In 2021, we launched our Community Schools United, a neighborhood-based strategy that has shown phenomenal success. The program's strategy rethinks public schools to provide children in low-income communities with a high quality education. It centers public schools as hubs for communities and combines a rigorous, relevant educational program with extended learning opportunities, family and community engagement, and an infusion of social services. A child’s zip code should not determine their success in school or life.
There are roughly 5,000 community schools in the United States today, and a social return on investment study indicated every $1 invested in community schools delivers an additional $12-$15 in social value.
Our Community Schools United program, a partnership between United Way of Central GA and two Bibb County elementary schools; LH Williams and Burdell-Hunt, serves students by focusing on whole-child well-being. Community Schools United has a strong focus on student academic success, family advocacy, parental engagement and support for school leadership and teachers, as well as emotional well-being in school communities.
Community Schools United outreach program Laundromat Library launched at its first location, Eisenhower Laundromat. UWCG is partnering with volunteers of Zeta Amicae of Macon, an auxiliary group of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Epsilon Tau Zeta Graduate Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to manage the book nooks at select business locations in Bibb County. Book nooks are unobscured spaces with milk crates filled with elementary level books. On site, young readers are encouraged to read a book or bring one home to share with others.
Crime and safety have been listed among the top concerns of residents living in the Pleasant Hill and Fort Hill neighborhoods. Volunteers performed Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) safety audits on properties. CPTED has become a popular urban planning approach to preventing crime and mitigating fear of crime by improving the physical neighborhood environment.
Community Schools United Director/Community Engagement Project Manager
478-621-7905
SWoodford@UnitedWayCG.com
