Family Connection-Communities in Schools of Athens

Capability and care. That was the focus of the last two days as our Leadership Team gathered to dig deep into our work. It was joyful and fun and thoughtful and challenging.

This is just a glimpse into the fun we had but the hard work was there too, as we focused on ways we can continue fulfilling our mission of building relationships and connecting people with resources.

Because When Communities Connect, People Thrive!

Sometimes what a neighbor needs most is someone who knows where to turn—and someone who cares enough to help.

Our Neighborhood Leaders do both. They connect residents with vital community resources while building the trusted relationships that help neighbors feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Because strong communities are built through strong connections.

Leveling the playing field. That's how Zowee Strong, one of our Cedar Shoals High School Communities in Schools Site Coordinator describes her work.

She and fellow Site Coordinator Ally Mauldin were highlighted in the Cedar Shoals Blueprint Magazine and we are so proud of both their work and also the great work of the student journalists! Read about how our Site Coordinators are creating community and making an impact every day: https://cedarblueprints.com/2026/02/27/creating-community-meet-your-cis-site-coordinators/

Feeling inspired after that read? Consider making a donation today so we can continue this amazing community-wide student support work.

https://fccis.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

We’re buzzing with excitement to share about our fall event! We'll be sharing more in the next two weeks but until then, BEE sure to save the date!

September 11 at 7 p.m. at the VFW Post 2872

Stay tuned!

It’s officially summer, and while that brings sunshine and fun, it also brings real challenges for many of our families—higher A/C bills, childcare gaps, limited access to resources, and for students, the risk of learning loss, food insecurity, and feeling disconnected.

We’re here for all of it. Our residents can reach out to us with any need, and we will work to connect them to the support and solutions that help stabilize and strengthen their households. And our students aren’t on their own either. Our Site Coordinators continue checking in, showing up, and making sure young people stay supported all summer long.

Summer may look like a break for some, but for us, the work never stops—and we’re grateful for that. If you’d like to help us keep this support going, consider making a donation today.

https://fccis.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

Local, connected collaboration.

As the Family Connection for Athens-Clarke County, we foster collaboration amongst fellow nonprofits and partners to find and coordinate services and solutions addressing real problems in real time for real and lasting change. We create space for interagency learning and collaboration, all in service to local Athenians.

Are you a local nonprofit wanting to get in on the conversation? Join us at our next Interagency meeting in June and see about future meetings and events on our Interagency Hub calendar here: https://www.fc-cisofathens.org/athens-interagency-hub

It's graduation time! We are so excited for our Communities in Schools graduating seniors!

This week, we had the opportunity to honor them with a personalized celebration, supported by Whataburger and CIS National, giving them an evening to remember. It is privilege to work with these students and see them meeting their goals, graduating, and most importantly, thriving! Congratulations, CIS graduates!

https://www.fc-cisofathens.org/news-and-updates/congratulations-class-of-2026

Board Spotlight! 🔦

We are pleased to shine a light on our Board Treasurer, Carl Blount. Carl grew up in Burke County, a rural agricultural county in South Georgia. His family owned a farm, which included cattle and row crops. A proud graduate of UGA, Carl is active in his community serving the needs of Athens and surrounding area through Rotary Club and several other civic organizations. He and his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children live in Glenwood, where Carl can often be found coaching youth sports.

“The time I have spent Family Connection-Communities in Schools of Athens has been some of the most rewarding with any organization in Athens. Few groups in our area have as much of an impact on those most in need as efficiently and effectively.”

Thank you, Carl, for your amazing advocacy and commitment to our work and the Athens community.

Our Director of Development had a chance to meet and speak at Kiwanis Club of Athens this week, sharing about our work. We are grateful for organizations like this who are investing deeply into our community in all manner of ways, and who truly embody our mentality that "When Communities Connect, People Thrive!"

Thank you Alison Alwes with Family Connection-Communities in Schools of Athens for sharing your mission and vision with us at lunch this week!

The Den. It’s a meeting place and a collaborative space for our Site Coordinators and Neighborhood Leaders.

Why do we do it? Because we don’t believe in working in silos. Everyone here in Athens is connected - or should be - in one way or another. And so our team works hard to collaborate across our programs to bring resources and relationships to our students and families alike.

On the docket for today’s Den meeting? Relationship building and play. Creating a space where our team can connect, bond and have space to rest and enjoy is vital to balancing the hard work they do to remove barriers for our neighbors every day.