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By the time Tabitha Lewis-Coverson, executive director of Communities in Schools in Troup County, finished updating the Troup County School Board Thursday on all her organization is working on to help students, she was out of breath.

It’s understandable why.

If you’ve ever heard Coverson speak about CIS, you know the passion she brings to the table as the local chapter’s director. CIS’ main purpose is to provide students with what they need to be successful in school. Sometimes poverty, medical issues, low self-esteem or more can cause a capable student to fall behind in classes or miss school, but that’s when CIS steps in to ensure that child has what it needs to graduate.

The list of ways the organization helps is very long — and based on Coverson’s speech it’s still growing.

CIS provides clothes, food, and other hygiene items when needed. It connects students with tutors, mentors and other resources. It locates emergency housing.

So how does it work? CIS places site coordinators in schools and builds relationships with students to find out what their needs are. Although the organization is available to students systemwide, individual case management is where it spends the majority of its time.

This allows CIS to hear directly from students on barriers that are impacting their education.

On Thursday night Coverson also discussed Reality U, a financial literacy event held at high schools to ensure students understand how to manage their money. It feels like that’s something all high schoolers need, as many of today’s students don’t enter the “real world” with an idea of how to budget their money.

“You and your team are doing great, great work,” said Board Member Brandon Brooks Thursday night. “I for one am thankful that you are here in Troup County.”

We couldn’t agree more.

To Coverson to her entire team — Frederick Stanley, Stephanie Williams, Sondra McBride and Nicholas Griffin — we say thank you for the work you do every day in our schools.

It’s much appreciated, and we know it’s making a difference in the lives of students who really need it.