The impacts of poverty in this country cast a long shadow over the issues of education, social mobility, and global competitiveness. Although national conversations regarding income inequality have increased, the topic of poverty in America has not had as much attention. We seem to be at a loss about specific solutions that could address this overbearing issue. Where do we find solutions to these complex social issues? We have to look no further than our local neighborhood schools that have become community schools. Access to services is enhanced when communities take collective responsibility to strengthen families and support children through community schools. By strategically aligning resources, these intentional collaborations strive to guarantee each child has access to the academic, health, and social supports needed to succeed in school and life. The community schools approach provides a structure to solve problems, align efforts, and coordinate programs for maximum impact. By working together, each community can leverage its unique resources to focus on the needs of the whole child. This report provides perspectives on community schools as an effective equity strategy for California and nationwide, as well as the authors' (Congressman Michael Honda, and California State Senator Carol Liu) respective work and leadership to elevate this strategy in the discourse of education reform in the state legislature and in Congress.