Communities In Schools of Greater Central Texas, Inc.

Communities In Schools is a compassionate and caring organization committed to serving and helping students and their families overcome barriers to obtaining the education they absolutely deserve. The site coordinators routinely put their heart and soul into their work, which is evidenced by the many testimonials of students who pass on to the next grade and those who ultimately graduate high school. CIS is an integral part of the school system. It's great when I hear school administrators say, "We need Communities in Schools." The impact of the CIS work is far reaching and I'm grateful to be a part of this amazing organization.

The Communities in Schools of Greater Central Texas is an asset to so many students in the schools' community. Students needing that extra support are served and I have had the opportunity to hear many of their success stories because of assistance from Communities in Schools staff. Because CIS made that positive connection with the student , the respect for teachers and peers has allowed for a better understanding of priorities and goals. Many students experienced being homeless, loss of support from parents, divorce, military moves resulting in leaving friends as well as other adversities. Because a caring staff member of CIS is located on their campus, students are assisted in understanding their crisis so they can continue attending school. This extra assistance afforded the students building self esteem and courage to continue regardless of their personal circumstances . As a result, attaining the ultimate goal for them … being the first to continue attending school or to graduate from high school !!!
Helping students become lifelong learners and successful adults are some of the goals of Communities in Schools of Greater Central Texas... This organization is very important for the success of our students....the future

CIS of Greater Central Texas does amazing work for struggling students throughout our region. They keep administrative overhead extremely low in order to maximize the amount of financial resources that directly benefit students. They truly change lives through the personal support they provide to kids struggling with a myriad of issues such as poverty, incarcerated parents, behavioral problems, deployed parents, homelessness and more.

Jessica Halfmann with Communities in Schools of Greater Central Texas, Inc. does an incredible job supporting our students in the Salado Independent School District. Thank you, Jessica!

Good morning! What I have done to make a difference within the program Communities In Schools I believe I have become a mentor and positive person for many of the young adults I encounter since becoming a Site Coordinator 4 years ago. I have students that when they see in the community run and give me hugs saying "Ms. Kenya we miss you can and I come see you" or Ms. Kenya I have a job and it true we have rules at work, so I have to listen and be respectful". Seeing and hearing that lets me know I have made a different.

Communities in Schools of Greater Central Texas provides our students and their families plus our communities with resources, support and enhancement. Students are given a hand up to tackle any barriers they may face and are provided with life long learning tools and self esteem to achieve their dreams. CIS is a plus for any school district to add to their foundation of student support.

I have worked with Communities In Schools for over 6 years now and I can assure anyone who reads the negative comment left, EVERYTHING stated is false! Communities In Schools falls under the United Way umbrella, therefore we are asked to please donate to United Way (a fantastic organization), if possible. The United Way pays a massive portion of our salary so what little we give (as low as $5 or as high as you wish) is paid back to us more than one-hundred fold. As a case manager I am offended at the implication that we would lie to fulfill a grant. We work and go to great lengths to serve our students and their families. Grants actually allow us to serve more students and families especially those who serve. For anyone to lie on a grant this is not only morally wrong but illegal and you WILL be caught. So if you were the one that did try to get out of helping students by lying and got fired you have no right to be disgruntled, great shame on you!

This a very corrupt agency!!! It forces it's employees to donate from payroll to United Way. It forces employees to go beg for money to hold a golf tournament which is just a lie to gain more funding. It forces it's employees to lie about grants and funding just to secure money for students who are not crime victims nor homeless. Please do not sign your children up To be in communities in schools of Greater Central Texas!!! You regret you did.

I work for a company that serves several school districts. It's nice to be able to support one organization that serves all kids that need help, and not just one district's students leaving out another district. I have found the people at CIS are very easy to work with from a business in the community. There are so many ways to support education, kids and schools, but personally I feel that Communities in Schools is doing what's best for the greater good.

Communities in Schools serves a population that otherwise would fall through the cracks of education. having been an at-risk child myself, I know that having communities in schools would have made a world of difference. I appreciate the mission and goals of Communities in Schools and hope they are around for a long time.

I became a staff member for Communities in Schools in 2001. Throughout the years, I have seen tangible progress with students that have been enrolled in our program. Students come to rely on CIS staff for assistance. They learn many life skills not ordinarily taught in a classroom.

Many families who have been new to our school district, and have enrolled their students in a school with CIS, have commented how smoothly the transition for their student was with the help of CIS. Often, students enroll afraid and anxious, and CIS gives them the guidance they need to make their school transfer as painless as possible.

CIS is a great resource for meeting the basic needs of kids in the place that they spend the majority of their time......SCHOOL. I am thankful for the opportunity to assist CIS because I know firsthand that my efforts are helping children who are truly in need of basic necessities.

Serving as a Board Member to Communities in Schools - Greater Central Texas, Inc. has been an honor and privilege. The administrative staff are passionate and dedicated to the well-being of students in all of the school districts in Central Texas (Temple, Belton, Killeen, Copperas Cove, Cameron, Florence and Salado...etc.). The CIS staff in Temple ISD is second to none and give their best everyday to improve the lives of students who need an extra boost so they may succeed in school. Education, safety and improving the esteem of students is evident in the number of students served and with the positive attitudes and smiles that are shown from students when they are with CIS staff members. Thank you for your service to our children.

As a founding board member of the local Communities in Schools I have seen the program grow from infancy to a thriving organization. The positive effect on the lives of children, educational professionals, the community and our staff has been amazing. The program is a staple in the school districts we serve and the community as a whole counts on Communities in Schools to be the "stop gap" wherever and whenever needed. The wholistic approach toward helping at-risk youth has led to partnerships with other non-profits, local businesses and volunteer organizations. CIS is vital to not only the educational piece of our community, but to quality of life for many chldren and families throughout the districts our program serves.

I was a CIS student during my JR high years. Through the years I've seen the program expand and help students and their families. I've personally been fortuante to work with this organization closely and everyone is great. They really have a heart for there students and the students really rely on them.

I was a member of CIS in Jr. High, and I can truly say that being apart of an organization that cared about me and my well being was very special. At that age it is so easy to drift into groups or clicks that are negative. CIS was a place where I could go and involve myself with different activities, before, during, and even afterschool. It gave me a place in school where I felt I belonged. Now I have the opportunity to work for CIS and I strive everyday to make another young person feel the same way. Donate to CIS! It truly changes lives!

As a former elementary principal and a current CIS board member, I am well aware of the importance of having a one-on-one student-to-adult relationship at the campus level. One of my elementary teachers credits CIS with getting her high school son to graduate by providing an adult who ensured that her son made it to class and was not tardy as often as he had been previously.

More recently, I have worked as a Technical Assistance Provider at high schools which have not made Adequate Yearly Progress. Each of the two schools has exited AYP; CIS was one of many components of the safety net for students that helped these schools succeed in another city.

Communities in School, the place that umbrellas security, humbleness, and a direction of guidance towards success. Coming from California the schools had no structure to the finishline; you see one student in and ten students dropping out. Employed here in KISD and witnessing stability and structure to the finishline is admirably astounding, most especially with significant help from C.I.S. Communities in School a name and meaning in its own title. Thank you C.I.S.

Communities in Schools has been an anchor for struggling children in the Bell - Coryell Counties for many years. This program has given many At Risk students a positive role model to immulate. The counselors are very adept to help kids under their caseloads succeed and improve in academics/behavior/ and attendance. The program gives children a CHANCE to be successful not only now, but as adults. I've had the pleasure of watching this program change students' lives as a principal and now as a board member. They are the "wick" of each child's candle to shine!!

Communities In School (CIS) wears many hats within the specific school. Not only does CIS provide guidance to students who do not have someone with a listening ear, but they also provide basic needs to the students, including food, clothes, and hygiene products. CIS works with students individually in determining attainable and realistic goals for their lives that will enable them to become productive members of society. Whether the goals are to attend college or enter the workforce, CIS is there to assist the students achieve their goals and help the students understand their fullest potential.

Communities in Schools is a wonderful organization that helps children and their families every day. The roles they fill in the schools and communities are roles that can be filled by no other. They go above and beyond when there is a child in need and they do so with a loving, caring heart.

I have been employed with CIS for 14 years now and have seen the program grow and flourush within the public school sector!
The program is very instrumental and effective in meeting and bridging the gaps our students deal with on a daily basis. CIS has proudly become the "meat and potatoes" for the families we service. The program, for many, is the lifeline of hope that culminates with graduaiton from High School and preparedness for their futures!
I am proud to say that CIS has made a major differnce in the lives of many children! I am proud to say that God has blessed us all who call CIS their job. He has blessed us with the chance to make a difference!!!!

Communities in Schools is a wonderful organization that fills a real void in our school. We have approximately 600 students and only two guidance counselors. Kelly Brooks from CIS is always available to help counsel kids, provide needed school supplies, and to listen to students when they just need someone to show they care. Kelly always seems to have the time and the patience needed to give children a chance to truly open up to her. She is closest to our kids who need her the most - the kids who can slip into the cracks or those who only see failure in their future. She knows all her students by name and truly cares about them and their future. We have a great working relationship. I was here one year without CIS and 8 years with it. The difference was night and day. We can now serve many more emotionally and physically needy students because we have CIS.

Communities in Schools is a valuable program which provides supportive guidance for at risk students and their families. The program allows the students a positive, caring on campus role model. The staff ensures the students learn valuable life lessons which help them succeed and stay in school.

Communities In Schools is a program like no other. It provides students an opportunity to succeed and live life to its full potential. Communities In Schools provides an array of positive life lesson(s) activities such as Boys and Girls Lunch Groups, Friendship Groups, Anger Management and Problem Solving Skills, Expressions through Arts/Crafts and Book Club; all to help teach and enhance student's self esteem, giving them confidence to bloom freely. Moreover, making each day their masterpiece and becoming a good citizen/ member of the communitiy. Giving a kid a chance is what Communities In Schools acheives and exceeds!

Communities In Schools offers students the opportunities to meet and/or exceed their full potential. They remove the negative aspect of their mentality and change it for the positive. They offer positive activities such as: Girl's lunch groups; Boys lunch groups; Craft club; Academic Assitance; and Parent involvement. Once you have Communities In Schools in your school you will have a professional willing to go above and beyond to help your school meet its goals. With Communities in Schools on your team, you can do nothing else but WIN!

cIS is the best Drop out prevention program for schools. It has lliterally changed the lives of at risk students in the Greater Killeen Ft Hood area. I am proud to support it and to be apart of it.

CIS is amazing for the students in my school, our CIS person is Kelly Brooks and she is there for everything! She provides counseling when students need to talk to her about things going on in their lives, she helps their families when they need food, electricity turned back on, etc. CIS provides backpacks to the students that don't have the money for school supplies, and continues to provide supplies throughout the year when they run out of things. Kelly really stepped up when one of our families had their apartment burn she immediately gathered clothes, shoes, and stuff for the family. She takes the students on weekend field trips to local universities in order to show them the possibilities in their future. Without CIS we would have a huge gaping hole in our school, CIS and Kelly Brooks, is amazing.

Communities in Schools is an invaluable program within our schools. Through being employed with CIS, I have seen firsthand the need that our school children and their families have for this program. On a daily basis, needs are being met through CIS that can't always be met through other staff in the school. Children who come to school hungry because there is no food at home are fed. School supplies and clothing are given to families who can't afford them. CIS also helps families who don't know where to turn find valuable community resources, jobs and transportation. Many days, students just need a shoulder to cry on regarding family issues or other things going on outside of school that can hinder their academic success or need a positive role model that is consistent in their life. CIS helps students graduate from high school by focusing on encouragement in academics and then helps them to be successful afterwards. Many CIS students have never dreamed beyond their current situations, and CIS staff can help them not only to begin dreaming dreams for their future but actually giving them tools to accomplish them as well. Communitites in Schools is an invaluable, much-needed program in our schools and is touching and changing the lives of kids everyday.

Communities In Schools of Bell- Coryell is the greatest nonprofit in the area. Many families whether they are military or civilian rely on this program for different issues and crisis their children may face in and out of school. In the 5 years I have worked with this program thousands of families have been helped with anything from food, clothes, shoes, help paying utility bills, rent, they help find outside resources, helping students with their academics, attendance and behavior in school and the list goes on. This is a great program no real words to explain the magnitude this program has in this community. GREAT JOB CIS!!!!

I have been affiliated with CIS for many years. The staff is very professional and caring. As a popular military commercial says "they do more by 7:00AM than most people do all day." That is also true of CIS and is not an exaggeration!. On any campus, it is usually the CIS staff that children and parents go to to resolve issues they may be experiencing. On any campus, you will find staff translating for non English speaking clients, tutoring, asissting with paperwork, transporting parents and students, providing clothes, school supplies, or comforting a student who has lost a parent in the war or to some other tragedy. The list goes on. When the CIS staff leaves the office at the end of the day, they turn off the lights but not their hearts. CIS is well known and respected in the community. I remember when during Hurricane Katrina, CIS took the lead in establishing a central location for the evacuees to be able to come and take care of all the paperwork and needs. To a lot of clients, CIS is the only voice they have. It would be so sad to have that voice silenced due to lack of funding.

Our CIS person is willing and able to help the students at our school. She listens to their problems and puts their families in touch with the services they need. I had a student who was in serious need of dental work. Our CIS person scheduled a mobile dental lab for this students and several others from our school. That was valuable service to that student. She also helps families afford glasses, and puts the student in touch with people who can help. She also invites groups of students to her room for lunch groups where they socialize and she models good behavior.

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Bell-Coryell Counties is one of the most caring organizations looking our for the betterment of our school kids. They are tasked with the monumental job of helping "at-risk" students stay in school, improve academically, improve behaviorally, improve attendance and ultimately graduate. Last year CIS of Bell-Coryell Counties achieved the highest results in these categories of any CIS organization in Texas. In addition, CIS helps the families of these kids with utilities, medical prescriptions, clothing for the kids, food for the kids and other emergencies these low-income families may encounter. CIS offers a one-on-one relationship between the student and a caring adult and offers these students a safe place to learn, grow and develop character and self-esteem. Without the caring and nurturing staff and the program itself, many kids would never achieve a high school diploma let alone have dreams of higher educatioin.

Communities in Schools (CIS) is an organization that students, parents, and even teachers depend on. Most fundamentally, CIS ensures that a student's basic needs are met. This may be exemplified by the provision of food, clothes, or glasses. CIS also provides for many enrichment opportunities such as assistance with college/scholarship applications, after school groups, and educational field trips. CIS is also a catalyst for connecting parents with resources and opportunities in the community. This is a program families rely on and I can't imagine a school without it.

There are many ways in which Communities in Schools will help children and their families during a typical school year. It could be a simple thing, like helping out with school supplies, a pair of shoes, or providing the few dollars for the upcoming field trip. Some families need assistance in finding resources to pay the rent or their utilities. At times, the Communities in Schools staff person may help out by providing help with job applications, Medicaid Forms, search for housing, search for Pediatricians who will accept new medicaid patients, help getting eye exams and glasses for those families without health insurance, ....to put things in a nutshell, Communities in Schools often provide the link between the school and the community.

Communities in Schools is one of the best non-profit programs around. The program provides positive adult role models that do their best to ensure that every student is successful. The program does this by providing 6 main components that are essential to a students success. Supportive Guidance and Counseling, Health adn Human Services, Parental and Family Involvement, Careeer Awareness and Employment Opportunities, Enrichment Activities and Eduactional Enhancement. By fufilling these 6 components a studnet is able to truly be successful in all areas. CIS not only works with students, but with their parents and other family members as well. Working with the entire family ensures that needs are being met on all levels. CIS also prides itself on providing students with a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult, a safe place to learn, a healthy start and a continued healthy future, a marketable skill upon graduation, and a chance to give back to peers and their community. This program has it ALL in one package!!!

Prior to serving on the Board, I had a marginal understanding of CIS's role in our local school districts. However, I quickly came to understand and appreciate the concept of a community within the school. The impact of this program in the lives of not only the children, but their families has been tremendous. I especially appreciate the discretion used by the CIS staff to ensure these children are not ostracized or stigmatized because of circumstances beyond their control. On-campus CIS staff fill a need that would otherwise go unmet as teachers, counselors, and other administrators do their best to address the whole student body. If not for the CIS staff, many of the children would get "lost" and never realize their full potential. These children often come back with wonderful testimonies of how CIS changed their lives.

I work at a school that is serviced by the CIS program and have seen the positive impact on the students involved. CIS provides a way for children to become involved and to feel as if they are a valuable part of the school community. These are feelings that will stay with the student as he or she progresses through school and can make a difference in many areas such as self image, confidence, and even drop out rates.

The Community in Schools program is a valuable asset in our community. The program has gone above and beyond to assure that our children needs are met. Most importantly, the program have helped some of our kids who were homeless get off the streets and find somewhere to lay their heads at night so that they may be able to come to school and focus on success instead of failure. One example of their dedication to serve our children is that they have been at the forefront in providing tremendous help for families whose homes burned down; helping each family get back on track in just a matter of weeks. I feel that this program is a necessity because without it many of our children may not have a place to go as an outlet from stress and use them as a means for support and guidance that they may not be receiving at home or around the campus.

In a military area, where things are not always consistent for children, CIS is a program that provides them with consistency. Whether it's somewhere to go after school, someone to sit with at lunch, or someone to talk to during difficult times CIS provides children with stability. In a low income district, CIS has also been able to assist students in need (glasses, coats, a clean shrit, etc...). Our CIS coordinator has also provided the campus with significant professional assistnace. We need this program!

Communities In Schools believes every child needs and deserves these five basics... a one on one relationship with a caring adult, a safe place to learn and grow, a healthy start and a healthy future, a marketable skill to use upon graduation, and a chance to give back to peers and the community. Communities In Schools impact the lives of children in a positive way, the professional staff help make problems manageable and success possible. I have seen many students graduate, get jobs and go to college because they were in the Communities In Schools program.

I am a teacher and the CIS program at my school has changed the lives of some of my current students. I have a child that is homeless and CIS has provided him with numerous changes of clothes and pairs of shoes, he got a free dental check up, his family recieved food baskets over the holidays, and our CIS employee has been a constant support system for that family. This is a wonderful program that our district offers and I myself would be lost without it!! Keep up the great work CIS!! :)

Through my experience with Communities In Schools I have seen posisitive changes in many students. Students at the beginning of the year that had problems in the classroom or low self-esteem are now smiling and interacting with others, as well as acheiving academically. Not only does CIS help the students at school, CIS offers support, education and resources to their families. I think this is a fundamental part in ensuring success and positive well-being for all children.

I have worked with CIS at both an alternative campus and a middle school. I have worked with children in situations of extreme poverty and helped their families with food, assistance at the holidays, and encouraging their children to stay in school and get an education. At the alternative school, I talked to students about going to college and/or pursuing job training. Often times, their family members hadn't completed high school and there was an attitude in the family that education and job skills weren't necessary. I brought in speakers and provided information to help the students see some of the amazing opportunities out there. Several years later, I love to see the students in jobs in the community!

I currently work at a middle school. Hands down, middle school is one the hardest developmental stages we go through in our lives. Emotions and hormones are exploding! Students are seeking independence and learning to think for themselves. I am cheerleader and advocate for them as they strive to succeed at a complex time of life. More often than not, students come into my office for support with peer conflicts. We all get together and talk through the problem with hopes of mending a friendship. Unfortunately, there are times when students are the recipients of hurtful words and bullying. I am safe person to come cry to and get some encouragement as they stand up for justice. Their struggles aren’t just limited to the classroom and they often come in with issues with their family, boyfriend, or girlfriend. Middle schoolers have such depth and heart! They see a lot things that go on with their peers and they come here seeking intervention for friends who are experimenting with big consequences. Middle school might be a hard time in life, but it is fun too. This office sees its share of tears and laughter, a little bit of dancing, … and a lot of discussion about the real issues in our lives.

Communities In Schools is a wonderful organization that becomes involved with every aspect of a child's life in order to insure that they will be successful. The staff are caring, kind, and sesitive to the needs of the students they work with.

Debbie M.
Communities In Schools (CIS) has been helping students with tutoring, and making the correct decision for their future. Helping them with college applications for academics and sports, and finding scholarships for them. Helping parents complete the paperwork need to receive funds for college and admission paperwork for college.
Keeping student out of trouble during and after school hours through different programs. Having programs that students can be a part of, in order to keep them off the streets and doing something positive. This is a valuable program for all school age children. Some of those programs are track meets just for CIS students, quilting, craft, chess, building doll houses, debate clubs, and talent and fashion show for grades 1-12. College trips for high school, as well as 8th grade students. Communities In Schools works hard to educate not only the students about positive things in life, but also their parents.
It would be a loss to the whole family of students if CIS was not there in our schools.

This nonprofit helps kids IN the schools. No other have I found that does this and makes their counselors really a part of kids' lives. They are there to help in every circumstance and need.

Communities In Schools allows the professional with a great heart for youth to acheive their full potential. This organization and its employees go above and beyond to serve the families in the Bell-Coryell Counties.