CIS of Houston expanding in 2019-20 to help meet record demand

(HOUSTON)– Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS), the nonprofit that partners with education leaders to support students on campuses across the Houston area, is expanding to help a record number of students.

This 2019-20 school year, CIS Student Support Specialists have been called to help approximately 125,000 students in Houston Independent School District, Spring Branch ISD, Alief ISD, Aldine ISD, Fort Bend ISD and Lone Star Colleges. 

From crisis intervention, trauma and mental health counseling to providing basic necessities and doing whatever it takes to set students up for success in college and future careers, CIS Student Support Specialists are embedded on campuses to break down any barrier to student well-being and help educators create school cultures where it’s OK to reach out for help. 

CIS is launching a new initiative to further meet students’ acute mental health needs. Whether a student is struggling with a recent loss, is a victim of violence, is homeless, or dealing with other forms of trauma or any number of pressing issues, the CIS Mobile Mental Health Team—comprised of licensed mental health providers—will work closely with Student Support Specialists and educators at select HISD schools to provide intensive mental health support to those students who need it most.

Lone Star College is bringing CIS onto two more campuses—East Aldine and Fairbanks Houston North—bringing the total to eight college campuses served by CIS of Houston, with more on the way.

“The number of campuses requesting additional CIS mental health support doubled this year," CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant said. “As the demand for these critical support services in schools continues to increase, Communities In Schools of Houston will continue to do whatever it takes to identify and provide—at a moment’s notice—needed support to students who may be struggling through issues on their own.”

Learn more about CIS of Houston’s work, proven to help students succeed in school and achieve in life, at www.cishouston.org. 

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