Children First of Buncombe County is Communities In Schools of Asheville - part of a statewide network of local programs that are affiliated with Communities In Schools (CIS), the nation's longest-running dropout prevention program.  The mission of Communities In Schools is to champion the connection of needed community resources with CIS sites to help young people learn, stay in school, and prepare for life.  CIS sites may include schools, after school sites, Community Learning Centers, and Family Resource Centers. 

CIS believes that the solution to student underachievement and school dropout requires a commitment from all community members, including parents, social service providers, businesses, civic organizations, local government, education, and volunteers. 

Using this community support, CIS strives to provide all students with the Five Basics:

1. A Personal One-on-One Relationship with a Caring Adult

2. A Safe Place To Learn and Grow

3. A Marketable Skill to Use Upon Graduation

4. A Chance to Give Back to Peers and Community

5. A Healthy Start and A Healthy Future

Since forming in 1995, Communities In Schools of Asheville has initiated many different programs for at-risk youth in Asheville and Buncombe County, including tutoring and mentoring, technical skills training, cultural enrichment, family involvement, and after school programs.  By the year 2000, almost one thousand students had benefited from Communities In Schools of Asheville's programs and services. On July 1, 2003, Communities In Schools of Asheville merged with Children First.

For more information, contact:
Patricia Harrison, Communities In Schools Director
828-252-44810

Also, visit the Communities In Schools of North Carolina website.