Impact Community Supports Empowers Families Through Local Resources

Impact Community Supports, founded by former school principal Michael McCline, is transforming neighborhoods by providing families with essential tools to thrive. Established in 2020 in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization aims to create safer, healthier, and financially stable communities. By connecting individuals and families to existing resources, Impact Community Supports empowers them through job readiness, financial literacy, education, and various supportive services.

The organization operates on a coalition model, uniting schools, nonprofits, and community partners to create a comprehensive network focused on meeting the needs of families. Most referrals come from teachers and school administrators who recognize when students may benefit from additional support. Once a school reaches out, McCline facilitates introductions between families and trusted service providers, ensuring that families are involved and fully informed before any services begin.

Many referrals reflect the pressures faced by young people today. “Schools often seek help for students experiencing emotional strain, experimenting with unsafe habits, or struggling with repeated discipline issues,” McCline explains. His approach prioritizes positive direction over punishment, aiming to help students feel supported and ready to move forward.

Parental engagement is crucial in this process. Since most students are under 18, family approval is necessary for referrals, creating opportunities for caregivers to access resources as well. Through surveys and discussions, McCline identifies where families might benefit from financial literacy training, job readiness coaching, and community programming. This holistic approach ensures that support extends beyond the classroom.

The coalition model is central to the organization’s success. Volunteers play an active role in neighborhood activities, youth programs, and educational initiatives that foster character development and resilience. Drawing on evidence-based practices, Impact Community Supports helps communities leverage their existing resources to address their own needs effectively.

McCline’s background as a school principal in a high-poverty area informs his commitment to this work. During the pandemic, while assisting students in obtaining tablets for remote learning, he recognized the need for a different kind of support. “Students were carrying heavy emotional and social burdens, and I believed they needed encouragement, skill-building, and stability more than standardized assessments,” he recalls. This realization led to the founding of Impact Community Supports, which initially began with small acts of service, such as coat drives and character-building programming.

Today, McCline leads a dedicated team of five, who manage program coordination, operations, development, financial management, and communications. While the team oversees essential functions, McCline focuses on nurturing relationships with schools and guiding the coalition’s daily operations. His vision for the future is expansive, aiming to extend the community-of-solutions model to more areas, ultimately hoping that every county could benefit from similar collaborative support.

Despite the growth, the organization’s core philosophy remains unchanged. Impact Community Supports strives to enable communities to become self-sufficient by utilizing available resources to build stronger futures. McCline emphasizes the importance of financial stability in addition to safety and well-being. “When people have the tools to find work, manage their finances, and contribute to the local economy, families can flourish, schools can thrive, and neighborhoods can become more resilient,” he states.

To further expand its impact, the organization seeks increased visibility and support from foundations and partners who share its belief in community-centered solutions. Enhanced funding would enable Impact Community Supports to not only connect families with services but also to deliver more direct offerings, particularly in prevention education, job readiness, and financial literacy.

“Impact Community Supports helps people and families feel seen, supported, and guided toward brighter possibilities,” McCline says. He invites community leaders and potential partners to learn more and join the mission to create communities where everyone has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and thrive.