How We Do It

Communities in Schools There are four crucial components to what we do:

Assessing Needs and Assets
Our staff conducts assessments of the needs and assets of the schools to identify available services, gaps and duplication in services, and establish priorities.
Coordinating Supports
Next, our staff forms a Student Assistance Team (SAT) consisting of a variety of service providers from within the school and from outside agencies. By bringing needed supports and resources into the schools, families no longer have to negotiate the maze of public and private agencies which are often located in different places.
Managing Services
Managed by our staff, the SAT facilitates the day-to-day service delivery at CIS schools. Through weekly meetings, SAT members develop and review the service plans of these students who receive intensive in-home and school-based services.
Engaging Community Members and Empowering Parents
In addition to mobilizing service providers, our staff develops Citizen Advisory Groups (CAG) at CIS schools to empower families and community members to actively participate and invest in students’ futures. The CAG membership includes individuals from faith-based and community organizations, business leaders and owners, parents, elected officials and anyone interested in the needs of the school.