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.”

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.”

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.”

“Dear Sir or Madam,
        I am a 7th grader, and I am in the Men Who Dream group. This year I have learned how to trust other people. I also learned that in life there are always going to be rules that you may not like but you have to follow. I liked all the activities we got to do with our group. I really learned to trust my group members more. I liked getting out of class for a while. I went to the ROPES course and learned that the obstacles were made to frustrate you and make it hard for your group to complete it. But I learned how important it is to never give up. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to try things I have never tried before.”

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.  After several meetings with his mentor and has been doing wonderfully! His behavior and self control have 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 so far. He is doing great. CIS works . . . one precious child at a time!

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.