Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

We build strong, trusted relationships with students, youth, and their parents, ensuring they have the relationships and resources they need to succeed and thrive. Years of research resulted in evidence-based supports, services and interventions proven to deliver positive outcomes. We are “all in” for the students and families we serve, doing whatever it takes for them to overcome challenges and barriers in the way of their success.
Established in 1989 as part of the national Communities In Schools network, Communities In Schools of North Carolina supports 17 independent CIS affiliates across the state with training, technical assistance, and coaching. Our network approach harnesses the power of community connections at national and state levels, while local affiliates connect children, families and schools to public and private sector resources in their communities. Beyond network support, CISNC hires and trains CIS Student Support Specialists to work in schools in districts without a local CIS organization. True to our mission, we surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Across the state, Communities In Schools of North Carolina is having an impact. Our success reflects our behaviors, principles, and practices to empower all students to reach their full potential.

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Meet Haven

Meet Zorian

Meet Fathom

Meet Nassair

Meet Antwone

Meet JNCG Specialist Kendall Morrison

Meet Catori

Meet Antwone Milton

Meet Jadence

Meet Zayda

Ximoria Haynie

Jill Cox

Amanda Allen

Ashley Cephas

Dorothy Hinton

Kimberly Barringer

Patricia Brinson

Virginia Haynes

Lamar Hemingway

At CIS, we believe in the power of community, because when we support each other, everyone thrives. Yesterday, CIS Specialists Mr. Davis, Ms. Harper, and Mr. Whitfield joined World Tabernacle Church in Nash County to assist with their Mobile Food Market, providing nourishing meals for families in need. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve beyond the classroom and connect with the community that lifts us all up.

Students in CISNC's Jobs for North Carolina’s Graduates (JNCG) program in Robeson County visited Fayetteville State University to learn about its academic programs, discover career pathways, and gain insight into the opportunities available to them beyond high school. During their visit, students experienced a glimpse of college life, learned about different fields of study, and gained valuable knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their next steps after graduation. Thank you to FSU for welcoming our students and investing in their future success.

Behind every student story is someone who showed up, listened, and helped them take the next step. Every student's needs are different. That's why individualized support matters. Visit cisnc.org to learn how CIS Specialists show up for students and help create school environments where everyone can thrive.

This year, CISNC’s Network Support team invited CIS staff from across the state for regional sessions in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington, creating valuable opportunities to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen our collective impact on students and schools. From building data leaders and supporting diverse learners to strengthening school support teams, time management, and family engagement, these sessions equipped participants with practical tools and strategies to support their work. Topics also included Connection Before Correction, restorative practices, and Leading Without a Title. Together, we’re building stronger connections, expanding our knowledge, and empowering our teams to better support students, schools, and families across North Carolina!

🎓 From CIS to College! 🎓 This week is NC College Application Week; the perfect opportunity for students to take the next step toward their future! Select NC colleges and universities are waiving their application fees, making it easier for students to pursue their dreams of higher education. We’re proud to celebrate Kierlynn, a 2026 CIS graduate enrolled at UNCG. Her journey is an inspiring example of how CIS supports students in reaching their goals and building a bright future! Visit CFNC.org to learn more about NC College Application Week and complete your college applications.

Strong partnerships create stronger futures. We are grateful to The Leon Levine Foundation for its generous $50,000 investment in Communities In Schools of North Carolina's statewide Model of Integrated Student Supports. This investment will help us continue empowering students in North Carolina with the tools, resources, and relationships they need to succeed in school, work, and life.

Last week, CIS Specialist Ms. Alexandrya, hosted a bullying prevention event at Walker-Spivey Elementary in collaboration with the school counselor. The theme was “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully!” Students in grades K–2 colored ribbons, while students in grades 3–5 signed a pledge to help prevent bullying. Through activities like these, we’re helping students build a school community where everyone feels safe and supported.

When educators feel regulated, students can too. 💙 CISNC is proud to partner with NCDPI to train school counselors across our state on The Regulated Classroom. This approach equips educators with strategies to help students feel safe. By investing in school counselors, we're strengthening the support system around teachers and students. This is what partnership looks like: working together so that every North Carolina student has a community of support, in and out of the classroom. #CISNC #AllInForStudents #TheRegulatedClassroom #NCDPI #SchoolCounselors #StudentWellbeing #NCEducation

To inspire friendly competition between classrooms, Jobs for North Carolina's Graduates (JNCG) in the 9&10, program and 11&12 program at Concord High School held a competition during Attendance Awareness Month. 💙647 total students took the Pledge to be Present but the winners were the 9&10 program with 💙369 completed Pledges. The 11&12 grade program followed up with 💙278 Pledges respectively. Shoutout to Specialists Jerald Freeman and Lashay Fernandez for an engaging event inspiring students to show up and be present every day.

Yesterday, CIS Specialist at DS Johnson Elementary, Ms. Edwards hosted an Anti Bullying event, reminding students to be kind and considerate of others. Every student deserves to feel safe. At CIS, we are building a community of kindness and support, empowering students to speak up and stand up for one another. Together, we can create schools where every student feels heard and supported.

A few years ago, CIS Alum Jennifer stepped onto the stage at the BASH and, in front of a room full of guests, shared her story with confidence. She had been bullied in school. But rather than letting that experience define her, she chose to use her voice to reach out and support others. Every student deserves to feel safe. At CIS, we are building a community of kindness and support, empowering students to speak up and stand up for one another. Together, we can create schools where every student feels heard and supported.

Yesterday, Lewis Chapel Middle School wrapped up Attendance Awareness Month with an interactive event hosted by Student Services. Students pledged to be PRESENT by filling out their “Pledge to be Present” cards, learned about the clubs offered at LCMS, and were connected with resources to support their mental health. This event was a fun and creative way to increase student engagement, highlight the importance of being present at school, and provide information about mental health resources.

CISNC collaborated with CACRAO (Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) a Tier 1 college and career opportunity for juniors and seniors. More than 55 colleges and postsecondary organizations were represented, giving students the opportunity to explore college options, speak directly with representatives, ask questions about admissions and programs, and learn more about opportunities available after high school. Approximately 480 students participated in the event. This schoolwide Tier 1 support promoted college and career readiness by increasing students’ exposure to postsecondary opportunities and helping them make informed decisions about their future.

As we continue through the school year, let's remember that every day counts for students. Being PRESENT Matters. Thank you to the students, families, educators, and community members who have taken the Pledge to Be Present. Our work doesn't stop here. Let's continue to ensure every student has the support they need to show up to school engaged and ready to learn: CISNC.org #BeingPresentMatters #PledgeToBePresent #AttendanceAwarenessMonth #allinforkids

Congratulations to CISNC Specialist Ximoria Haynie recipient of the “Your Mark Matters” Award for her dedication to students in Cabarrus County! From her Principal Mrs. Marsh: "Ximoria is has an incredible ability to connect with our students. As our Communities In Schools Support Specialist, she builds meaningful relationships, meets student where they are, and makes a genuine difference in their lives every day. She doesn't seek spotlight or recognition-she simply shows up, cares deeply, and does the work. And that quiet consistency has a BIG impact on our students and our school community."

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