About Us

We're in schools to help students stay in school

Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Timeline

1977

Communities In Schools begins operations in New York City.

2014

CIS of Tennessee Founding Task Force established.

2018

Memphis becomes an independent 501(c)(3).

2012

At the invitation of Metro Nashville Public Schools and the Martha O'Bryan Center, CIS pilots its program in four East Nashville schools.

2014

Memphis is added to the CIS of Tennessee network.

2018

Memphis becomes an independent 501(c)(3).

Founding Task Force

In 2014, the following community members came together to begin the work of CIS in the state of Tennessee.

Alene Arnold

Executive Director | Tech Plus Tennessee

Hal Cato

CEO | Thistle Farms

Alice Chapman

Managing Partner | MP&F Communications

Lonnell Matthews

Director | Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods & Community Engagement

Sean McCray

Manager | HCA

Candice McQueen

Commissioner | Tennessee Department of Education

Danielle Mezera

Education Consultant

Kathryn Kubiak-Rizzone

Physical Therapist

Julie Simone

Lipscomb University

Jim Shulman

Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability

Ronnie Stenie

Councilman-At-Large

Kaki Friskics-Warren

Executive Director | Dan & Margaret Maddox Charitable Fund

Jeff Yarbo

Tennessee State Senator

National Network

The story of CIS began in the 1970s, when Founder Bill Milliken, then a youth advocate in New York City, came up with the idea of bringing community resources inside public schools – where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable. Operating in more than 2,300 schools in the most challenged communities of 25 states and the District of Columbia, CIS serves 1.5 million young people and their families each year.

“It’s relationships, not programs, that change children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children. Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they also have a sense of belonging to a caring community.”

- Bill Milliken

Founder & Vice Chairman of Communities In Schools, Inc.