NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT  /  AUGUST 2026

"Relationships are the key."

Inside Communities In Schools of Cape Fear, where full-time staff work bell to bell in 35 public schools.

Every month, the ILM Volunteer Hub features a local organization doing the work of holding this community together. We start with Communities In Schools of Cape Fear, which places full-time staff inside 35 public schools across Pender and New Hanover counties to keep students in school and on track to graduate.

We sat down with Kendall Englehart to talk about the organization's mission, its 26-year-old school supply drive, and what makes someone a great volunteer.

35 Public schools served

35,000 Students each year

26 Years of Stuff the Bus

For people who don't know Communities In Schools of Cape Fear, what do you do and who do you serve?

"The mission of Communities In Schools of Cape Fear is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life."

We place fully trained, full-time staff members in 35 public schools across Pender and New Hanover counties. These are schools identified by the district as needing additional support. Our staff work bell to bell, providing targeted services such as attendance support, behavior coaching, academic tutoring, and ensuring families have basic needs met.

When students arrive hungry, unhoused, or in crisis, they can't learn, and teachers can't teach. We remove those barriers so students can focus on school.

Can you share a story that illustrates what CIS looks like for one student?

It's hard to choose just one. We serve about 35,000 students each year. But one story shows our long-term impact.

More than 20 years ago, our first full-time staff member, Annie Adams, launched CIS at New Hanover High School and ran a young parent program. Many of her students were expecting babies while still in high school. Annie stayed in their lives, and their children's lives, for 18 years.

Last year, that first group of "baby steps babies" graduated high school.

What do students say about CIS staff?

Kids often tell us, "The CIS room is my safe place. This is my safe person."

Students who are struggling academically, dealing with conflict, or just not feeling like themselves know they can go to their CIS staff member for a listening ear. That relationship is why we're so effective at addressing chronic absenteeism. Students show up when someone is expecting them.

What volunteer opportunities exist, from one-time shifts to longer commitments?

We have seasonal cycles of volunteer needs.

If you come to us with the intention of giving back, we will find a way to use your time, your talents, or your treasure.

What qualities make someone a great CIS volunteer?

Many are retired or current teachers, or people who simply care deeply about kids and education. But you don't have to work directly with students. There are plenty of behind-the-scenes roles. Anyone with a heart for service can find a place.

Is there an individual volunteer who stands out?

Absolutely. Our board members are the MVPs of volunteers. They lead strategy, support events, fundraise, and advocate for us without being paid.

One standout is Stephanie Kraybil, a longtime supporter and current board member. She volunteers at events like the New Year's Day Wrightsville Plunge, Stuff the Bus, and more. She "does it all" and speaks well of CIS wherever she goes.

What is Stuff the Bus, and how does it work?

Stuff the Bus is 26 years old, even older than CIS itself. It's the region's largest school supply drive.

Businesses participate in a month-long corporate challenge, and community members drop off supplies at Office Depot and Staples. After collection, supplies are sorted at Johnson Pre-K by volunteers. Every public school in Pender and New Hanover counties is offered supplies. Social workers pick up their allotments and distribute them however their school sees fit. Some run it like a clothing closet. Others identify students in advance.

How many students benefit from Stuff the Bus?

It's difficult to quantify, but we're talking tens of thousands across two counties. Supplies go to every school, not just those with CIS staff.

What does community participation in Stuff the Bus say about the Cape Fear region?

It shows how generous and selfless our community is. Even in tough economic times, people show up. Bins overflow. Social workers cry when they pick up supplies because it alleviates the burden on teachers who often buy materials themselves.

You mentioned chronic absenteeism. What contributes to it?

Many factors:

• Basic needs barriers
• High schoolers working jobs to support family
• Caring for younger siblings
• Youth mental health crisis
• Academic disengagement, whether the work is too hard or too easy
• Behavior issues
• Family attitudes toward education
• Transportation challenges

In New Hanover County, 24% of students are chronically absent. Supplies help remove barriers. No child wants to show up without a backpack or required materials.

Do CIS staff work in high schools as well?

Yes. Students transition from one CIS staff member to another as they move schools. We hold transition meetings so students know their new CIS contact before the first day.

How many students does each CIS staff member support?

We have three levels of support:

• School-wide support: events, supplies, snacks
• Small groups: academics, life skills
• Intensive case management: about 40 students per staff member

Some schools have multiple CIS staff depending on need.

What would you say to someone who has never volunteered and isn't sure they have anything to offer?

Our founder Bill Milliken said it best:

If you can build a relationship, you can change a life.

Finish this sentence: Volunteers make it possible for us to...

Serve students. Or support students. That's what we do, and we need many hands to do it.

Rooted in community. Connected by service. Together we rise.