This week’s Blackbaud Non-Profit of the Match is Communities in Schools. Communities in Schools is focused on helping children achieve in school and work towards graduation.
Productive, healthy relationships are the foundation of the organization. Founder Bill Milken said, “It’s relationships, not programs, that change children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.”
We caught up with Paige Hatley, a Community Engagement Manager at CIS, to learn more about the local chapter.
CB: What is ultimate goal of Communities in Schools?
Dropout prevention. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
CB: How is the CIS of Charleston helping the national organization achieve its goal?
CIS of Charleston works closely with our National Office, and other affiliates, to constantly improve our program models and determine best programs and practices to serve our students and their families and aid in reaching the highest graduation outcomes locally, regionally and nationally.
CB: What types of things does CIS provide for students?
CIS of Charleston works to connect our case managed students in elementary, middle, and high schools with resources such as basic needs, mentoring and tutoring, counseling, family support interventions and future planning. All of these services aid in supporting the student in a holistic approach to support them in graduating.
CB: How many children has CIS Charleston served? Which schools is CIS currently serving? Any plans for expansion?
CIS of Charleston serves 9,000 to 12,000 students annually based on the number of schools that are able to attain our services. For the 2016-2017 school year CIS of Charleston will have staff in 18 Charleston County Title One School Site and 1 Berkeley County Title One School Site. We will serve more than 9,000 students amongst those site, with 760 of those student being in one on one case management. CIS is always looking to expand! Charleston struggles with below average graduation rates, the National Average is 80% while the majority of Charleston County Title One Schools fall in the 65 to 70% range. Our long-term goal is to be in every Title One school in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties striving to increase the Tri-county area graduation rates and strengthen our community.
CB: How can Battery fans get involved/help CIS Charleston?
CIS of Charleston is always looking for donors, volunteers and fans! To help us reach out ultimate goal call us today and learn more about our mentoring and tutoring programs, special event volunteer needs, various community committees and greatest contribution needs. 843-740-6793
