Neighborhood Leaders
Neighborhood Leaders work in each of 16 Zones with low-income families throughout Athens providing access to federal and local resources.
Site Coordinators
Communities-In-Schools coordinators stationed at Alps Elementary assist students in the following areas: Academics, Attendance, and Behavior Goals. FC-CIS connects students and their families with needed support, including tutoring, Neighborhood Leader Circles, basic needs, physical and mental health services, food, school supplies. We bring in community volunteers, resources, and programming (including tutors) into the school, provide case management to students identified by the school team as at risk.
Collaboration
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 50 programs and services, with significant improvement in the lives of individuals and families.
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Testimonials
“Our goal is to help each student get to graduation. We look through their grades as well as behavior and attendance reports, and ask, ‘What could keep this student from graduating?’ “
Site Coordinator, Cedar Shoals High School
“Athens-Clarke County has a wealth of resources and support available for the community that Family Connection-Communities in Schools works diligently to make accessible to those needing assistance.”
FC-CIS Board President
“When it comes to being a Neighborhood Leader, I’m just a parent. I’m not working with the school system in any way. I’m not working with DFACS. I lend an ear and connect families with the resources they need.”
Neighborhood Leader
“Family Connection is the official planning body for Clarke County, and Early Head Start works with them to identify needs in the community. We have very high poverty among children under the age of five.”
Early Head Start Coordinator
Our Impact
Watch VideosFamily Connection – Communities In Schools of Athens supports Neighborhood Leaders and Site Coordinators who work one-on-one with students and their families in neighborhoods and schools. We also facilitate collaboration among government officials, local and state experts, entrepreneurs, executives, nonprofit directors, and others to identify the social, emotional, and academic needs of children in Athens-Clarke County, and ensure they get the support they need to graduate from high school.
The Challenges
ACC has the highest poverty rate of any metropolitan county in the US, which means many children may not enjoy the stability of full-time residence; have adequate sleep, food to eat, or clothes to wear.
They may also be impacted by parents who are distracted due to worry over shelter, bills, conflicts or varied work schedules.
These “adult” issues can have a profoundly negative impact on a child’s development.
HOW WE HELPMake A Donation
When it comes to serving communities, FC-CIS does not just operate from an office. We are in the field, interacting with kids, students and families, building vital relationships and serving their needs on a day-to-day basis.
Sometimes, all it takes is that one person who steps up and says, “I hear you. I see you. I can help you.”
Join us in making a difference!
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