Last week, United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Bold Goals Coalition joined numerous members of the Fairfield community to celebrate a $2.5 million federal grant aimed at enhancing its Community School strategy in partnership with Fairfield City Schools. This vital funding is set to transform school properties into multifunctional hubs, offering a diverse array of health and human services not just for students, but for the entire community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fairfield City Schools and the residents of Fairfield for their continued collaboration, as well as to Congresswoman Terri Sewell for her support of this grant funding.
Expanding Community School Coordinators
To support this ambitious transformation, the grant has enabled the recruitment of two additional Community School Coordinators, increasing the total to four. Each coordinator is strategically placed at one of the four Fairfield City Schools, acting as a direct link between the schools and their surrounding neighborhoods, facilitating access to essential services that were previously unavailable.
Enhancing Services Beyond School Hours
These coordinators are instrumental in extending services beyond traditional school hours. They focus on forging partnerships with various organizations, securing additional funding, and organizing enriching events and activities for the community. Their collaboration with school leaders fosters both academic success and family engagement, reflecting the strong support for the Community School model in Fairfield.
Successful Enrollment Initiatives
This spirit of collaboration was evident during the preparations for the 2024-2025 school year, highlighted by a successful two-day pop-up enrollment event. Coordinated by all Fairfield Community School Coordinators, this initiative resulted in 185 new student enrollments and a pre-school year enrollment rate exceeding 90%.
Comprehensive Back-to-School Campaign
In addition to these efforts, UWCA, in collaboration with the United Way Hands-On team and various community organizations, launched a comprehensive back-to-school campaign. This initiative included backpack drives and beautification projects at schools like Robinson Elementary. Volunteers dedicated their time to sanitizing walls, painting classrooms and establishing a community closet stocked with essential items, showcasing their commitment to enhancing local schools.
Back-to-School Bash
Moreover, the Upsilon Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) partnered with UWCA to host a vibrant Back-to-School Bash at the Fairfield Community Center. Over 100 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed, thanks to contributions from AKA members and corporate partners. The event also featured free haircuts from local barbers and engaging activities for children, while organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham and the American Red Cross provided valuable information about their services.
Impact on Students
These collective efforts culminated in the distribution of 548 backpacks with school supplies, benefiting nearly 27% of the school district’s students. This achievement was further supported by additional contributions from community partners, faith-based organizations and nonprofits involved in supply drives and beautification initiatives.
Acknowledging Partnerships
Dr. Regina Thompson, Superintendent of Fairfield City Schools, expressed her appreciation for these collaborative efforts: “We are grateful for our partnership with United Way. The Community Schools grant has allowed us to bring in four community coordinators who bridge the gap between the school and the community. Fairfield City Schools is fortunate to have such rewarding partnerships that truly understand and address our needs.”