Neighborhood Leaders
Neighborhood Leaders work in each of 16 Prosperity Zones throughout the community. With an emphasis on removing barriers to economic success, Neighborhood Leaders work with residents to help them access services and resources.
Site Coordinators
Utilizing the research-proven national Communities In Schools model, site coordinators work in (and with) schools to build relationships and offer support to students, bring community resources to support the students and schools – in short, to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to succeed in school and achieve in life.
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.
Please join us for a celebration of Family Connection – Communities in Schools as we celebrate the contributions of Hank Huckaby.
Please click the blue “Learn More” button for more information.
Recent News
Read All NewsTestimonials
“This is the most important initiative in Athens.”
Athens-Clarke Co. Mayor
“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
“For some of my kids- it could be getting on track for graduation or staying on track for college. For others, it’s personal struggles like social or family.”
Site Coordinator, Clarke Central High School
“We have a very strong school system, but a child who doesn’t have advocates and support outside of school may not be able to take advantage of those benefits.”
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!
Donate Now