At Communities In Schools of Richmond, we believe one of the most impactful things an adult can do for a young person is simply show up. And at Highland Springs High School, that belief came to life in the most powerful way—thanks to the leadership of our CIS Site Coordinator, Mr. Vines.
It started with a call. Mr. Vines invited the community—fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, pastors, coaches, neighbors, alumni—to show up for students. Not to give a speech. Not to perform. Just to be there. To be visible. To be present.
The response? Overwhelming.
More than 100 men answered the call, walking through the doors of Highland Springs that morning with one goal: to stand in support of the students. They lined the hallways, offered handshakes and words of encouragement, and created a powerful moment of unity. Their collective presence sent a message louder than any announcement: You matter. We’re here for you. You are not alone.
Among those who showed up were CIS team members from other schools—staff who came early before their own site responsibilities just to support Mr. Vines and the students of Highland Springs. Their presence reflected the heart of our mission: relationships that extend beyond assignments, titles, or campuses. At CIS of Richmond, we don’t just work in schools—we build a community of care that shows up wherever students are.
For many students, especially young men of color, seeing this kind of turnout can be transformational. It reinforces the idea that there is a network of caring adults invested in their success. Adults who believe in their potential and are willing to show up, not just in moments of crisis, but in moments of celebration, transition, and growth.
This is what we do at Communities In Schools of Richmond. We remove barriers. We build trust. We connect students with caring adults. And on this day at Highland Springs, thanks to Mr. Vines, that connection took center stage in a way no one will forget.
Showing up matters. And when we do it together, it changes everything.
