Earlier this year, United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Bold Goals Coalition secured a $2.5 million federal grant to enhance its Community School strategy in collaboration with Fairfield City Schools. This significant funding is being used to transform school properties into multifunctional sites, where a wide range of health and human services are provided not only to students, but to the entire community.
To facilitate this transformation, the grant has provided for the recruitment of two additional Community School Coordinators, bringing the total to four. Each coordinator is positioned at one of the four Fairfield City Schools, serving as a real, live connection between each school and its surrounding community – and as a conduit to many services that were previously lacking.
The coordinators play a vital role in extending services beyond regular school hours. They’ve been focused on building partnerships with various organizations, securing funding and organizing events and activities that enrich the community. They collaborate with school leaders and champion both academic and family engagement. There is, indeed, strong support for the Community School concept in Fairfield.
Community School Coordinator Kelli Jones emphasized the inspiration she draws from her role. “Knowing that I play a part in making a difference in the lives of others alongside people who share the same goals, values, and who have the heart to serve inspires me. By working together, the possibilities are endless,” she said.
This collaborative spirit was evident in the preparations for the 2024-2025 school year, which included a successful two-day pop-up enrollment event. Jointly conducted by all Fairfield Community School Coordinators, the pop-up resulted in 185 new student enrollments and a pre-school year enrollment rate exceeding 90%.
Further supporting these efforts, UWCA, in partnership with the team from United Way Hands-On (UWCA’s volunteer center) and various community organizations, launched a multi-faceted back-to-school campaign. This campaign featured backpack drives and beautification events at various schools, including Fairfield’s Robinson Elementary. Volunteers contributed by sanitizing walls, painting classrooms and setting up a community closet with essential items – illustrating a strong personal and community-wide commitment to improving local schools.
Additionally, the Upsilon Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), collaborated with UWCA to host a Back-to-School Bash at the Fairfield Community Center. More than 100 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed, complemented by contributions from AKA members and corporate partners. The event also included free haircuts from local barbers and fun activities for children while Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham and the American Red Cross offered information to attendees about their programs and services.
These combined efforts resulted in the distribution of 548 backpacks with school supplies – enough for nearly 27% of the school district’s students. This figure is further bolstered by additional support from other community partners, faith-based organizations and nonprofits involved in additional supply drives and beautification projects.
Dr. Regina Thompson, Superintendent of Fairfield City Schools, expressed her gratitude for these collaborative initiatives. “We are thankful for the partnership with United Way. The Community Schools grant has enabled us to receive four community coordinators who help bridge the gap between the school and the community. Fairfield City Schools is fortunate to have such rewarding partnerships. They truly understand the needs and are committed to providing services that address those needs.”
Learn more about UWCA’s impact on Early Childhood Development and Education
