AUSTIN The hallways of the Texas State Capitol will be filled with Communities In Schools (CIS) staff and supporters from across the state Feb. 28. The annual Communities In Schools Day at the Capitol event will start at 9 a.m. with a rally on the south steps.
CIS of Texas will welcome attendees and former Communities In Schools participants will speak about the impact of the program. After the rally, Communities In Schools representatives will visit with their elected officials to share about the program.
Communities In Schools is the largest provider of school-based behavioral health services for students in Texas, providing more than 500,000 hours of mental health services last school year. Through its statewide network of 27 affiliates, CIS provided intensive, case-managed services to more than 123,000 students on over 1,500 school campuses in 201 school districts.
Whether a student is struggling to cope with an emotional stressor at home or is dealing with complex trauma or grief, CIS provides students with mental health and wellness support. Trained CIS mental and behavioral health professionals provide trauma-informed interventions that alleviate emotional and behavioral challenges, enhance coping skills, improve student well-being and, in turn, scholastic achievement, a news release said.
“The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute has worked with districts across the state to understand the real-world challenges students face, particularly those in crisis or who have experienced trauma. CIS ensures their students have access to the support they need to cope with mental health challenges and is a critical partner to student well-being in Texas.” Andy Keller, president and CEO of Meadows Mental Health.
CIS affiliates leverage state funding with additional public and private fundraising from local communities. For every dollar invested by the state, CIS provides on average more than three dollars in services. This model, which is unique to CIS, multiplies the impact of state funding and allows CIS to help more students in need.
