Empowering Children & Families

in Buncombe County since 1976.
A Children First/CIS student support specialist reads a book to two students next to colorful lockers.

Our Story

Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports students from Kindergarten through 6th grade by surrounding them with caring guidance at school, after school, and in their communities to overcome challenges and achieve academic success.

By working with children, parents, teachers, volunteers, local nonprofit affiliations, and donors, we provide hands-on support and build positive relationships to help children and families thrive.

Through direct services and forward thinking community-focused policies, we aim to make Buncombe County a stronger, more family-friendly place, where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

A student with a yellow Children First/Communities In Schools summer camp t-shirt holds a crawfish and looks at the camera grinning
A student support specialist gives a student a sidehug, they are both smiling and happy in the sunshine.
Three students sit close on a colorful foam mat and look at a book together.

How We Support Children & Families

In School

After School

In
Communities

Last Year By The Numbers

Two Children First/Communities in Schools students drink juice boxes with excited and happy looks on their faces.

     2,167

students served by
SCHOOL WIDE SUPPORTS PROVIDED BY CF/CIS

Two students do arts and crafts during the holiday season. One student is gluing with an antler headband while the other smiles broadly at the camera

         215

case-managed students with
GROUP & INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTS

Three students show off their waterbottles. They're smiling at summer camp

   98%

made progress toward or met
COURSEWORK GOALS

A girl standing in front of a sunflower patch.

  100%

made progress toward or met
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL GOALS

Students lounge on the floor afterschool reading books

   83%

made progress toward or met BEHAVIOR GOALS

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🎁✨ Become a Holiday Giving Sponsor! ✨🎁 This holiday season, spread joy and make a difference by becoming a Holiday Giving Sponsor! In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many families are in need, and your support can bring smiles to children who need i
🌟Afterschool is BACK!🌟 After over a month of challenges brought on by Hurricane Helene, our afterschool program has finally reopened its doors, and we're thrilled to be together again!🎉 Today was filled with laughter, joy, and a lot of catching
🗳️ Your Voice, Your Vote! 🗳️ Tomorrow is Election Day! 🗓️ It's time to make your voice heard and shape the future of your community. Remember, every vote counts, and it's essential to be informed about the candidates and issues that matter most t
Together, We Can Make a Difference! At Children First/Communities In Schools we are rallying to support families in Western North Carolina affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Your generous donations will go directly towards providing es
We’re thrilled to share how our nonprofit is committed to uplifting the WNC community and its families through a range of impactful initiatives.💜 Our mission revolves around empowering those in need, and we’re proud to provide essentia
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Children First is standing strong for our community! Since 1976, we've dedicated ourselves to being a beacon of hope for families and children, and now, more than ever, we are committed to resilience and support. Ou
We are heartbroken by the devastating we are seeing in our communities right now. We have finally had contact with all of our staff and are forever grateful that everyone is okay. We are now working on getting in touch with the families and childr
📢 Did you know about the Estes Family Resource Center? Located conveniently by the bus loop at Estes Elementary, our center is here to support families with essentials like clothes, shoes, school supplies, books, and food. Led by our dedicated Stu
We're Hiring! 🌟 Join our passionate team as a Learning Center Site Lead. If you're looking to make a meaningful impact in children's lives, this role is for you! Lead daily after-school programming, assist in planning and operating after-school and
🌟✨ Creating a Gratitude Jar ✨🌟 This summer, work to practice gratitude, reflection, and positivity with your child by transforming a simple jar into a treasure trove of positivity! Here's how: Decorate the jar together (optional but fun!) Cut pap
Join our team! We're on the lookout for a passionate part-time Extended Learning Assistant to work with our amazing kids in various after-school programs. As a proud Living Wage Certified organization by Just Economics, we ensure fair pay and a suppo
Join us for "Spilling the Tea" on August 14th, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the UNETE Center! This support group is all about fostering connections among parents and guardians in the community. We will be diving into healthy eating and good deci