It’s Relationships, Not Programs That Change Children
Communiities In Schools was founded as a national organization in the 1970s. Its founder, Bill Milliken, is known for saying, “It’s relationships, not programs, that change children.” Here in Brunswick County, we embody that belief and adhere to that prermise through our daily work with at-risk students.
In mid October, Gia Antinori, CIS Success Coach at Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary, received a text from a parent of a student who previously received support from Gia while a student at Jessie Mae Monroe. Gia worked with the student throughout 5th grade, and she’s now attending Shallotte Middle School, working with Success Coach Olivia Hintz. Being out of school due to the storm in September and then getting back into the routine of things, Gia finds has been tough for all of us. Gia was able to visit the student at Shallotte Middle and have lunch with her. While she was there many of Gia’s former students she previously served while working in the after school program at Supply Elementary, and her 5th graders from Jessie Mae Monroe, were so excited to see her visiting and stopped to say hello and update her on how they are doing in middle school.
Our Success Coaches not only serve students while they are attending their assigned schools, but they form lasting bonds with them and the impact of those relationships often continue beyond their time in the elementary or middle school program led by that Success Coach. It is the building of mutually respectful, trusting relationships with students that is at the core of what CIS does each day. It was heartwarming for Gia to see the connection her former students still felt with her and she continues to wish them all the best as they continue their educational journeys!
