Challenge

Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) of Greater Rochester is a family civics initiative that equips parents with the leadership and advocacy skills to influence their communities and expand opportunities for their children. As a local site operating independently, PLTI carries the full responsibility of raising its own funding, paying staff, managing supplies, coordinating meals and transportation for families, and sustaining a high-quality 21-week parent leadership course. 

With a small team of part-time and per-diem staff, PLTI simply didn’t have the internal capacity or non-profit structure needed to manage hiring, payroll, financial oversight, tax-exempt status, and the ongoing administrative work that keeps a program running smoothly. The team needed a trusted partner who could hold the back-end operations—so they could stay focused on empowering parents.

Solution

CCSI stepped in as PLTI’s fiscal sponsor, providing the essential infrastructure and financial stewardship the program needed to thrive, including human resources services, payroll, financial tracking, invoicing, and purchasing support. 

CCSI also offers responsive, relational support through program liaison Jason Blackwell, who ensures PLTI has timely financial information, guidance on grant management, and a steady communication bridge. PLTI Director Luva Alvarez says Jason “responds, checks in, listens, gives suggestions,” and stays closely connected—even onsite at classes, events, and graduation. 

CCSI’s finance and tech teams further support PLTI with systems access, purchasing assistance, and troubleshooting so staff can stay focused on families instead of workarounds and logistics. 

Impact

With CCSI carrying the administrative and operational load, PLTI’s small team can focus on what matters most—activating parents’ power, building community, and helping families flourish.

This partnership:

• Expands capacity: PLTI can operate like a fully supported non-profit without needing its own 501(c)(3).
• Strengthens operations: Financial management, payroll, and technical support are handled without the need for full-time employees.
• Energizes the mission: Staff have more time and space to support parents, recruit participants, deepen partnerships, and grow local impact.
• Creates stability: CCSI’s partnership gives PLTI confidence as they manage grants, budgets, and program planning.

As Luva noted, having CCSI as a fiscal sponsor “allows us to really pour into the work more” and continue offering a rich, community-rooted experience for parents.

Together, We’re Elevating What’s Possible

CCSI is honored to support PLTI as they strengthen parent voice, leadership, and advocacy across Greater Rochester. With steady infrastructure behind the scenes, PLTI can continue offering life-changing opportunities for families—and grow the movement of parents shaping a brighter future for their children and community.