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
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
