Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice welcomed over 300 attendees to the annual Communities In Schools West Virginia conference. The event, known as the Student Supports Institute, recently took place and brought together site coordinators, county contacts, and partners from across the state to discuss best practices for supporting students.
Communities In Schools West Virginia, an initiative led by the First Lady, has been operating in the state since 2018. Today, the program operates in all 55 counties, making West Virginia the only state in the country with CIS sites in every county. The program aims to provide vital resources to at-risk students, helping them stay in school and succeed.
“Communities In Schools has the power to transform lives by providing the necessary support to our students, which is why we remain committed to ensuring its continued success,” First Lady Justice stated. “The people in this room deserve an enormous amount of credit because you are the ones connecting with our students and giving them that extra boost they need. We are thrilled to see Communities In Schools expand to every county in our beautiful state. Your dedication makes a real difference, and together, we are building a brighter future for all our children.”
“Investing in our children is the best investment we can make,” Gov. Justice remarked. “We’ve invested a lot into Communities In Schools because we know it makes a real difference. Every single person here has played a tremendous part in the success we are seeing. You are the ones making a difference. Cathy and I have been blown away by the love and support you all provide. We see it and feel it every time we visit your schools. Cathy, especially, has poured her heart into this initiative, and honestly, Communities In Schools wouldn’t be what it is today without her. This program is truly changing lives, and we’re so grateful for each of you.”
Bill Milliken, the national founder of Communities In Schools, also attended the conference to celebrate the program’s milestone expansion to all 55 counties, which the Governor and First Lady announced this year.
Key achievements of Communities In Schools in West Virginia include:
- Statewide Reach: More than 250 dedicated site coordinators across over 270 schools directly empower over 114,000 students by providing individualized support and connecting them with essential resources.
- Economic Impact: The annual salaries of site coordinators exceed $18 million, significantly contributing to local economies and supporting hundreds of families.
- Emotional Impact: Numerous stories of transformed lives underline the program’s effectiveness in improving student performance, attendance, and overall well-being.
Statistics indicate significant positive outcomes for students nationwide, with 76% showing improved behavior, 82% enhancing their academics, and 68% experiencing better attendance.
Communities In Schools West Virginia’s signature program, Friends with Paws, has introduced over 30 therapy dogs to schools across the state, with more on the way. These certified therapy dogs provide companionship and comfort to students, contributing to increased attendance, reduced behavioral issues, and improved social connections. Several therapy dogs also made appearances at the conference held at the Waterfront Hotel.
“What began as a small vision has grown into a significant achievement, benefiting West Virginia students for the better,” said Carla Snell, Communities In Schools Regional Specialist. “What an opportunity for others to learn more about the program, take strategies back to the schools to help students and families, and, of course, be in the presence of fellow CIS colleagues. I’m so thankful to be a part of CIS for the past six years, and I can’t wait to see where the future will take this program.”
John Henry, Wyoming County School Superintendent, praised the initiative, stating, “Wyoming County is blessed with some of the most wonderful people in this state. They continuously step up to pull together resources to meet the needs of students and families. Communities In Schools is the missing piece that allows those resources to come together. Parents and students love and appreciate CIS because it is delivered in a safe environment created by strong positive relationships.”
