leadership to the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes. She served as Secretary-Treasurer, Second Vice President and First Vice President, and she finished as President of the Board. She has mentored women in public safety and has spoken to many civic groups and student audiences.
As a board member of Compassion Wins, Inc., Sheriff Mangum supports the organization's mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential through inclusive programs, family support and community connection. Her career has been devoted to protecting and serving people, and she brings that commitment to the board's work.
A lifelong Jackson County resident, Sheriff Mangum grew up in Jefferson and attended Jefferson High School. She and her husband, Jerry, have been happily married for over 44 years.
Jon Howell
Board Member, Compassion Wins, Inc.
Jon Howell brings a wide range of experience to the Board of Directors. He holds a bachelor's degree in Finance and an MBA from the University of Georgia. He began his career in corporate finance with SunTrust Bank (now Truist Bank). He then spent 15 years with the Georgia Health Care Association, advocating for older adults and individuals with disabilities across Georgia, including eight years as President and CEO. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Community Health Services of Georgia, a statewide integrated health system with approximately 6,500 employees.
Read Jon's full bio
Jon also has a strong background in public service. He served three years on the Jefferson City Council and five years as Mayor of the City of Jefferson. During his tenure, the Georgia Municipal Association recognized Jefferson as a City of Ethics and a City of Civility.
Over the years, Jon has been honored to serve on boards at the local, state, and national levels, including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, UGA Alumni Association, ESP Advocacy Board, Habitat for Humanity, Northeast Georgia Regional Commission Council, Georgia Health Care Association, and the American Health Care Association Council of Post Acute Care.
Jon and his wife, Emily, are graduates of Leadership Jackson and Leadership Georgia. They are the proud parents of two daughters and are deeply involved at The Jefferson Church. Together, they are committed to being a positive influence in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, in the region and beyond.
Dusty Smith
Board Member, Compassion Wins, Inc.
Dusty Smith serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL), a nonprofit association representing educational administrators across the state of Georgia. Over his 18 years with GAEL, he has helped support and strengthen the organization's work on behalf of school leaders statewide.
Read Dusty's full bio
A 2002 graduate of Commerce City Schools, Dusty earned a bachelor's degree with a dual major in Accounting and Finance from North Georgia College and State University, along with an associate degree in Business Administration.
Dusty has a passion for helping others and serving those in need, which shows in his commitment to his community. He serves as Treasurer of the Jefferson Athletics Booster Club, is chair-elect of the Georgia 4-H Advisory Board, and is active at The Jefferson Church. He is married to his wife of 15 years, Taryn, who is a 2004 graduate of Jefferson City Schools. They have two children, Paisley and Porter, who both attend Jefferson City Schools. In his free time, Dusty enjoys farming and traveling with family and friends.
