Communities In Schools of Memphis’ Post

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS: Our year-in-review series on impactful partnerships continues with Westwood High School. CISM proudly supported the students and families of Wooddale through the Together for Students initiative in 2023-24. Lead support specialist Clavon Woodard set a school-wide goal to reduce chronic absenteeism by 13%. After a year of personalized support, Clavon helped reduce absences by 69% – meaning MORE STUDENTS CAME TO SCHOOL AND STAYED IN SCHOOL. Plus, 100% of his case-managed students met their goals for attendance! #AllinforYouth View our latest impact reports to learn more about our successful school partnerships: https://lnkd.in/erWYan6f

Last spring, Slingshot Memphis presented CISM with its MPROVE Award for demonstrating significant improvements in poverty-fighting effectiveness in 2023 by expanding work opportunities for students and sharing training across the National CIS network, among numerous other academic and social support services that empower students and families in Memphis. The Slingshot team also shared multiple recommendations for building on those successes with added implementation support from New Memphis. Strategies are focused in the areas of data management, human resources, and operations, which will ultimately contribute to stronger partnerships and improved outcomes for the schools and communities we serve. We're deeply grateful to Slingshot for making this successful connection with New Memphis possible! #AllinforYouth

Meet Lakesha Carver, CISM Student Support Specialist! We are thrilled to have Lakesha's passion, talent, and dedication on our team as we continue to grow our impact. ❤️💪🏾 #MeetCISM #AllinforYouth #CISMTeam #CommunityImpact

Strong developmental relationships help young people of every age, race, and socioeconomic background discover who they are, cultivate the ability to shape their own lives and destinies, and learn how to positively contribute to the world. As part of our work to build a community of support for youth, we are helping teachers in our partner schools understand and implement key principles of the the Search Institute's Developmental Relationships Framework. These proven methods are instrumental in improving classroom management and increasing engagement so students can thrive. This is yet another example the power of partnerships. #AllinforYouth

Thanks to strong student support systems and a personal bond with CISM Student Support Specialist, Mr. Deontae Walker, Andrea, a 12th-grade student at Manassas High School, has experienced a life-changing transformation. Once expelled for fighting, Andrea is now on track to graduate in 2025 after overcoming significant personal challenges. “I struggle with trust, but Mr. Walker’s always been there." The bond Andrea formed with Mr. Walker became a lifeline. She hasn’t missed a single day since meeting him, and she's passing all her classes. In June, Andrea made an unforgettable trip to Dallas to be featured in Communities In Schools National Office's marketing campaign. Read Andrea's full story at bit.ly/4eIMzy5

🗳 Find Your Polling Place! 🗳 Not sure where to cast your vote? Visit https://lnkd.in/eF8uZWK5 and click "Search by Address." Enter your address to find both your Election Day polling location and early voting options (Oct 16 - Oct 31). Let’s make every vote count, Memphis! 🗳️ #Election2024 #MemphisVotes

🌎 🍎 #WorldTeachersDay is a day to celebrate how teachers are transforming education, but also to reflect on the support they need to maximize the impact of their talents. We are proud to do all we can to support the amazing work our teachers put in every day inside and outside of their classrooms. #AllinforYouth

Compassion + Connection + Commitment... that's why LaVonda Burks was our team-nominated September Staff Member of the Month! Since joining our Care Coordination team, LaVonda has quickly demonstrated her ability to connect with clients, helping them set achievable goals and navigate the Ottimate process with ease. LaVonda has seamlessly implemented programming that enhances client outcomes, showcasing her dedication and proactive approach. Her compassionate demeanor and commitment to excellence not only foster trust with clients but also elevate the quality of care we provide as an organization. LaVonda truly deserves this recognition for her exceptional work and impact on our team! #AllinforYouth

Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development has generously renewed its $700,000 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant. These funds will support a wide range of services and activities oriented around increasing skills and credentials relevant to postsecondary education and training, as well as job training and placement. Other specific benefits include uniforms, work supplies, laptops, and equipment, transportation assistance, career exploration opportunities, job screenings, exams, and certifications, and even help with rent, utilities, and food. In total, the two-year grant will impact 115 students in CISM's College & Career Readiness program. #AllinforYouth

Happy birthday to all our team members celebrating another trip around the sun this October! 🎃 #AllinforYouth Kayla Bolden, Student Support Specialist - 10/5 Jessica Pontoo, Chief of Staff & Strategy - 10/8 Kathedra Burton, Director of Analytics & Data Management - 10/9 Nataline Purdy, Director of Community Partnerships & Program Development - 10/14 Aunia Cole, Student Support Specialist - 10/30