Join our Team!
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We are thrilled to welcome Mimi Brown Griggs as Parent Engagement Advocate with our Athens THRIVe — Infant and Toddler Court Program. Mimi brings invaluable lived experience, a deep passion for supporting the recovery community, and a strong commitment to family reunification. In her role, she will mentor parents, foster collaborative relationships with caregivers, and serve as a resource for families navigating their dependency cases. Mimi will also advocate for partnership parenting, helping to strengthen connections within families. We are excited to see her grow as a mentor and advocate, and to witness the positive impact she will make as Athens THRIVe continues to welcome and support families.
Congratulations for FC-CIS board members Monique Sanders and Shannon Brooks–2025 ATHENA honorees–nominated for their professional excellence, work to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and their efforts to help other women reach their leadership potential. We are so proud to have you on our team!
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Odyssey News Magazine interviews Clarke Central High School alumni and FC-CIS Executive Director Erin Thompson Podvin, page 26
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Neighborhood Leaders
In partnership with the Athens-Clarke County Mayor & Commission, Neighborhood Leaders work with low income families in each of 16 Zones throughout the community to connect with needed resources to achieve their aspirations, and to engage in community activity. Neighborhood Leaders also help inform policy-makers in addressing barriers to success.
Site Coordinators
Communities In Schools site coordinators serve in school, building relationships with students to address challenges outside the classroom that impact their success in the classroom. Utilizing a research-proven model, they collaborate with parents, educators, community-based organizations, school and district leaders, volunteers, and the students themselves to help our students overcome obstacles and succeed in school and in life. We currently have site coordinators in Gaines Elementary School and Holston Elementary School. More than 90% of the students served by our site coordinators meet or exceed goals in academics, attendance, and behavior.
Collaboration
Designated by the state and local governments as the official coordinating body for services for children
and families, FC-CIS facilitates collaboration among 100+ nonprofit, community, education, government, and health organizations. Through three decades, through this process we and our partners have created/brought to Athens more than 60 programs and services, with significant improvement in the lives of children, youth, and families.