By Amy Cockerham
Public Ed Works

WILMINGTON (March 6, 2026) – One eastern North Carolina nonprofit is trying to make a difference in public schools as they deal with underfunding and understaffing.

Kendall Englehart is the Communications Manager for Communities in Schools (CIS) Cape Fear.

“The mission of CIS is to support kids,” Englehart said. “Empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.”

Working with principals, the organization places full-time student support specialists in public schools, providing help for kids who need case management, small group intervention, or even free school supplies and clothes.

“Typically folks are really thankful. You know, we’re another body in the building, we’re another set of hands,” Englehart said. “Our whole purpose is that we are there to help them meet their goals.”

Their role has become increasingly critical as North Carolina now ranks last among the states for its effort in public school funding.

The American School Counselor Association reports that there is one counselor assigned to every 340 students in North Carolina, far below the recommended ratio of one to every 250 students.

“I think you can agree, the way that education is now, we need everyone’s support,” Englehart said. “We need obviously the public sector, but we need the private sector as well, and that’s kind of where the nonprofits live, is sitting in that gap and trying to help fill it.”

Communities in Schools also operates several other programs including after-school, young parent support and restorative justice projects.

“Having this level of support really allows teachers to teach and for kids to be able to show up and be prepared to learn,” Englehart said.

The nonprofit is accepting volunteers to tutor or help with school supply drives. To get involved, visit https://www.ciscapefear.org/.