Leanna Johnson Empowers Knapp Community

Live United Spotlight

Leanna Johnson, COFI Co-Facilitator at Knapp Elementary

A selfie of Leanna Johnson, a long-haired person smiling and arching an eyebrow.Oct. 14, 2019

Leanna Johnson is a model of the kind of leadership and involvement that the LIFT community school strategy encourages. She is one of the co-facilitators of COFI at Knapp Elementary. In addition, she has been involved in United Way’s FAST program and is a regular attendee of Knapp’s community nights. She and her family are very involved in Knapp’s activities and are a great asset to the community.

 

Can you tell me about COFI and what it’s like to facilitate it? 

COFI is a parent leader organization that started in the Chicago area schools. It stands for Community Organizing and Family. COFI is all about strengthening the voices of low-income parents in our public schools and community. So many of us want changes in our community, and COFI is a way to make that happen. We provide the tools and open discussion on things we want to work on in the school and community.

It is amazing to see our parent leaders growing and addressing these things. I’ve made great personal connections and growth with several parents since becoming a part of COFI. I’m empowered by these parents and the confidence we share in our community. 

What made you decide to participate in COFI’s work?

I want my kids to feel safe in our neighborhood and at school. When hearing about COFI, I knew this was my chance to not only voice my concerns but to make changes happen. I felt it was important to be involved, and from the first meeting I knew this was an organization that would get things done. 
 

How have you observed COFI making a difference in the lives of community members?

One event in particular that comes to mind is when we hosted an open gym event. I remember having several community members come up to me before they left, saying how great this event was and thanking us for giving them a safe place to play with their family and hot food on the weekend. That right there is what it’s all about. We made the school a safe place and we brought families together within it.