Communities In Schools of Memphis

Jakara’s senior year of high school was anything but easy having faced some of the most challenging times of her life during that time. Living with her sister and lacking many basic necessities, Jakara managed to juggle school and a job to make ends meet. There were moments when she contemplated dropping out, feeling the overwhelming weight of her circumstances, but her CISM specialist Alexis Wofford was there to help, from academic challenges to finding essential resources or simply providing a listening ear. One of the most memorable nights of Jakara’s senior year was prom night—a moment of pure joy and celebration. However, that was abruptly shattered when she returned home to find her house engulfed in flames. Everything she owned was gone. CISM and the school community quickly rallied around Jakara and worked together to find resources, gather donations, and replace her belongings. This outpouring of support was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a student in need. Through all of these trials, Jakara’s determination never wavered. She didn’t just survive these challenges—she overcame them! Watching her walk across the stage at graduation was a moment of immense pride—a testament to her indomitable spirit and the incredible power of community support. #AllinforYouth Read Jakara's full story and many others in our impact reports: bit.ly/4f5dKn7

🗳 Who & What’s On Your Ballot? 🗳 Be informed before you vote! Find your ballot at https://lnkd.in/eRjp_bP. Click "Search by Address," enter your details, and choose "Ballot Information" to see everything on the ballot for your district. Research your candidates and issues ahead of time to make informed decisions. 🗂📋 #KnowYourBallot #VoteInformed #Election2024

🌟 October is Anti-Bullying Month 🌟 At Communities In Schools of Memphis, we believe every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment where they can thrive. Bullying has no place in our schools or communities, and we are committed to empowering students with the tools and resources they need to stand up, speak out, and support one another. Our dedicated Student Support Specialists are here to ensure that all students feel heard, valued, and protected. Let's work together to create a culture of kindness and inclusion, where every child feels they belong. 💬 Join us in spreading awareness and promoting empathy this Anti-Bullying Month. Together, we can make a difference. 💙 #CISM #AntiBullyingMonth #CommunitiesInSchools #StopBullying #KindnessMatters #MemphisSchools

Even though nonprofit service providers make up a critical part of our community, only 1 in 7 engage in nonpartisan voter engagement work even though they make up close to 40% of the nonprofit sector. Learn more about how Jessica Pontoo and her team at Communities In Schools of Memphis broke out of those statistics and implemented lessons learned from the BMP's Security to Wellbeing Cohort and organized their community and partners to launch a series of events that helped their community navigate information so they can participate in this critical election. If you are a service provider and are interested in getting involved in social change work, reach out or click the link to learn more about our next cohort in 2025!

Meet April Howard, CISM Student Support Specialist! #MeetCISM "Integrity is my favorite CISM core value because there is a beautiful feeling of liberation that comes from being honest and authentic with not just those around you, but most importantly yourself." #AllinforYouth

CISM new Family Resource Help Line is open and ready to share information about essential community resources available to meet the needs of youth and adults! Our team can help navigate resources in Shelby County, including Millington, Fayette County, Lauderdale County, and Tipton County. Callers can receive personal guidance for a variety of supports, from housing and healthcare to education and many other community services. We're here to help Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am-3pm. Contact us at 901-878-9713. #CISMFamilyResource #ShelbyCountyResources #CommunitySupport #YouthServices #TennesseeHelp #ResourceNavigation

Julius first met Ms. McNeill while she was explaining her role in his English class. “From the moment we started talking, I realized that I was opening up to her more than I ever had with any other adult in the school. She wasn't just hearing me, she was really listening.” Julius experienced the loss of loved ones during his junior year - something he never dealt with before. He turned to Ms. McNeill for comfort. “Ms. McNeill assured me that it was okay not to have the right words to describe how I felt. Instead, I was given a safe space where I could feel whatever I needed to feel.” Julius felt lost at times in school and said he would wander the halls just to stop by her room and let her know what was going on his life. In the midst of many personal challenges, she helped him focus on how to move forward after the unthinkable happens. That year was filled with many ups and downs, but her influence and his respect for her led to positive changes in his life, both in and out of school. “Having a safe space within a school is rare. This safe space has become something more valuable than I ever imagined. I’m incredibly grateful to Ms. McNeill for being there, for her smiles, her snacks, her laughter, and for giving not just me, but many others, a safe space in her room.” #AllinforYouth Read Julius’ full story and many others in our impact reports: bit.ly/4f5dKn7

📬 Absentee Voting in Shelby County 📬 If you qualify for absentee voting (age 60+, disability, outside the county, etc.), request your absentee ballot by Oct 29! Visit https://lnkd.in/exhX6Twr to see if you qualify and to access the form. Tip: Request your ballot early to avoid postal delays! Questions? Contact the Absentee Department at (901) 222-6800. #AbsenteeVoting #VoteFromHome

Meet Lavonda Burks, one of our Care Coordination Specialists! #MeetCISM Lavonda most strongly feels connected to the CISM core value of Integrity. "Integrity spoke most to me due to including the 'all in for youth.' If we are, in fact, all in for youth, the other values just fall in line to hold up this value." #AllinforYouth

Meet Ta’Niyah Coleman, a 2021 CISM graduate. Ta’Niyah said her experience with CISM during her senior year at Wooddale High school had a profound impact on her life and motivated her to make a difference in the lives of others. Since enrolling at Lane College in 2021, Ta’Niyah has participated in many enriching activities, including pageants, serving as a Resident Assistant, holding the position of Secretary on the E-Board of the Pre-Alumni Council, and even starting her own mental health program called "Unbox The Cries." After graduation, Ta’Niyah said she plans to further her education and become a medical social worker in Georgia, Texas, or Alabama.