Message from our CEO
Dear Valued Friends, Family, and Partners,
What a fantastic journey it has been! We couldn't have reached this point without your unwavering support! Communities In Schools (CIS) of Southeast Harris and Brazoria County is thrilled to express our deepest gratitude for your continued belief in our mission.
In the face of challenges, we've remained steadfast in our commitment to providing a nurturing community for students, empowering them to excel in their academic and personal endeavors
Our success story couldn't happen without our partners' tireless dedication and our staff's endless passion. We've expanded our reach to touch more lives than ever before. Last year alone, we proudly served over 8,500 casemanaged students, making a tangible difference in their lives.
As we continue to evolve, we've recognized our students' growing need for mental health support. Rest assured, we're not just meeting this challenge head-on. We're surpassing it with innovative solutions and unwavering determination.
Your continued support empowers us to dream bigger, reach higher, and impact more lives We are changing lives, shaping futures, and building a brighter tomorrow for future generations
With heartfelt gratitude,
Donna Montes
CEO - Communities In Schools of Southeast Harris and Brazoria County
CIS OF BRAZORIA COUNTY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Perez BOARD CHAIRPERSON
Brenda George VICE CHAIR
Dana Blackstock
TREASURER
Chris Miller
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
COLUMBIA – BRAZORIA ISD
Donna Tate
COORDINATOR OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS/GRANTS
PEARLAND ISD
Kimi Hunter
ANGLETON ISD BOARD MEMBER
Corbette Greak
DIRECTOR - GOVERNANCE COUNSEL & CORPORATE SECRETARY
Ty Morrow
DIR. OF SAFETY AND SECURITY
DIR. OF EMERGENCY MGMT.
BRAZOSPORT ISD
Boma Osime
PTO-CPA PPLC
Dr. Shannon Haltom
RUN YOUR RACE LEADERSHIP
CONSULTING SERVICES
Mark Holian
EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER
GULF COAST AUTO PARK
Pat Sebesta
JUDGE OF THE 239TH DISTRICT COURT OF BRAZORIA COUNTY
CIS OF BRAZORIA COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gloria Gallegos, M.ED BOARD CHAIRPERSON
Ezreal Garcia VICE CHAIR
Adam Shulke
TREASURER
Mike Jackson
VICE-CHAIRPERSON ASSISTANT
CHIEF PASADENA POLICE DEPT.
Dr. Stacy Guzzetta
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF STUDENT OPERATIONS
FRIENDSWOOD ISD
Dr. Teddy Farias
DEAN OF ALLIED HEALTH AND NATURAL SCIENCE
SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
Damaris Chavez
ATTORNEY AT LAW
LAW OFFICE OF DAMARIS CHAVEZ
Donna Montes, CEO
About CIS
Our Mission
Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life
What We Do
Communities In Schools (CIS) works in partnership with school districts, educators, parents, and community partners to deliver comprehensive programs during and after school that target the obstacles hindering students from achieving academic excellence. Through the identification and elimination of learning barriers, CIS develops customized support strategies for students and families, which include personalized case management services The organization actively involves the community to ensure that every student has access to the necessary resources for success. CIS maintains a vigilant oversight of students' academic performance, behavior, and attendance, monitoring academic progress for all individuals served. Ultimately, CIS is dedicated to empowering students to excel academically, persist in their education, graduate, and equip themselves for a successful future
CIS Current Profile
6 Counties | 149 Programs
118 Campuses | 15 School Districts
Alvin ISD | Angleton ISD
Brazosport ISD
Columbia-Brazoria ISD
Deer Park ISD | El Campo ISD
Our 2023 TEA Student Outcomes
Total Case-Managed Students 8913
Total Service Hours
221,883
143,202
Friendswood ISD
Galena Park ISD | La Porte ISD
Palacios ISD | Pasadena ISD
Pearland ISD
Rice Consolidated ISD
Van Vleck ISD | Wharton ISD
CIS provides the following services for all students: Academic Support
College/Career Readiness
Enrichment Activities
Health\Human Services
Parent\Family Involvement
Supportive Guidance\ Child Development
CIS-ACE Afterschool Programs
The Communities In School ACE Program is structured to provide students with ample opportunity to engage in math, reading, and science enrichment, as well as a wide array of Fine Arts education, physical recreation, characterbuilding, service-learning, tutoring, and other personal enrichment activities not always available during the regular school day. ACE is funded by the U.S. Department of Education Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers
ACE Program Outcomes
2215 Students Served
1909 Students attended at least 45 days
2826 Adult family members participated in ACE activities
91% of students had GPA over 70 in core subjects at the end of the school year
92% of students had less than 15 days of school day absences
98% of regular ACE students had less than 10 behavior referrals during the school day
CRISIS INTERVENTION
The Communities in Schools Crisis Program is an active and encompassing initiative that offers critical mental health support to students navigating intense and diverse challenges and crises Our primary goal is to enhance academic success, emotional well-being, and overall resilience among students through an array of mental health focused services and interventions. Our program aspires to facilitate students in overcoming challenges and achieving positive life outcomes. Through intentional and comprehensive support, our program motivates students to thrive despite the situation or circumstances that they are facing.
We specialize in providing mental health services to all students and families including:
Advocacy
EnsuringthatstudentsandfamiliesVOICESareHEARD,andthatfair, equal,andappropriateassistanceisreceived
Interventionsupport
ProvidinginterventionforfamilysupporttohelprebuildHOPEand restoreFAITHafteracrisisortraumahasoccurred.
Traumainformedandvictimcare
EnsuringtheemotionalHEALTHofourSTUDENTSandFAMILIES, througheducation,empowerment,support,andTRUST.
SocialEmotionalLearning
Social,EmotionalLearningsupportincludingestablishingatrusting RELATIONSHIP,intentionalRELEVANTactivitiesanddiscussions, whilecreatingagoaloflastingRESILIENCE
MentalHealthSupport
ProfessionalSUPPORTIVERESOURCESprovidedtothosestudents, andfamilieswhosethoughts,feelings,moods,andabilitytorelatehas beendisrupted
1475
Students Served
25,335
15,747
Premier Academy
Student and Parent Reflections
The after-school program affected me By making me feel unique and helpful while people help me This makes me feel like I'm at home with my family and I feel like my teachers love me. The reason why I love it is because the teachers are sweet, and we do fun activities, and we get to make new friends. The fun teachers, activities and friends make my day bloom like a sunflower.
- Eli M. 4th grade
Your Premier Academy program has been such a fun experience in my life that I've learned and made a new friend. Doing sports has made me a lot more competitive and healthier. Arts and crafts have made me more creative and more sociable. I love everything we do here.
- Memphis H. 5th grade
Both of my children have attended Premier Academy for 3 years and the assistance provided by the staff has been great Premier has been creative and resourceful with keeping my children engaged with learning activities that they enjoy. - Red Duke Parent
The mission of Premier Academy is centered around creating a positive and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow The focus on academic excellence, integrity, leadership, and global citizenship indicates a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate strong character and a sense of responsibility to the wider world. By emphasizing problem-solving skills, openness, and caring for one another, the school aims to foster a sense of community among its students and empower them to become lifelong learners and active, compassionate members of society.
Premier Academy Campuses
Alvin ISD
Bel Sanchez Elementary
Don Jeter Elementary
Mary Burks Marek Elementary
Pomona Elementary
Red Duke Elementary
Community Youth Development Program (CYD)
The Community Youth Program (CYD) Program provides services to individuals under the age of 17, with a particular emphasis on those aged between 10 and 17. To be eligible for the program, young people must either live in or attend school in specified ZIP codes. Our program offers various services such as mentoring, youth leadership development, and the Youth Advisory Committee. We customize our programs to address the unique needs of young individuals in the community, offering academic support, life skills and career development, character education, conflict resolution, rites of passage programs, youth sports and recreational activities, as well as initiatives that encourage family support and participation 2022 - 2023
MENTORING PROGRAM PROVIDED SERVICES TO 63 YOUTH
Services included 1-1 mentoring, family involvement, and life skills
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL (YAC) PROGRAM PROVIDED SERVICES TO 76 YOUTH
Services included youth leadership development, youth-based curriculum, and basic needs
CIS-CYD PROGRAM PROVIDED SERVICES TO 325 YOUTH
Campuses included De Zavala Middle School, Jackson Intermediate, Pasadena High School, Red Bluff Elementary and Sam Rayburn High School Services included life skills, enrichment activities, academic support and basic needs
Success Stories
Manett Butler CIS Crisis Intervention Specialist
Andrea Shaw CIS Site Coordinator
My CIS success story involves how important it is to persevere and overcome obstacles to accomplish your goals in life The student I am highlighting had to work through some challenging life events during her senior year at PACE. She navigated some difficult family setbacks which affected her emotionally, mentally, and academically. She would often come to my office for support and guidance ( I also made sure to have some of her favorite snacks on hand) This young lady worked hard to accomplish her goal of graduating on time She attended summer school and with the support of Pearland ISD Outreach Team and Counseling Department, she was able to officially graduate on the first day of school. PACE Principal Kimberly Darden and staff also provided the student with a cap and gown so that she could celebrate this momentous occasion (see pictures below) I am extremely proud of this student and wish her much success in the future.
A teacher emailed me saying that a student needed to speak with me about something urgent I did not know this student, but she knew from her friends that I was a person she could trust She shared with me that her friend had been talking about not wanting to live anymore and was contemplating taking her own life. I praised the student for being brave enough to share this information with me, and I was then able to reach out to our student support counselor and the student at risk This situation reminded me that my presence on campus really does make a difference.
Our Champions
“I feel blessed to be able to utilize these services for our students and their families when they are in a crisis situation.”
- Columbia-Brazoria ISD Principal
“Thank you for your assistance in servicing our students It takes a village!”
- Pasadena ISD Principal
“ACEprovidesvaluableacademicsupportforourstudents.Italsoserveasanenrichmentprogramforourstudentsand givesthemaccesstofunopportunities,newexperiencesandimportantsocialization.Itisasafespaceformanyofourkids.” -GalenaParkISDPrincipal
“MsRodriguezhasexceededmyexpectationsofaCISSiteCoordinatorSheisalwayslookingforwaystohelpschoolwideandassiststudentsandtheirfamilieswhomaybeinneedSheisaninvaluablememberoftheLomaxJuniorHigh SchoolCommunity!”-LaPorteISDPrincipal
“OurCISSiteCoordinatorSusanMillerisamazing!Weareluckytohaveher.-BrazosportISDPrincipal
“Herapproachwithkids,herenthusiasmtofindwaystohelp,hercommunicationskillswithyouthandadults,andher outlookarejustafewofhermanyoutstandingqualities“.-PasadenaISDPrincipal
United Way of Brazoria County
Valero (Southeast Harris County)
ThankYou
for Your Support
Alvin Community College
Alvin ISD
Amoco Federal Credit Union
Angela Harriman
Angela Miranda
Angelica Meza
Angleton ISD
April McGuire
Araceli Razo
Ascend Performance Materials
BASF
Bay City ISD
Best Body By Merie
Brazoria County Pain Center
Brazosport College
Brazosport ISD
Bryan Kenjerski
C R Dawson
Callie Rhodes
Carolyn Tims
Centerpoint
Central Avenue LLC
Cheryl Sellers
Chevron Phillips
Chris Lee
CIS- CJD AWF
CIS Scaling for Success
Columbia-Brazoria ISD
Community Health Network
Conrad Deleon
Danica Marrelli
Delgado Marisela
Donna Montes
Donna Tate
Dorothy Fisher
Dottie Rutherford
Dr. Iraj S.Jabbary
El Campo ISD
Function 4 LLC
Gabriela Flores
Gloria Gallegos
Greater Mt. Zion Church
GMZ Education and Development
Center
Greg Flaniken & Associates
Gulf Coast Auto Park
Gulfstar Compressor Svcs LLC
Hamman Foundation
Hargrove Engineering
Harris County Resources for Children and Adult
Harvest Point Fellowship Church
Honda Of Lake Jackson
HEB
HR&P
Ines Patricia Torres
Irma Rueda
Jay McLeeland
JJAEP
Jo Mapel
John Ontiveros
Jon Bryan
Joseph Garza
Judge John Vasut
Karin Marshall
Kim Freeman
La Porte ISD
LaToya Jordan
Lorena Gonzalez
Maria Torres
Mario Sanchez
Marisol Figirova
Marquis Construction
Martha Salomone
Martin Luther King Celebration Committee
Matthew and Kimi Hunter
Mayrelis Garza
Melissa Tharp
Michael Jones
Mike Hayes
Nancy Davis
Nancy Grice
Naomi Smith
New Birth Church
Office of the Governor – Criminal
Justice Juvenile Grants
Office of the Governor –
Victims of Crimes Grant
Olga Garcia
Palacios ISD
Pasadena ISD
Palms Funeral Home
Panda Cares
Pathward
Pearland ISD
Pearland Pediatrics
Phillips 66
Representative Cody Vasut
Rey Saldana
Rice Consolidated ISD
Pastor Roland Hendricks
San Jacinto College
Sherry Bird
Shirley Johnson
Silverlake Animal Hospital
STOP, INC
Tenaris
Texas Dow Employes Credit Union
Texas Education Agency
The Facts
The First State Bank of Louise
Friendswood ISD
Galena Park ISD
Tiffany Curtis
Tony Meiser
Trull Foundation
Thomas C. Moody
Twisted Designs
United Way of Brazoria County
United Way of Midland County
Valero
Van Vleck ISD
Wharton ISD
Ruth Granados Brazosport High School Graduate
cistxjv.org