Our story began in early 2017, when First Lady Cathy Justice chose Communities In Schools (CIS) as her primary initiative. After months of intense planning by the West Virginia Department of Education staff, and with a budget proposed by Governor Justice and approved by the West Virginia Legislature, CIS West Virginia was launched. We started our journey in three counties in 2018, and by the commencement of the 2023-24 spring school term, we are proud to operate our CIS program in all 55 counties throughout West Virginia.
Our mission is simple: meet the basic needs of a child first. If children are hungry, sick, or lack proper clothing and a bed to sleep in, they cannot be expected to come to school every day and learn. CISWV is creating solutions to these barriers. As a result, students are attending school and learning, grades are improving, and we are helping high school students focus on the next phase of their lives after graduation.
Our dream was to have this incredible program in all 55 West Virginia counties by 2025. Thanks to the efforts of First Lady Cathy Justice, Governor Jim Justice, and the Department of Education, we have successfully brought this dream to life.
Here's to many more years with Communities In Schools benefiting the future of West Virginia and, most importantly, our children!