Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads

Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads is an affiliate of the national nonprofit Communities In Schools, dedicated to student success. Founded on the belief that relationships transform lives, CISofHR ensures that students facing barriers to success receive the support they need—right inside their school buildings. With the guidance of a trusted adult coordinating essential resources, students are more likely to stay in school, graduate on time, and thrive beyond the classroom. Serving 34 elementary, middle, and high schools across all seven Hampton Roads cities, CISofHR is committed to making a lasting difference. Every day, CISofHR Site Coordinators foster strong, trusting relationships with students, empowering them to overcome challenges—whether in attendance, academics, or behavior. Additionally, CISofHR works closely with community partners who provide essentials such as food, hygiene, clothing, and housing.

From Skipping Classes to Graduation Day: Taniyah’s Journey

For Taniyah, her senior year at Hampton High School felt like a mountain too steep to climb. Struggling with depression, self-doubt, and distress caused by her parents’ separation, she began skipping classes, and her grades started to slip, putting graduation at risk.

Everything changed when she was connected with Communities In Schools of Hampton Roads.  Taniyah's CISofHR Site Coordinator quickly stepped in to assess her needs, coordinate support with school staff, and create a plan to help get her back on track.  Taniyah began receiving daily check-ins, one-on-one mentoring, and consistent encouragement, along with referrals to school-based counseling services to help her manage her mental health.

Taniyah's Site Coordinator worked with her to set realistic academic and attendance goals, monitored her progress, and helped her reconnect with her classes by coordinating with teachers and identifying opportunities to make up missed work.  With structure, accountability, and someon advocating for her, Taniya slowly began to rebuild her confidence.

Taniyah also joined a CISofHR facilitated peer support group, where students shared challenges and celebrated progress together.  In this safe, supportive space, Taniyah began to reframe school--not as a source of stress, but as a pathway for her future.

Over time, Taniyah developed coping strategies, improved her attendance, and became more engaged in her learning.  The combination of individualized support, access to resources, and consistent encouragement helped Taniyah take ownership of her success.

Now, Taniyah is on track to graduate on time--a goal that once felt out of reach.  Her story is a testament to the power of coordinated support, mentorship, and showing up for students every day.  Taniyah is not just going to walk across that stage--she's going to own it!

Your financial support of CISofHR gives greater opportunities to Hampton Roads students in overcoming social, emotional, mental health, and academic barriers to success.

About CISofHR

For nearly 40 years, Communities In Schools has been helping students achieve in school, graduate, and go on to bright futures. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

The story of Communities In Schools 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. “It’s relationships, not programs, that change children,” Bill once said. “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.”

And that’s exactly what Communities In Schools does. Today, we are the nation’s largest and most effective organization dedicated to keeping kids in school and helping them succeed in life. Our unique model positions site coordinators inside schools to assess students’ needs and provide resources to help them succeed in the classroom and in life. We partner with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers and volunteers. Whether it’s food, school supplies, health care, counseling, academic assistance, or a positive role model, Communities In Schools is there to help.