Communities In Schools is a registered nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization located in the Fred Rogers’ Community Center in Aurora and partners with East Aurora School District 131, West Aurora School District 129, Indian Prairie School District 204 and Oswego School District 308 to deliver daytime and afterschool programs to children.  It is the mission of Communities In Schools to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS is the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization and coordinates a range of services, from health care to tutoring, to keep kids in school and get them to college.  In 2008-09, CIS was able to help 91% of the students it monitored reach the next grade.  A wide range of volunteer opportunities are coordinated by nearly 200 local CIS programs in 25 states and D.C.  We have our very own local CIS programs right here in Aurora. We bring a wide variety of Community resources into the schools and create a community of support to eliminate obstacles to a student’s success. Our Daytime Services program provides over 4,000 counseling service hours each year to students.   In addition to this, low income children are helped through the coat drive and Holiday Cheer program coordinated with the Aurora Fire Department, providing winter coats and needed services.  We are partnering with the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry as co-sponsors of the 2nd to None 5k run/walk on May 22nd Our after school programs help keep students motivated to stay in school.  These include our “MyTime” program now in its sixth year involving 11 middle schools from four school districts.  The program involves homework, tutoring, recreation and a social outlet to interact with friends and meet new ones.  Combined resources from the Fox Valley Park District, City of Aurora, Aurora University and CIS create a win-win situation for each student and for our community.