Local Communities in Schools Affiliate Announces New Name

The name, along with new website, logo, and social media handles better reflects the organization's reach and expansion.

Communities In School of the Lehigh Valley (CISLV), an agency which removes the nonacademic barriers that keep students from achieving academically and in life, announced that its name will change to Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CISEasternPA) effective immediately.

The name change was prompted by rapid growth into Berks County and high demand for the nonprofit’s services in surrounding areas. As of the 2019 - 2020 school year, CISLV worked primarily with K through 12th grade students in Allentown, Bethlehem Area, East Penn, Easton Area, Whitehall-Coplay and Reading district schools. In 2021, the agency will expand to serve 40 schools in three counties, including four additional Berks County districts – Brandywine Heights, Kutztown, Fleetwood and Wilson.

“The name change to Eastern Pennsylvania is a milestone for our Communities In Schools affiliate,” said Timothy Mulligan, CISEasternPA President & CEO. “It represents an expansion of the organization’s mission to surround students with a community of support empowering them to succeed in school and in life. Since we began serving the Reading School District in 2015, our footprint has steadily grown in Berks County and the name appropriately reflects the organization’s impact in several communities.”

Communities In Schools has been improving lives in the region since 1983. The organization uses Integrated Student Supports to bring the different kinds of resources and services together that students and families need to find success. Site coordinators positioned in CISEasternPA schools support students through one-on-one case-management, connect families to basic essentials, implement student health initiatives, deliver career services, coordinate after-school and summer programs, and more

“It is exciting that Communities In Schools’ proven evidence-based integrated student supports will soon benefit even more children throughout Berks County,” said Maria Esposito, CISEasternPA Vice President of Advancement. “We look forward to sharing our resources, strengthening existing relationships and creating new ones for the benefit of our students and families.”

Along with the new designation, the agency has also launched a new website, www.ciseasternpa.org. Updated Facebook and Twitter account handles are @CISEasternPA. Those partners and schools that use the CISLV logo within newsletters, announcements, or websites are encouraged to update their materials and help share the new brand image and name.

About Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania

Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania is part of the Communities In Schools national network, which consists of independent 501(c)(3) organizations serving over 1.6 million students in 25 states and the District of Columbia. With caring adults serving over 32,000 students in 40 schools throughout Allentown, Bethlehem Area, Brandywine Heights Area, East Penn, Easton Area, Fleetwood Area, Kutztown Area, Reading, Whitehall-Coplay, and Wilson (Berks) School Districts, CIS’ mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. This year, there are students across our communities who need extra support, whether they are learning in school or at home. Our trained professionals help ensure all kids have the same opportunity to succeed.