Communities In Schools of Georgia Inc

“Lexi has a giving heart and is an incredible example of someone who is working hard to break through barriers presented in her life.“

—Ali Jennings, CIS of Catoosa County site coordinator

Seventeen year-old Lexi has an unbreakably positive attitude towards school and life, no matter what challenges she faced throughout her childhood. Growing up in poverty wasn’t easy and instability stood in the way of becoming the person she truly wanted to be: a good student who helps other teenagers facing similar barriers to learning.

Lexi carried a lot on her shoulders. With her father in the criminal justice system, she cared for her younger siblings and never complained about carrying adult responsibilities, even when it meant she couldn’t take care of her own feelings.

Then, when her family kept moving to new towns because of financial strain, life started to feel unmanageable. They struggled to have enough food and Lexi’s emotional needs took a back seat to hunger and physical needs. On top of all that, COVID-19 and virtual classes caused her to dread school because of confusing technology and lack of  support.

One day she was connected to Ali Jennings, a Communities In Schools of Catoosa County site coordinator in Lexi’s school (LFO High School). Together, they worked on learning to talk about strong feelings, safe ways to manage stress, and self care. As their relationship grew, Lexi started to open up to Ali, sharing about all the obstacles going on in her life, including hardships her family faced that were growing as a result of the pandemic.

Ali went beyond the classroom to help Lexi and her family.

And Lexi took charge of her story.

Ali often made up activities for the whole family to do together, like when she put Easter eggs in their yard so they could have an egg hunt. She brought food, love, and community resources to make chaotic times easier to navigate. She also provided safe spaces like the Student Success Center and additional self-care resources that empowered Lexi to have a healthy outlook on her mental health and reengage with learning.

Having a trusting relationship with a caring adult changed Lexi’s attitude towards school from dread, to looking forward to her classes and feeling motivated to focus on learning. Lexi says that her favorite part of being a CIS student is getting to talk to Ali and hang out in the Student Success Center. She continues to move forward with a giving heart, helping in the Success Center, and doesn't let anything hold her back from achieving high grades. 

Last year, more than 88,000 students in Georgia, like Lexi, received one-on-one support and family recovery services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and school building closures. Thanks to the support of partners like you, 97 percent of our students were promoted to the next grade and 96 percent of our seniors graduated. These students often give credit to the community, of which you are a part, that surrounded them with support just when they needed it the most.

As you consider your year-end giving, would you be willing to make a special gift to further support students in Georgia? With your generosity, Communities In Schools of Georgia will be able to continue surrounding them with a network of trust they can turn to no matter where they are in their journey—so they can take charge of the future they want for themselves, their communities and each other. 

Here are a few ways your gifts may be used: 

$25 - allows us to assemble and distribute hygiene kits to five families, which includes daily staples like soap, laundry detergent,  and deodorant 

$50 - provides a one-week supply of food for a family of 2 

$100 - provides a one-week supply of food for a family of 4 

$250 - provides access to technology tools which may include laptop, software, and internet access for students 

$500 - allows a Communities In Schools staff lead to engage 25 students, and their families, for one week with virtual mentoring, homework assistance, tutoring, preparing and delivering food baskets and mental health tools for social-emotional development.  

During these unprecedented times, where it is very important to stay safe and healthy, we ask you to participate in this effort of generosity to help our neighbors throughout the region and state. Lexi, her siblings, and many underserved families like hers are counting on you, now more than ever.