Give Back: Communities In Schools shares how it’s helping during holidays

What’s unique about Communities In Schools?

From Tych Cowdin, executive director: Communities In Schools of Chatham County’s (CISCC) mission is to surround students with a network of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

More explicitly, we provide support in five critical areas; a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult, a safe place to learn and grow, a marketable skill to use upon graduation, a chance to give back, and a healthy start for a healthy future. We fuel personal potential, so every student can take charge of their story and define their success for life.

Our programs apply an evidence-based model to target identified needs of referred youth with the highest risks for underachievement by attending to the holistic needs of that individual. These integrated student supports address leading indicators of drop out rate, which are essential to overcoming adversity and finding success through sustained resiliency. CISCC connects students with an array of versatile school and community-based resources through our seven unique programs that enable staff to engage in a cross-pollination of wrap-around supports for youth and families, greatly enhancing their likelihood of success.

How can our readers support you and your program?

Our programs rely on a network of support to broaden and deepen our reach in the community. Volunteers and partners serve a critical role in our ability to connect caring adults with youth in need. Whether it be in time or dollars, we rely on our community to continue building our impact. Contact us at 919-663-0116 or email me at tcowdin@cischatham.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

How have your experiences at CISCC changed you?

I was hired by CISCC in 2014 as a student support specialist at Chatham Middle School, and over the last seven years I have been amazed and inspired by the passion, dedication and commitment of both our staff and community of volunteers and partners. I have seen first-hand the impact that a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult can have on a young person — positively influencing their trajectory, and helping them build sustained resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Together, we can build a community where every child in Chatham County has a chance to reach their full potential by building relationships and breaking down barriers.

For more information, visit our website.