Success StoriesWe would like to share these true stories of CIS of San Antonio children, families and volunteers that have been touched by our services and programs. Names have been changed in order to protect the privacy of the students.Thank you from the Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation >> I have just looked through the CIS program report book and would like to thank you for all that you do. I am very impressed that you take the children at all levels of education to see the possiblities of jobs that are out there for their future. I also appreciate that you show them vocations that can take them to college or vocational schools or just on-the-job training. To show them these possibilities that do not have to have a college degree is wonderful. Many times I think that the emphasis on going to college causes the dropout issue to be as big as it is. I also feel that there are many opportunities out there for a student that doesn’t go to college. One of my favorite students went to a tech-training program and now has his own business making circuit boards worldwide. I also have students who are now firemen and EMTs, and the importance of their jobs for the safety of everyone in the community makes me very proud of them. Thank you for your wonderful work and education of our children. Linda McDavitt Walzem has many success >> Where do I begin? Walzem Elementary has many success stories. A favorite that comes to mind involves a 3rd grader that I have been working with. His mother was the first parent I met as a Case Manager at Walzem. The boy came to CIS because of extreme behavioral problems in the classroom, and with other students and teachers/staff. He had emotional (angry) outbursts when things did not go his way – he could not control his temper. This student was assigned a mentor when a good match came along and was enrolled in our Karate group. He has had 5 or 6 meetings with his mentor and has been doing wonderfully! His behavior and self control has improved; and even though he still has ups and downs, the downs have decreased in intensity. I, along with his teachers, am so happy for what he has accomplished thus far. He is doing great. CIS Works… one child at a time! Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids >>
Never Give Up! >> “Dear Sir or Madam,  Helping Families >> From a CIS-SA high school: “We were able to help a family who had just lost their mother/grandmother. The parents came to us the day after the loss. This is a great family, they work hard to support their children but simply could not afford the $4,000 that the funeral home was requiring up front. We were able to guide this family to a funeral home that holds the county contract for low-income family funeral assistance. The family was able to get all of the expenses for the funeral covered and was able to have the service at their church.” Making a Difference: Mentor, Arturo Hernandez >>
Arturo L. Hernandez, Jr. New Vision >> This is a note from a parent: “I would like to thank you again for giving us the voucher for Jon’s glasses. Last spring when he was coming home with red eyes and getting headaches, he almost gave up reading. It really was very upsetting seeing him like that. We are very fortunate to have CIS in our school. Insurance at my husband’s work is over $200 a month and it is something we just cannot afford. It would have taken us months to save up for them. As you know, Jon is in the second grade and is able to read at the fifth grade level. When he reads he is in a whole new world. So thank you for helping him continue on with his adventures.” Academic Success >> From a CIS Case Manager: “A student was referred to me who was classified as homeless, pregnant and in dire need of social support. The student had dropped out of high school her junior year. At our first meeting she expressed the desire to catch up and graduate in the 2006-2007 school year. We went to the school counselor to see if this goal was indeed a realistic one. The school counselor set the student up with credit recovery classes that took place during school, after school and on weekends. I worked with the student to break this task into small pieces instead of being overwhelmed by this gigantic undertaking. Previously, her study habits were nonexistent. We developed a plan for her to set aside days to study, how long she should study and how to study. I gave her an organizer from the CIS school supplies so that she could write down her plan. This student made up all of her credits and raised her failing grades to Bs. She was extremely proud of her accomplishments. I was also proud of her. She did the work, but we got to share the rewards together.” Christmas at Westwood Terrace >> Mrs. Deborah Alvarez, who previously taught at WWT Elementary, graciously donated $100.00 to CIS-SA. Through this generous donation, 20 CIS students were able to receive a new unwrapped toy for Christmas. The Stevenson Middle School Student Council had a toy drive and donated 28 new toys to WWT CIS-SA students. The WWT PTA purchased a brand new NISD approved refrigerator and microwave for to use for CIS-SA student and parent activities. Hungry for Music >> An assistant principal informed the CIS-SA staff that a student wanted to learn to play the flute and be in the school band but could not afford an instrument. After checking with the band director, CIS-SA staff discovered there were 6 students needing instruments. Not giving up after checking out local resources, our staff searched the Internet and found a nonprofit organization, "Hungry for Music." An email was sent and a reply came back in minutes. Within 2 days all was well. The exact instruments were sent for the students in need. |
Communities In Schools-San Antonio received coupons for distribution at LB Johnson Elementary School. Siblings Jessamyn, Dustin and Cheyenne were three of our recipients. Their mother could not afford to purchase her children some much needed new shoes. The three siblings were very happy that they were each able to get a pair of shoes. They excitedly held up their new pairs of shoes for the camera, and can hardly wait to wear them to school!
Communities In Schools-San Antonio at Cameron Elementary was another one of the fortunate schools to receive the gift cards from Payless this year. The 10 students that received the gift card were in true need; a few of them had not received anything for Christmas. Milagros, a 4th-grade recipient, did not get any shoes this school year, so she has been wearing shoes from last school year which she had out grown. She was very grateful for the shoes thanking CIS staff and proudly showed off her new shoes to school staff for days. 
I had a great time being involved in your program. At first, I was a little apprehensive about being a mentor due to the role I play in my community as a San Antonio Police Officer. I thought it would be hard for me to get a connection with my mentee, but I found out we faced the same challenges growing up in the same community. I took great pride in giving back to a student from the same high school I attended (Thomas Edison High School). In the time that I spent with my mentee, he had his ups and downs as any teen would, but hopefully the hour or so that I spent with him once a week gave him hope that he could achieve anything he wanted despite the everyday obstacles he faces. As a San Antonio Police Officer, I try to make a difference in everyone's life, but sometimes don't succeed. I hope and pray I made a difference in at least one life while being a mentor in your program. In closing, I hope to continue in your program and would be happy to assist you in anyway possible.