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United Way Quad Cities & Communities In Schools® Partner to Support 2,000 Local Students

United Way Quad Cities is launching a new partnership with Communities In Schools® to expand crucial support for local students, particularly those in under-resourced schools. As students continue to face challenges such as lingering academic setbacks from the pandemic and growing mental health concerns, this collaboration will bring a proven model to ensure that every student — regardless of background — has access to the resources they need to thrive.

At a press event on Friday, United Way Quad Cities was joined by education advocates and civic leaders to announce the expansion of its United for Schools initiative, which serves Title I schools — those that largely serve students living in poverty. These schools are often underfunded and face a shortage of resources. The expansion will extend vital services to five Title I elementary schools, helping students overcome barriers and succeed both in and out of the classroom.

“By bringing the right resources directly into schools, we can give students the support they need to succeed,” said Rene Gellerman, President and CEO of United Way Quad Cities. “This partnership with Communities In Schools helps ensure that students who face the greatest challenges — such as poverty, food insecurity and limited access to health care — have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Through its first-ever partnership in Iowa and Western Illinois, CIS® is contributing a $1,000,000 challenge grant to United Way, payable over the next three years. This funding will help the program reach nearly 2,000 students by the 2025-2026 school year — more than doubling its current reach.

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Stepping In Where Public Funding Stops

Title I schools, which largely serve students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, often rely on public funding that doesn’t cover all the critical supports students need. That’s where United Way’s United for Schools steps in. With over 75 community partners — including nonprofits, businesses and faith-based organizations — United Way is bringing additional resources into schools to fill gaps where public dollars stop. This collaborative effort provides services like mentoring, tutoring, mental health support and access to basic needs.

“With the solid groundwork laid by United Way — including its strong partnerships with schools and community organizations — we’re proud to bring our proven, evidence-based model to the Quad Cities to accelerate the impactful work already happening,” said Dr. Shaunna D. Finley, Senior Advisor of District and Community Engagement at CIS. “By surrounding students with a community of support, we’re ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.”

Empowering Students to Overcome Barriers

Communities In Schools has over 40 years of success in helping students across the country overcome obstacles to academic achievement. By embedding full-time site coordinators in schools, CIS connects students and families with vital resources such as mental health counseling, nutritious meals and housing assistance. This comprehensive support helps stabilize the foundation for learning, allowing students to focus on their education while families work toward stability and success.

Locally, United for Schools has already seen improvements in student attendance, behavior and academic performance, including gains in reading proficiency. Programs like Books & Barbers, Vision To Learn and Read United have connected students with resources through community partnerships, volunteers and nonprofits, demonstrating the impact of this collaborative model.

“Public dollars cover staffing and operations, but they don’t always cover the supports that students need outside of the classroom,” said Gellerman. “That’s where our work with community partners makes the biggest difference. Together, we can break down the barriers that stand in the way of student success and ensure every child has a fair shot at a bright future.”

Mobilizing a Community Effort

United Way’s United for Schools initiative is a community-driven effort. More than 75 local partners — including businesses, nonprofits and faith-based organizations — are working together to address both the academic and non-academic needs of students. This strong network of support has been crucial in helping students thrive and will play a key role in the expanded initiative.

“The importance of community collaboration cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Kristin Humphries, Superintendent of East Moline School District and Chair of United Way’s Education Council. “Schools alone can’t solve these challenges, but by working together, we can create a united, thriving community that prioritizes our kids and their education.”

The five elementary schools participating in this cohort, which will be fully implemented by the 2025-2026 school year, are:

  • George Washington Elementary School, Moline
  • Jefferson Elementary School, Davenport
  • Madison Elementary School, Davenport
  • Rock Island Academy, Rock Island
  • Wells Elementary School, East Moline

This United for Schools expansion is part of United Way Quad Cities’ broader $5.75 million Call to Rise United campaign focused on closing achievement gaps, improving kindergarten readiness and ensuring students thrive academically and beyond. The United for Schools program is funded by local businesses, foundations and individual donors, providing the necessary resources to support student success. Leadership investors such as Quad City Bank & Trust, Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, Arconic Foundation, Regional Development Authority, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., University of Iowa Health Care and many community-minded families, individuals and organizations have helped raise nearly $1 million for United Way’s United for Schools initiative — one half of what is needed for the program’s three-year target with the Call to Rise United campaign.

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