Communities in Schools of Michigan Inc

“Children in poverty come to school every day with tremendous burdens that hinder their ability to learn. It’s hard to focus on math or reading when you’re hungry or sick or worried about where you’re going to sleep at night. In those conditions, it can seem like the ‘escape valve’ has been welded shut from the outside.”—Daniel Cardinali, President, Communities in Schools

“I felt like my life was spiraling. I had just moved here with my five kids and they had missed a lot of school. I had no support system, and then I received a phone call from our Communities In Schools site coordinator who saved the day by helping me get the kids registered for school. She helped us get clothing, shoes, school supplies, access to community resources and even free haircuts for the kids". Parent.

“As a Communities In Schools site coordinator, one of the greatest privileges is to be inthe position to help students and families in need of support. I am able to help meet individual physical needs through the generous support of our community partnersand also offer emotional support to students and parents. Absenteeism was a challenge for one family, having just moved here. Partnering with them to problem-solve allowed us to get the kids in school and help them succeed. They benefitted from being part of the Communities In Schools mentoring program and were able to establish good attendance and study habits, as well as make lasting friendships with other students.Transportation was also an issue, so having the school as a place for distribution of basic items helped tremendously because the family did not have to drive to each of the human service agencies to get their needs met. I am proud to share that one student who recently graduated high school, is now in the National Guard, working full-time, and volunteering each week at his local church. It is so fulfilling for me to see these students achievingin life". Site Coordinator.

"One of the five basics in the CIS model is that every child needs and deserves a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult.  My site coordinator was caring and supportive.  Honestly, she was like family with her warm spirit and infectious smile.  Whatever I desired to do, she would encourage me and find resources ...  Ms. Lewis was like a second mom/grandma.  She would not let you slide.  It was the perfect mixture of tough love and a soft heart.  She was exactly what my school and the community needed". Student.

Working with both schools and their surrounding communities, Communities In Schools does whatever it takes to help kids stay in school and succeed in life. Based directly inside schools throughout Michigan and the country, Communities In Schools connects students and their families to basic and critical educational and community-based resources, tailored to each student's specific needs. In 2014-15 CIS served over 25,000 students in Michigan..but over 400,000 school age children in our State live in poverty and need our help..please help us, help them. 

• IMPACT: 98% of the students we serve advance to the next grade level. 96% of the students we serve graduate.
• COST: An independent study found that every dollar invested in CIS creates $11.60 in economic benefit to the community.
• EFFECTIVENESS: The CIS model for delivering integrated student supports has been nationally evaluated and proven to decrease dropouts and increase graduation rates.