We believe each child is invaluable and deserves unwavering support. We unite with individuals like you to ensure that no child is overlooked, providing them with the opportunities they need to thrive and achieve their dreams.

We surround students with a community of support.

At Communities in Schools of Thomasville, we surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We believe every student, regardless of their identity, ability or zip code, deserves a quality education that puts them on a path to success.

About Us

How we do it

Our evidence-based model connects students to caring adults and community resources. We work alongside parents, educators, community-based organizations, school and district leaders to help our students overcome obstacles and succeed in school and life. Learn about our impact.

Why it matters

The more students succeed, the stronger our communities become. When we recognize the value of all students, embrace them for who they are, and give them what they need to succeed, the result is more graduates, a more robust workforce, a more prosperous economy and thriving communities.

Join Our Community of Support

Mission & History

Community Partners

Financial Information

Leadership & Staff

Communities In Schools Affiliates

national

North Carolina

Student Success Leads to Stronger Communities

Tailored support leads to greater opportunity. It’s a simple idea. When each student is provided with the support, resources and opportunities they need, they can succeed in school, the workforce and life.

students were reached with CIS supports and resources

1,433

Schools Served

4

of K-11 students were promoted to the next grade level

98%

of seniors graduated

100%

Fast Facts

Communities In Schools of Thomasville (CIS) is embedded full-time in Thomasville City Schools, forging strong relationships with students to empower them to stay in school and succeed in life. By working daily within schools, our staff can identify and address non-academic challenges that might otherwise go unnoticed, from immediate needs like food and clothing to complex needs such as counseling and mentoring.

When they succeed, we all succeed.

Founder Bill Milliken begins Communities In Schools, then called Cities in Schools, was born in New York City.

1977

a new vision

Superintendent Dan Cockman began exploring the possibility of starting a CIS program in Thomasville

fall 1991

it all begins

CIS of Thomasville officially received their 501(c)(3) status

january 1994

Official

Judy Younts was hired as the first full-time director

april 1994

our first director

CIS begins programming at Thomasville Middle and High Schools

AUGUST 1994

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL

Year-end Report shows student gains with 60 students served

JUNE 1995

FIRST YEAR SUCCESS

CIS expands services to Liberty Drive Elementary

AUGUST 1995

New SCHOOL

To acknowledge that CIS is devoted to creating community, Cities In Schools changed its name to Communities In Schools

1996

name change

CIS expands services to Thomasville Primary School

february 1, 1996

Final Expansion

CIS of Thomasville became Nationally Accredited Affiliate

2011

nationally recognized

Judy Younts retires and Mary Jane Akerman is hired as Executive Director

2016

New director

CIS of Thomasville became Re-Accredited Affiliate

2018

reaccreditation

Mary Jane Akerman retires and Ricky K. Murphy is hired as Executive Director

2020

new leadership

July 1, CIS of Thomasville moves to 19 East Guilford Street Thomasville, NC

2021

offices move

CIS Thomasville is serving all Thomasville City Schools. Ricky K. Murphy retires and Hunter Thrift is hired as Executive Director

2024

into the future

We show them that completing every grade and graduating high school is achievable.

In Thomasville, where 98.6% of students live in poverty, academic success can be challenging, impacting their future opportunities.

By placing caring adults in schools to assess needs and mobilize community resources, CIS of Thomasville empowers at-risk students to succeed.

Nationally, Communities In Schools is the only organization proven to increase graduation rates.

Our History

Financial statements

You can view and download our most recent 990 forms by clicking the links below.
2021-2022
If you have additional questions, please contact Heather Kapp at kapph@cisthomasville.org
2022-2023