Congratulations to Dobbins CTE High School Community School Coordinator, Charles Reyes!

On Thursday morning, Charles was surprised and honored for his public service and dedication to his community during Good Morning America’s live pop-up show from Philadelphia’s Eakins Oval, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Charles is a life-long Philadelphian and father of five.

Charles has been a Community School Coordinator at Dobbins (his alma mater) since 2016, when the Mayor’s Office of Education launched the initiative. Community Schools are central to Mayor Kenney’s vision for public education.

During the show, Mayor Jim Kenney praised Charles’ service to his community and his family and issued a mayoral proclamation declaring June 13, 2019 to be Give Back. Make an Impact Day in Philadelphia.

“Philadelphia is filled with incredible people like Charles, who remember where they came from and work day in and day out to give back,” said Mayor Kenney. “As a Community School Coordinator, Charles is part of a growing initiative that’s very close to my heart, and makes an incredible difference in the lives of students and adults. I’m proud that today’s celebration highlights one of our City’s loving dads as well as the brotherly and sisterly love that so many Philadelphians show to their community. I hope that everyone watching today’s show is inspired to help their hometowns through public service and volunteerism.”

As Dobbins’ Community Schools Coordinator, Charles creates partnerships and expands programs and services that benefit students, families, and neighbors. This includes a weekly Fresh for All free food distribution in partnership with Philabundance, which delivers 2,500 pounds of fresh produce to the school each week for students, families, and neighbors to take home. Philabundance nominated Charles for the Good Morning America spotlight.

“The whole school and community looks up to Charles as a leader and provider. He is there six or more days a week providing countless opportunities to lift up his community,” said Philabundance Programs Manager Hilary Stiebel. “His upbeat demeanor and energy is motivating, inspiring and provides a foundation for change. Congrats, Charles—you deserve this recognition!”

Charles also coordinates adult education and job training programs for neighbors, mentoring and career exploration opportunities for students, and free fitness classes for the community.

“I’m speechless,” said Charles. “I am proud to do this work to help my community—right in the school where I graduated – and it means a lot to be recognized. I thank Good Morning America, Philabundance, the Mayor’s Office of Education, GIANT Food Stores, and my family and friends for their support.”

“We are extremely proud to help honor Charles, who serves as a role model for our students not only at Dobbins High School, but throughout Philadelphia,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “His love of volunteering and his giving spirit set a great example for all of us. Through his role as a community schools coordinator at Dobbins he is making a huge impact within the school and throughout the neighborhood. As a school district we are always focused on shaping the next generation of thoughtful citizens and leaders, and people like Charles play a crucial role in this work.”

In addition to surprising and honoring Charles in front of friends, family, and millions of viewers, Good Morning America and their sponsors provided the Reyes family with a family vacation to Aruba, and a $20,000 donation to Philabundance.

Thank you for everything you do, Charles! You’re an amazing Community Schools coordinator, community advocate, and father. Happy Father’s Day!

Community Schools address neighborhoods’ unique challenges within public school settings. Each school has a full-time coordinator who gathers input on the school community’s most pressing challenges. Students, parents, teachers, and neighbors work with the coordinator to build partnerships and programs to address those challenges, and ensure that the school and surrounding community can support student success.