Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS), an education nonprofit, is celebrating Social Work Month this month. The theme, “Empowering Social Workers,” is aimed at highlighting the contributions of social workers in uplifting communities.
The campaign, coordinated by the National Association of Social Workers, is designed to highlight the work of social workers in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, governance and other agencies to policymakers, legislators and community members.
“Social Work Month is important to Communities In Schools because it highlights the immense contributions of social workers throughout our nation, whether in schools or other milieus,” said Lisa Descant, LPC-S (Licensed Professional Counselor), LMFT-S (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist -Supervisor) and CEO of CIS of Houston. “In their social work role, our Student Support Managers are improving the lives of students on CIS campuses, along with their families, through the comprehensive services they provide.”
The organization connects students to individuals who can guide them, including student support managers and mental health professionals. According to the 2023 CIS annual report, 7,569 students received service from mental health professionals.
In March, CIS school campuses have planned to honor their staff members and highlight the student support managers on social media throughout the month.
Communities In Schools of Houston: who are they and what do they do?
CIS currently serves 163 campuses in six Houston-area school districts and Lone Star College. These include seven campuses in the Aldine Independent School District, 41 in Alief ISD, four in Fort Bend ISD, 56 in Houston ISD, 10 in Spring ISD, 37 in Spring Branch ISD, two in Texas Connections Academy, and 16 in the Lone Star College.
It places at least one student support manager on each campus to provide services such as counseling, academic support, parent and family engagement, health, and college and career readiness.
CIS also refers students and families to community resources and collaborates with more than 350 community partners, including volunteers, social service agencies, mental health providers, and educators.
“Students face many challenges today, including mental health issues, bullying and substance abuse, along with the pressures of keeping up academically,” Descant said. “Our campus-based staff help students navigate difficult situations with compassion, interventions and practical solutions. This month allows us to highlight their invaluable contributions to our organization.”
The student demographics comprise:
- 63% Hispanic/Latinx
- 29% Black
- 5% White
- 3% Asian
According to the organization’s annual report from last year, 92% of the students it serves received free/ reduced lunch, and 61% received public assistance.
Among them, 40% of the students had limited English proficiency, and 15% of them were involved in family conflict or crisis.
Moreover, these services had an impact on school students students, per the CIS report:
- 9,821 students received case management services,
- Nearly all (99%) students from grades 7-12 remained in school,
- 96% of the students were promoted to the next grade level,
- 98% of the students graduated, and
- 85% of the students showed improvement in academics, attendance, and/or behavior.
Among college students, 68% had re-enrollment transfer and graduation rates.
