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Selena Bennett, Executive Director of CSS, kicked off the event by highlighting several of the successes CSS has had over the past year on both the school side and the restorative justice side, despite challenges posed by budget constraints and pandemic restrictions.
The mission of Communities Supporting Schools is to provide opportunities for students to stay in school, graduate and be successful in life. In accomplishment of that mission, CSS has eleven success coaches in nine Wayne County schools who assist students with reading, provide tutoring, and do whatever else is necessary to help students succeed. On the restorative justice end, CSS oversees diversion programs that help steer youth away from the criminal justice system.
Billy Lassiter, Deputy Secretary of Juvenile Justice at NC Department of Public Safety, was the guest speaker at the annual meeting. Mr. Lassiter spoke about the positive impact that legislation such as Raise the Age has had on juveniles in North Carolina. Drawing from personal experience, Mr. Lassiter stressed the need for effective advocacy for juveniles.
For more information about CSS, visit www.waynecss.org or call 919-735-1432.
Barbara Nelson
Restorative Justice Program Director
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