Inspire others with your story!

Two years ago a friend told me about Communities In Schools and how she became a mentor. She made the experience sound so wonderful that I signed up to be a mentor the following year. Nothing could have prepared me for this experience – it is life-changing. My mentee is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. She is determined, hopeful and unstoppable. For one hour a week, we meet and talk, do activities and inspire each other. I am so proud of her, and what she has and will accomplish. I highly recommend becoming a mentor, make a difference in a child’s life and have a child make an impact in your life – you won’t regret it.

We often hear about the difference that we, as mentors, can make in the life of a child but we seldom talk about how they change our lives. There are many benefits to being a mentor: sense of satisfaction over making a difference in someones life, adds a positive twist to our lives, events, smiles and hugs to look forward to.
Thanks so much for sharing your story!

Once a week or so I help out at my son's school. This past Fall they asked me if I would help handing out coats to some of the less fortunate students. Communities In Schools had collected all kinds of coats, boys and girls, all different sizes and colors. It was amazing how many there were, and it took most of the day to hand them out. The kids were wonderful, cutting up and having a great time. And they all took home a warm winter coat that fit and looked good on them. It was a heartwarming experience and I shed more than a few tears that day. Thanks CIS for helping these kids stay warm this winter!

I recall once working with the family of a student whose parents were refereed to to me through the school's main office. The parents were distraught and disoriented, as the dad had been recently laid off from Boeing. The family had never accessed assistance in any form previously, so they did not feel comfortable turning to any of the local or state agencies. However the holidays were approaching and two of the family's five children were in dire need of medical assistance and supplies, to which they had previously been able to attend to attend through their Boeing benefits program. This was no longer the case.

I spent time with the parents discussing their needs and how I, as a CIS staff member, could best support their efforts to regain self-sufficiency. In the end, the family was able to receive assistance through the local Rotary club, Boeing's Adopt a Family annual giving program and other local resources. They received brand new warm coats, holiday food and gifts, referrals for free or low-cost medical services and supplies, school supplies and an on-going listening ear. As a CIS staff person, I was able to use my connections with these and other agency resources to assist the family in a powerfully meaningful way.

I witnessed a very touching graduation ceremony for several dozen of CIS of Kent's Performance Learning Center graduates on June 11. The graduation was part of the Kent School District's Phoenix Acadamy commencement exercises. It was a wonderful tribute to students who worked hard for success, with the staff taking a few seconds to talk about each student's goals and share a personal thought. Despite some very daunting challenges, these students have succeeded in school and many have a very firm plan for their future, whether it be college or military service or employment. One earned his high school diploma and his community college AA degree simultaneously. Congratulations to all the students as well as the KSD and CIS of Kent staff.