Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Communities In Schools of Whatcom-Skagit
Legal Name (if Different): Communities In Schools of Whatcom County
Also Known As: CISWS
Mailing Address: PO Box 6071
City: Bellingham
State: Washington
Postal Code: 98227
Main Phone: 2067718497
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://whatcomskagit.ciswa.org/
Employer ID Number: 64-0956619
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 05/28/2026
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Site Coordinator Budget
Project Description:

Utilizing the evidence-based Integrated Student Supports (ISS) delivery model, a foundational framework of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access (DEIA) lens, CIS helps to encourage students from vulnerable communities to aim high. CIS staff comprehensively assess/identify student strengths and barriers, then deliver case-management tailored to meet each child’s unique needs to help meet them where they are; set personal and educational goals; and stay on track to reach their full potential. Targeted interventions provide supportive services focused on Attendance, Behavior, Coursework, and Parent Engagement. These focused supports, along with social-emotional learning, college readiness/career development activities, and life/leadership skills help to ensure that students advance to, through, and beyond high school to the next phase of post-secondary opportunities. Trained CIS Site Coordinators serve as pivotal, trusted, and consistent points of contact for students and their families. Parents and caregivers have shared that they see CIS staff as ("go to") critical connectors to vital programming, information/services and school/community resources. We work collaboratively with the entire school team (teachers/Student Support Teams/administrators) the district, and other community agencies to address key needs of our students, their families, and the schools with which we partner. Our staff ensure that resources are accessible/coordinated/maximized. Our strategic coordination reduces duplication of limited services and builds on the existing strengths and assets of schools and their surrounding neighborhoods to address the complexity of student and family needs. Our daily presence in the schools, relationships with school personnel and our students/their families, as well as our collaborative partnerships with other community agencies, sets CIS apart. During the 2026-2027 school year, CIS will serve nearly 11,600 students across Whatcom and Skagit counties, and ensure the next generation has the supports, resources, and relationships needed to reengage in school, be post-secondary ready, and reclaim their bright futures.

Total Project Budget: 840,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Ballmer Group, United Way Whatcom, Chick-fil-a, HF Sinclair, Mount Vernon School District, State Farm, Murdock Foundation, H.B. Fuller Foundation, Key Bank, Skagit COmmunity Foundation, Chukanut Health Foundation, Whatcom Community Foundation, WECU, Peace Health, Whole Foods.

Project Duration: 2026-2027 academic year.
Geographical Area Served: Whatcom & Skagit Counties in Washington State
Age Group To Be Served: 5-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Nathan
Contact Last Name: Barber
Contact Title: Development and Engagement Director
Contact Phone: 2067718497
Contact Email: nathan@ciswhatcom-skagit.org