CIS_2015-2016_Annual_Report

From the Executive Director
during my many years with Communities In Schools of houston (CIS),
I have learned invaluable lessons. I know with certainty that CIS does
community-enriching, life-altering work. I know this because we hear
it directly from those affected: a school district leader who said her
district was able to meet the needs of students and families after
hurricane Katrina only because of CIS; a mother who thanked CIS for
helping her family stay in their apartment while she found new
employment; a student whose life was saved when he calmly shared
his suicide plan with CIS; and a teacher who described how he could
finally focus all of his efforts on teaching knowing that CIS would
attend to all other student needs. I am certain that CIS makes the
needed difference.
While reflecting on the 2015-2016 school year, I am very aware of
another important truth. In order to continue making the needed
difference for our students, families, schools and communities, CIS
must balance institutional knowledge with innovation. This requires
patience and risk, respect and critical questioning, and even a good
sense of humor. This intentional approach is necessary because of
the many shifts in our community and the increasingly complex needs
of our students, families and schools. CIS, as always, will meet this
challenge head-on with the support of community collaborators.
Communities In Schools of houston stands ready to do whatever it
takes to keep students in school and prepare them for college and
career.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Clay Briggs
executive director
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