School Resource Coordinators

Communities In Schools of Central Ohio is finding solutions for the students who need help by developing strategies focused on addressing identified community issues:

1. Increasing the graduation rate
2. Decreasing school violence and discipline issues
3. Integrating the increasing immigrant population
4. Reducing student mobility between schools
5. Improving healthy lifestyles for children

What sets Communities In Schools apart from other organizations is its model of providing a comprehensive range of community services.

Many children face challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Through a school-based coordinator positioned in partner schools, Communities In Schools strategically aligns and delivers needed resources so that students can focus on learning. In this pivotal role, the coordinator works with school staff to identify students at risk of not graduating. He or she assesses school and student needs and establishes relationships with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers, and parent and volunteer organizations to harness needed resources.

Whether it’s tutoring, eyeglasses or just a safe place to be after school, when these needs are met, students can concentrate on learning. We work within school systems and maximize the use of dedicated volunteers and community partners.

School Resource Coordinator staff has the unique opportunity to broker a variety of community resources directly into the schools to encourage students to improve attendance, decrease school violence and discipline incidents, and increase graduation rates. Our staff works with school administrators and teachers to develop academic and attendance goals in the school building. Staff also identifies specific students who are in need of targeted interventions. These students and their families are connected to counseling, tutoring, mentoring, after-school programs, emergency food, health insurance and clinics based on their identified need.

After-school time: Research has found that, on school days, the hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are the peak hours for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex. Communities In Schools facilitates programs that provide a safe environment with daily tutoring, a nutritious meal, physical activity, and a place where students can explore their hopes and dreams. CIS offers enrichment opportunities for the students that they would never experience otherwise. Our data shows that 69% of students in the after-school programs increased their overall school grades and scores on standardized tests.

Immigrant Student Population: Language and cultural barriers were preventing the growing Somali and Hispanic youth from obtaining the education they need to succeed. Our bi-lingual staff supports the students and their families in adjusting to school structures, academic expectations and social behaviors. Family members are connected to resources that will specifically help them remain stable, healthy and informed.

Stable Families Program: A study by the Columbus Foundation shows that many low-income Columbus families move households frequently; subsequently, children are switching schools multiple times during a school year. Students who move from schools more than once a year achieve less academically, have a poorer attendance record and have a higher number of serious discipline incidents. Communities In Schools, Gladden Community House, Central Community House and the Community Shelter Board are partnering on a project that will assist eligible families who are at risk of losing their rental housing. Families are provided with case management, supportive services and cash assistance, if necessary, to maintain housing -- all so that their children will remain stable in their school for the year. The families' capacity to appropriately utilize community resources is also increased.