Heritage Community Foundation Presents Grant to Communities In Schools of Henry County

Jonesboro, Ga. (March 30, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Shane Persaud (Executive Director) and Crystal Cohen (Program Manager) of Communities in Schools of Henry County (“CIS”) on March 15, 2016. The $3,550 grant will be used to purchase six laptop computers, one printer, one portable projector with screen, and one binding machine. CIS is in the process of building the capacity of its office by recruiting college interns from Clayton State University; this new equipment will be critical to the success of that effort. These interns will be trained to take on tasks such as marketing, public relations, mentoring, and participating in fundraising and other activities related to resource development.

Communities In Schools started in Georgia more than 30 years ago and is now the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization, serving over one million youth in 25 states and the District of Columbia. The CIS model has been implemented in all 11 middle schools in Henry County since August 2012. Graduation Coaches in these middle schools have been re-assigned to take on the responsibilities of CIS Site Coordinators. The mission of CIS is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Many children face challenges both inside and outside the classroom. By using a school-based site coordinator, CIS is able to strategically align and deliver essential resources so that students can focus on learning. In summary, it is the goal of CIS to support youth by improving graduation rates, encouraging academic achievement, and promoting job and post-secondary school readiness.

For more information on how you can help the community by being a part of the Foundation, please call Rocky Davis, Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” The bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.