Annual Report
Communities In Schools of Michigan is part of a national network that ensures every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Working directly inside 73 schools and community sites across the state, we connect students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. Together, we build a powerful change movement made up of peers, students, and alumni committed to building an equitable path to education for future generations.
A Note from Our Leadership
At Communities In Schools (CIS) of Michigan, we are committed to unlocking the potential within every student by surrounding them with a community of support. This past year, our journey has taken us deeper into the heart of Michigan’s schools and neighborhoods, ensuring that students who face the greatest obstacles have access to the tools they need to succeed. From social-emotional learning to college and career preparation, our efforts have woven a safety net of care, compassion, and opportunity.
One student who once felt invisible in the crowded halls now feels seen, heard, and supported through the mentorship and services provided by CIS. Their story is one of many that demonstrate the transformative impact of personalized attention and resources tailored to individual needs. We witnessed families breathe easier as they received basic necessities, and students' eyes light up as they discovered their potential to achieve great things.
Our team provided a lifeline in moments of crisis and a steady hand in the pursuit of long-term success. Because of your support, nearly 600,000 individual connections were made with students, reinforcing the truth that every child deserves a chance to thrive.
Together, we are not just preparing students for graduation but for life. Thank you for being a crucial part of this journey. Your partnership is changing lives, and we are honored to continue this work together.
Our Numbers
In the 2023-23 school year, we served in 73 schools/community sites and had 926 case-managed students in every grade from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Our Student Support Coordinators provided supports including academic assistance, basic needs, behavioral interventions, and school programming.
Success Story - Social/Emotional Learning
Legacy Charter Academy - Student Support Coordinator Merrylynne Patterson created and led a club that promotes self-love, self-awareness, and self-confidence called GirlTalk. Over three months, staff members at Legacy and Merrylynne would meet with female students in 2nd-7th grades after school to do different activities and talk about boundaries, self-identifying traits, self-confidence, self-love, self-worth, self-awareness, emotions, anger triggers, and anger management tools.
One of the best lessons was making what seem like negative qualities about ourselves positive. The girls got the opportunity to look at themselves in a different light and realize that we are all special in our own ways. On their last day, the girls created friendship bracelets to show that even when they were apart, they are still a team. When they get upset or down, they can always think about what our GirlTalk friends would do. The girls had an absolute blast and would always ask when their next meeting was. They always left with a smile on their faces and talked about what they learned.
Supports Provided
CIS of Michigan provided 17,751 hours of whole-school supports in 2022-23, which impacted students 595,965 times, and parents/guardians 74,796 times.
Support Categories
Basic Needs/Resources Distributed
In the 2022-23 school year, CIS of Michigan distributed 128,641 basic needs items worth $973,206.70 to students and families in need. Basic needs include clothing, food, hygiene products, and school supplies
Our Impact
School-wide Goal Achievement
Schools reported improvement and/or achievement of strategic goals in academic performance, student attendance rates, student behavior, and overall school climate.
Schools and Community Sites
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It makes me feel good that I am getting help to be a better reader.
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Success Story - Literacy
The Reading Buddy support program is off to a great start at Verona Elementary. A third-grade student who had once expressed that she did not want to start the weekly reading buddy program because she couldn’t read is now looking forward to her sessions and is also reading at home! Student Support Coordinator Larvenda Williams has set weekly goals with this student, and if her goal is met each Friday she receives a reward. Thanks to all of our Ready Buddy volunteers for being #AllinforKids
Types of Support Provided
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Literacy Programs such as the Dearborn District-wide Spelling Bee foster camaraderie, encourage participants to push their intellectual boundaries and enhance their literacy skills. Beyond the thrill of competition, this event cultivates crucial life skills such as public speaking, composure under pressure, and dedication to diligent preparation.
By establishing a district-wide spelling bee, we promote a culture of academic enthusiasm and celebrate the exceptional talents of our youth. It’s an opportunity to recognize their hard work and dedication while inspiring others to strive for excellence. This event serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant educational community where words are not just letters on a page, but keys to unlocking boundless potential.
Types of Programs
Dearborn District Spelling Bee
Literacy Days
Reading Buddies
Storyboard Walk
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Access to food is a fundamental human right that lies at the heart of well-being and dignity. The importance of food access transcends mere sustenance; it impacts every aspect of individual and community life. Adequate nutrition fuels physical health, cognitive development, and overall vitality. It empowers individuals to reach their full potential and actively contribute to society.
Without reliable access to nutritious meals, opportunities are stifled, potential goes unrealized, and inequalities deepen.
Prioritizing food access is a critical step towards a brighter future. It’s a commitment to ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive, and that every community flourishes. Through programs such as community food markets, turkey drives, and weekend food bags, we can help build a world where food is a source of strength, unity, and empowerment for all.
Types of Food Access Supports
Mobile Food Pantries
Family Markets
Weekend Bags
Vouchers
Food from Cooking Matters
Emergency Food Assistance
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Providing physical health supports is an investment in our youth. By nurturing bodies through exercise, nutrition, and preventative care, we create a solid foundation for a life of energy, happiness, and fulfillment. Preventative measures, such as hosting medical and dental check-ups to immunizations, can help catch potential issues before they escalate, ensuring early intervention and successful treatment. Through these supports, we help children take control of their well-being and minimize the impact of health challenges on their lives.
Types of Supports
Nutrition Education
Cooking Matters Program
Student Voices for Healthy Choices
Service Learning
School Events
Dental Visits
Vision Assistance
Enrichment Activities
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Programming on ideas such as Restorative Practices heralds a transformative approach to conflict resolution and community building. Unlike traditional punitive methods, these practices prioritize healing, empathy, and accountability. They recognize that when harm occurs, it’s not just about punishment; it’s an opportunity for growth and reconciliation. In schools, workplaces, and communities, these practices mend the social fabric by encouraging collaboration and restoring trust. They empower individuals to take responsibility for their actions, leading to meaningful resolutions that go beyond simple punishment. By involving all stakeholders in the process, restorative practices build a sense of ownership and shared commitment to a harmonious environment.
Supports Provided
Restorative Practices
Support Guidance
Social Emotional Learning
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Over 147 undecided senior students received information about career programs, trade schools, and financial aid options that are available to them. Many students were encouraged to apply to community colleges.
Supports Provided
Field trips to partner corporations
Resume writing and mock interviews
Field trips to local colleges
Grow Detroit Young Talent Program
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Diversity, equity, and inclusion are hallmark values of our organization. C3 is our Climate and Culture Collective which consists of multiple workgroups (Student Voice, Organizational Health, Restorative Practices, and Mental Health/Body Work) that all members of our organization can participate in to share their ideas, thoughts, and feedback. These workgroups and members are involved with various aspects of the organization from planning and facilitating programming, revamping and reviewing the staff evaluation process, creating resources and training for burnout and mental health, and planning the structure and content for our annual restorative practices training along with the community circles scheduled throughout the year.
Supports Provided
Cultural Diversity Programs
C3 programming
Book readings on topics of DEI
Our Finances
Success Story - College & Career Prep
Battle Creek - CIS of Michigan was able to partner with The Diversity Org, which teaches underrepresented and minority students about how to obtain high-income and corporate careers through their Fortune 500 partners.
Battle Creek area junior high and high school students had the opportunity to visit Kellogg’s Headquarters to listen to an employee panel talk about their job roles, the perks, and tips and tricks they learned along the way. They went over the importance of networking and how it plays a big part in finding opportunities. After that, they toured Headquarters and helped pack snack bags to be donated to our community. Last but not least the students had a photo session with Tony the Tiger!
Our Stewardship
We can’t do the work that we do in out schools and communities without the generous support of donors such as you. Every donation, large or small, adds up to us making a direct impact on Michigan’s children. Please consider helping us continue to make a difference in kids’ lives by donating today.
Donors: $10,000 and up
Donors: $1,000-$9,999
Donors: $100-$999
