A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This season has been a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together for students. From being named Nonprofit of the Year by the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce to launching new school-based initiatives and community events, the momentum around Communities In Schools of Chesterfield continues to grow.
Take a look through our March e-newsletter to see the impact in action and the many ways you can get involved.
Every volunteer, sponsor, partner, and supporter plays a role in helping students access the relationships and resources they need to thrive. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the potential of every child we serve.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ashley Hall
Executive Director
CIS-C NAMED NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR!
We are thrilled to share that Communities In Schools of Chesterfield has been named Nonprofit of the Year by the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce at the 2026 Diamonds & Denim Annual Celebration & Business Award Ceremony.
This honor recognizes a nonprofit organization that demonstrates strong leadership, operational excellence, and meaningful impact across Chesterfield County. Selected from a competitive group of nominees, CIS-C was recognized for our relationship-centered approach to supporting students and families, our collaborative partnerships, and the measurable outcomes achieved over the past year.
“This recognition is a reflection of the collective dedication of our staff, board, school and district
partners, and community supporters who show up for students every day,” shared Executive Director Ashley Hall.
The Chamber’s annual celebration brings together civic and business leaders from across the region to recognize the people and organizations strengthening our community. We are deeply grateful for this recognition and proud to stand alongside so many partners who believe in ensuring that every student has the relationships, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in school and in life.
HENSHAW GRANTS: BRINGING HANDS-ON LEARNING TO LIFE
Thanks to the generosity of the Henshaw family, CIS-C was able to fund 9 incredible projects across 8 schools, all designed to reinforce the CIS Basics and create meaningful learning experiences for students.
One standout initiative was the Solar Tiny House project at Chalkley Elementary. Students got a hands-on opportunity to design and build a solar-powered tiny house, learning about renewable energy, electrical systems, and sustainability along the way.
These grants are helping students not just learn, but explore, create, and thrive—bringing education to life in ways that spark curiosity and build skills for the future.
SIGN UP FOR ALL SITE VOLUNTEER MONTH!
This April, we’re celebrating All Site Volunteer Month by turning appreciation into action and inviting our community to step in and make a difference where it matters most.
Across all 16 of our school sites, there will be a hands-on volunteer project designed to directly support students and Site Coordinators. Whether it’s organizing resource rooms, supporting student activities, beautifying spaces, assembling care kits, or helping with special events, every project is an opportunity to show up for students in a meaningful way.
Sign up today by visiting: https://www.cfengage.org/opportunity/a0CNw0000DPZs0v/cis-of-chesterfield-volunteer-month-2026?Id=a0CNw0000DPZs0v
TICKETS ARE LIVE: CIS-C ADULT SPELLING BEE EXTRAVAGANZA!
🐝Get ready for one of the most buzz-worthy nights of the year! 🐝
Tickets are on sale for Communities In Schools of Chesterfield’s inaugural Adult Spelling Bee Extravaganza — a high-energy, cocktail-style evening where quick wit meets real community impact.
📆Saturday, May 2, 2026
📍Wrexham Hall | 6–9 PM
Think fast-paced, bar-trivia-style team competition (plus a local celebrity round), hosted by Jon Burkett of WTVR CBS 6 — with an open bar, passed bites, dessert display, interactive stations, photobooth, and curated auction.
🎟 Early “Bee” pricing ends April 6 — save $10 when you purchase now.
Coming with a group? Buy 8 tickets and get 1 FREE. Purchase tickets here.
All proceeds support nearly 15,000 students across 16 Chesterfield schools, helping ensure they have the relationships and resources they need to thrive.
Special thanks to our event sponsors, Super Radiator Coils and Wesco. (Sponsor list current as of March 3, 2026.)
TEE OFF FOR STUDENTS: KIWANIS GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Kiwanis Club of Midlothian-Chesterfield is hosting their 31st Annual Golf Tournament to benefit CIS-C! Join us for a fun day on the greens while supporting local students.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, May 18, 2026
Location: Stonehenge Country Club
Format: 18-Hole Four-Member Captain’s Choice
Cost: $150 per player / $600 per team
Each golfer enjoys a catered lunch, snacks, soft drinks, two beer tickets, and mulligans. Prizes will be awarded for winning teams, closest to the pin, longest drive, and the putting contest.
For registration or sponsorship, see the form below and contact James Friedline at 804-564-8207 or email [email protected].
CIS ECONOMIC MOBILITY STUDY
The CIS Effect: When resources meet relationships, learning and economic mobility happen.
A groundbreaking study by Opportunity Insights, in partnership with EdRedesign Lab at Harvard Graduate School of Education, confirms what we see every day: relationships change outcomes.
CIS’s evidence-based model delivers measurable academic gains and strengthens long-term economic mobility. Students supported by CIS achieve:
📈 Higher test scores
🎓 Increased graduation rates
💼 Greater lifetime earnings potential
When we connect students to the right relationships and resources, opportunity follows.
Learn more: https://cisnational.org/49cZfh0
SUPPORT CIS-C THROUGH OUR AMAZON WISHLIST
CIS-C works directly inside schools, ensuring students have the tools and basic necessities to show up ready to learn. From school supplies and hygiene items to snacks and classroom essentials, every item on our wishlist goes directly to students here in Chesterfield County.
It’s easy:
✔ Browse the list
✔ Select an item
✔ Ship directly to us — we’ll handle the rest!
Visit https://shorturl.at/dqciT to get started.
Your purchase makes an immediate, tangible difference — helping us remove barriers so students can stay focused on what matters most: learning and growing.
