Today’s blog post comes from National Network Executive Vice President Gary Chapman.
Communities In Schools of Central Texas students
After I graduated from college, my first job was as a mental health therapist working with juvenile delinquents. Mitchell, a seventh grader referred for truancy, was the first young man I worked with. I remember the shack he lived in with its dirt floor, and the depressing detention room where he spent his days at school. When I asked Mitchell what his dreams were for his future, he would simply say, “Just not to be in prison like my dad and brothers.”
Fourteen years later, I’ve been able to see first-hand what a difference the right kind of support can make in the lives of students. I recently had the honor of visiting Garcia Middle School in Austin, Texas, where I experienced the thoughtful and comprehensive work underway to empower students through Communities In Schools of Central Texas. I visited students, dynamic campus manager Crystal Pena, AmeriCorps members and school staff. After visiting the Communities In Schools room, where site coordinators keep their office and meet with students, I had the opportunity to speak with four impressive seventh and eighth graders. They’ve all been involved with our organization for at least two years, have significantly raised their grades and now attend school regularly. View full article »
