Community In Schools - Houston
Donna Wotkyns was our guest Speaker this week. Donna is the Project Manager for COmmunity In School at Sharpstown High School.
ABOUT CIS
Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) has served at-risk students in the Houston area since 1979. CIS is a non-profit organization that encourages at-risk students to remain in school by providing and coordinating social services that meet their physical and emotional needs. CIS also encourages these at-risk students to seek further training and/or higher education after high school graduation.
With programs in 90 schools in the Houston, Spring Branch, Alief, Aldine and Fort Bend school districts, CIS is able to touch the lives of over 36,000 at-risk students every year, yet there are thousands upon thousands more in need.
SIX CORE SERVICE AREAS
Academic Support
CIS concentrates on providing tutorial, remedial, and learning and specialized support programs to improve reading, writing, and math proficiency. All of these offer CIS students the opportunity to have a relationship with a positive adult role model.
Career Awareness
CIS' career awareness activities aim to help students understand the important connection between school success and life success. CIS trains students in job skills and professional behavior, and coordinates summer and part-time employment opportunities.
Cultural Enrichment
The youth served have often never even been outside of their immediate neighborhoods. CIS' cultural enrichment actvities provide these students with experiences that will expand their view of the world and motivate them to take their place in it.
Parental Involvement
Children's primary teachers are their parents and home enviornment. CIS parental involvement activites enable parents to volunteer at their children's school and take part in classes dealing with literacy, employment, financial planning and family issues.
Social Services
Partnerships with other community agencies make it possible fro CIS to meet the needs of students and their families effectively. By not duplicating the services of other social service providers, CIS keeps costs low and meets client needs.
Supportive Guidance
CIS' trained caseworkers provide both individual and group supportive guidance to help students deal with challenging family situations, personal issues, and the stresses experienced by all children growing up in poverty.
For information on the CIS Board of Directors, a list of CIS campus programs, and outcome measures, please log on to their website at www.cishouston.org. |
