CLIENT STORY: Communities in Schools of Michigan: Nurturing a Brighter Future Through Compassion and Community
When it comes to raising strong, resilient children, no one does it alone. It takes a village—mothers, mentors, neighbors, advocates, and allies—each doing their part to make sure every child feels safe, supported, and seen. That’s exactly what Communities In Schools (CIS) of Michigan embodies. Under the care-filled leadership of CEO Mallory DePrekel, CIS wraps its arms around students and families across the state, making sure no child falls through the cracks.
This mission is deeply maternal at its core. It’s not just about academic success—it’s about ensuring children have their most basic needs met: food, safety, love, and a sense of belonging. That maternal energy is also what drives community champions like State Senator Sarah Anthony and corporate partners like Jackson. Together, they nurture students not only through policy or funding, but with the intention and tenderness of caregivers determined to give every child a better future.
Senator Anthony’s advocacy is rooted in heart. Her words echo the love of a mother who refuses to let any child be left behind: “Children are really where my heart lies.” She’s not just showing up in the legislative chambers—she’s showing up emotionally and relationally, understanding the invisible weight many students carry.
Meanwhile, Jackson’s commitment goes beyond corporate giving. Their backpack drives—thousands strong—are an act of care, a gesture that says to each child, *You matter.* Their employees don’t just pack supplies; they pack encouragement and dignity into every bag, giving children the tools they need to walk into the school year with confidence.
CIS doesn’t stop at backpacks or supplies. They appear when glasses are missing, when stomachs are empty, and when housing feels unstable. Their approach is one of maternal stewardship—quietly observing, listening closely, and responding with action born of love. Like a mother who anticipates needs before they’re voiced, CIS asks, *What do you need to thrive?* and then does whatever it takes to deliver.
The disparities in Michigan schools—peeling walls in one district, polished floors in another—are jarring. But instead of looking away, CIS and its champions draw closer. Their work is not about charity. It’s about justice, equity, and care—the kind of radical, relentless care mothers are known for.
Every child deserves a champion, someone who won’t let them be forgotten. Through Communities In Schools, Senator Anthony, and Jackson, Michigan’s youth are being reminded daily that they are cherished, not overlooked. It’s a legacy of love that will shape generations to come.
But the work is not done yet. There’s always another child to nurture, another need to meet, another heart to uplift. Together, we all have a role to play in this great act of community mothering—one child, one act of love at a time.
