Building Stronger Communities: How One Initiative Connects Families to Essential Resources

In a world where many families struggle to find stability, one initiative is making a difference by connecting people to the resources they need. Impact Community Supports is a non-profit organization that helps families and young people access support services, job training, and financial literacy programs. The idea behind this initiative is simple: to help communities become self-sufficient by using the resources that are already available. The organization was founded by Michael McCline, a former school principal who saw the need for a different kind of support in his community. He noticed that many students were struggling with emotional and social issues, and he believed that they needed more than just academic help. So, he started Impact Community Supports in 2020, with the goal of providing families with the tools they need to thrive. One of the key aspects of this initiative is its coalition model, which brings together schools, non-profits, and community partners to create a network of support. This model allows families to access a wide range of services, from mental health support to job training, all in one place. The idea is to make it easier for families to get the help they need, without having to navigate a complex system on their own. The organization also places a strong emphasis on involving parents and caregivers in the process. This is important because it allows the support to extend beyond the classroom and into the home. By engaging the entire household, the initiative helps to create a more stable and supportive environment for young people. Today, Impact Community Supports is led by a small but committed team of five people. They handle everything from program coordination to financial management, and they work closely with schools and community partners to ensure that families are getting the support they need. The organization's long-term vision is to expand its reach into more communities, with the goal of creating a network of support that spans the entire country.