LANSING, Mich. — Communities In Schools (CIS) of Michigan – “We are all in the business of supporting people and making our communities better,” said Kelly O’Brien, Vice President of Agency for State Farm Insurance as she accepted an award at the Communities In Schools of Michigan’s Leadership In Education Dinner. In nine communities across Michigan, Communities In Schools affiliates are working hand-in-hand with businesses like State Farm Insurance to make sure all students know that their lives matter, their education matters, and to empower students to stay in school.
Since school closures on March 15th, CIS of Michigan site coordinators delivered 7,996 meals, 2,818 books, 2,435 hygiene products, and 1,422 school supplies in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Dearborn, Detroit, Lansing, Pontiac, and Ypsilanti. Over $101,237 of basic needs were donated to 1,493 families. By coming together with 62 partner agencies, 151 volunteers and 11 philanthropic partners, these communities made sure students could continue to learn and stay connected while schools were closed.
“Our partnership with Communities In Schools has been amazing! They have helped us bring in more volunteers, create more connections in the community, and close the gap between what students’ have and what they need,” said Kim Carter, PH.D., Superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools. CIS of Michigan collaborates with school communities to understand each student’s needs and delivers resources tailored to them. School districts across the country are seeking out community partners to help provide critical services to meet the needs of kids during this uncertain time when no one knows what school will look like this next year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Carter shared how CIS of Michigan “has helped us reach these families even though our school doors have been closed.”
Communities In Schools of Michigan could not reach as many students and families without financial support from philanthropic partners like State Farm Insurance and DTE Energy. This year CIS of Michigan honored State Farm Insurance for their years of service and volunteerism in education, along with Casandra Ulbrich, PH.D., President of the State Board of Education. “This is work you all should be proud of, you are making our world a better place one child at a time,” said Kelly O’Brien as she addressed the viewers at the virtual event held on June 8th, 2020.
CIS of Michigan makes sure students have what they need to complete their K-12 education, regardless of the challenges they may face, or the circumstances of the day. CIS achieves this lofty goal through relationships with students, families, schools, businesses, other charitable organizations, and the
community. Together with these community partners, CIS of Michigan aims to provide an equitable educational opportunity for all students. In a time when racial inequities are never more prevalent, and students are being asked to overcome more obstacles to achieve a quality education than ever before, CIS is there. Whether it is through online case management, supply distribution, or tackling tough conversations about being a Black or Brown student in America, CIS site coordinators invest their resources into Michigan’s kids. As an honoree, Casandra Ulbrich shared about the impact of current events on students and the 2020 school landscape, “Just imagine what a child is feeling. What we see today demonstrates why relationships are so vitally important, especially for our little ones. That is why supporting institutions like public schools and organizations like CIS are more important now than ever.”
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Communities In Schools (CIS) of Michigan is part of a national network that ensures all students have what they need to stay in school and on a path to a brighter future. Working directly inside more than 2,500 school and community sites across the country, Communities In Schools connects kids to caring adults and community resources designed to help them succeed in school and life. With a proven mix of evidence-based practice and human capital, we do whatever it takes to empower kids to realize their full potential.
Check us out online at www.cismichigan.org and at www.facebook.com/CISofMichigan/.
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