One of the best lessons my son’s preschool teacher taught wasn’t in class. It was taught at Parent-Teacher Night , two years ago.
She told us all of the exciting things our children would be learning during the year, but closed by sharing that the first four things a child needs to be successful in learning happen before they even walking into class.
There are: a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, a stable, loving home life, and a sense of security and boundaries.
Sitting in tiny chair and nestled in the warmth and coziness of a preschool classroom, I knew my son and daughter are privileged enough to have these things and much more.
But should it really be a privilege? Isn’t a no-brainer– food, shelter, love? Shouldn’t every child have the right and the opportunity to succeed?
It’s been unsettling to me to learn that, for whatever reason, not every child given these simple, basic things. It could be something a chaotic and unpredictable as having a family that’s constantly moving or battling addiction. It could be abuse, health issues, or parents who in spite of everything just can’t seems to make ends meet.
The causes are endless, but so are the ways to help. It takes a village to turn these dire circumstances into unimaginable success, and that is the work behind Community in Schools.
Started 30 years ago by Bill Milliken, a youth advocate in New York City, this organization was developed around the idea of bringing community resources inside a public school building in a way that is accessible, coordinated, and accountable.
Since then, Community in School has become the nation’s leading dropout prevention program and has been effective in assessing individual needs, delivering the necessary support, and removing barriers to success.
We are proud to have Community in Schools as the non-profit benefactor of Fill the Backpack 2011 Campaign. Splash Creative Media will be donating 10% of our net profits to this fantastic organization. We are also very thrilled to spread the word about the impact they have made in the community. Although we hope that goodwill doesn’t end with us…
There are ways in which YOU can support them as well.
Donate
With a donation of $200 per child per year, Community in School is able to keep 97% of the young people served on track to graduation. Of course, your contribution is a tax deductible and a whopping 90% of the proceed goes directly to the students.
Donations can be given through planned giving, workplace giving, memorial gifting, foundations, or online.
Volunteer
More than 57,000 volunteers make it possible for Communities In Schools to serve more than 1.3 million young people each year.
Community in Schools owes its continued achievements to the time and talents of people in the community. It’s even in the name!
School are in need of mentors, tutors, community partners, and behind-the-scene volunteers. You can find these volunteer opportunities, as well as your local Community in School online.
Even if all you have to give is a few hours of your time, it’s a few hours that could impact a child for a lifetime.
Advocate
Spread the word and get others to help too. You can start by writing a blog post about them. Follow Community in Schools (@CISnational) on Twitter and “like” their Facebook Page.
The more people who know about their work, the bigger the change you help bring… to our communities, to our schools, to a child in need.
This post is sponsored by Splash Creative Media as a part of the Fill the Backpack campaign. Community in Schools is the benefactor of Fill the Backpack. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own, and do not reflect those of Splash Creative Media or Community in Schools.
This is the last week to enter to win a backpack overstuffed with over $750 worth of Back to School merchandise. Enter to win on any or on all of our blogs.
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