Communities In Schools of Houston recognizes National Mentoring Month as time to positively impact the lives of students

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Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS), an educational nonprofit, celebrates National Mentoring Month in January, a time for Americans to celebrate the power of relationships, drive meaningful change and expand quality mentoring opportunities for the nation’s youth. Mentoring is at the core of what CIS of Houston does, through both dedicated professionals and trained volunteers.

CIS serves 135 campuses in five Houston-area schools districts, along with charter schools and Lone Star College, placing at least one full-time Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver direct services – counseling, academic support, work force readiness and health and human services – all under the umbrella of mentoring. Students and families are also provided with tailored referrals to community resources, while collaborating with more than 250 community partners, including volunteers, social service agencies, mental health providers and educators, to help students stay in school and thrive.

In addition to paid staff who serve in a mentoring role, Communities In Schools of Houston has a robust volunteer program with dedicated adults who provide additional support to individual students most in need. This could be in the form of academic tutoring to help the student stay on grade level or emotional support for a child or teen in crisis.

“National Mentoring Month is an opportunity to kick off the new year by highlighting the contributions of mentors in our city, state and nation,” says Lisa Descant, LPC-S, LMFT-S and CEO of CIS of Houston. “Our dedicated CIS Student Support Managers are on the front lines every day, ensuring that students receive needed support to stay in school and succeed. Additionally, our many campus volunteers provide an invaluable service to CIS students who may be struggling and need a caring adult in their lives.”

“Students face many challenges today, including poverty, mental health issues, substance abuse, anxiety and depression, along with the pressures of keeping up academically,” Descant continues. “Our holistic approach helps students, and their families, navigate the toughest situations with compassion, interventions and practical solutions. Mentorships can make all the difference in students’ lives.”

According to Youth.gov, “youth development research has long demonstrated that youth benefit from close, caring relationships with adults who serve as positive role models. Mentoring forges an emotional bond between mentor and mentee and can provide support, guidance, and opportunities to help youth succeed in life and meet their goals.”

Notable benefits for youth, which are confirmed by the CIS evidence-based model of Student Support Managers and volunteers on school campuses, include:

  • Increased high school graduation rates
  • Lower high school dropout rates
  • Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices
  • Better attitude about school
  • Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations
  • Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Improved behavior, both at home and at school
  • Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers

Although January is officially mentoring month, it is never too late to become a mentor in your community, whether through Communities In Schools of Houston or another youth-focused organization.

For more information about volunteer opportunities with Communities In Schools of Houston, please visit www.cishouston.org.

Photos courtesy of CIS

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