Helping kids build better lives
CIS Mentor Program, School Outreach Coordinators & More!
Different kids have different needs. Some need academic help; some need someone who will listen and help guide the way. Others just need a pair of eyeglasses. Communities In Schools of Federal Way coordinates with our community and the Federal Way School District to bring resources to the kids through the following programs:
Mentoring: The CIS Mentoring program is a one-to-one, school based mentoring program; Mentors encourage success in school and life by being positive role models who support young people’s efforts and offer guidance through life’s challenges. Mentors meet with students for an hour, one day per week at school and help them constructively discover their greatest potential.
School Outreach Coordinators: Communities In Schools of Federal Way has launched a new addition to its program in the Federal Way School District. In addition to mentors working directly with children, there are now School Outreach Coordinators at Mirror Lake Elementary, Sacajawea Middle, and Federal Way High School-completing a "feeder pattern" between the three schools. The role of School Outreach Coordinator exists in many other CIS affiliates, but must be adaptable to the unique needs of a particular school. Are students getting enough food? Do they have access to required school supplies? Are families aware of the available resources and services in the community? Over the last few months, the School Outreach Coordinators have worked closely with students and their families, as well as school administrators, teachers and other community members to identify and address the particular needs of students.
Sacajawea School Outreach Coordinator Sarah Curl has been working to get more parental and community involvement in the school to help improve both the efficacy and sustainability of the program. Being on site has also allowed her to distribute material resources to children that need such things as school supplies, food or clothing.
At Mirror Lake Elementary, School Outreach Coordinator Georgina Hernandez has helped connect families to community resources, including material items such as clothing and school supplies as well as services like counseling, legal services, and rental assistance programs. She has also worked to develop after-school programs at Mirror Lake.
Joseph Colon is starting his first year at Federal Way High School. He provides one-on-one scholarship essay workshops, connects students to various financial aid resources through internet based scholarship-match programs, and implemented a district-wide FAFSA workshop for senior parents. Joseph also works with undocumented youth by connecting them to resources that enable students to attain citizenship, higher-education, and a military career. He has also engineered a support group for students who have the highest probability of dropping out (teen parents) by partnering with State agency groups.
In all schools, the School Outreach Coordinators have hit the ground running. From strengthening existing programs like CIS mentorship to developing and implementing new ideas like VIP Access, college essay workshops, and the after school programs at Mirror Lake, their positions have had an immediate effect on the schools. Using strategies ranging from direct questionnaires to tracking educational and socioeconomic trends via public records, the site coordinators are able to better understand the needs of students, as well as continue to improve and expand the visibility and efficacy of Communities in Schools in the Federal Way School District.
Resource Program: This program is about bringing community resources into the schools in order that all students in every school have their basic medical and material needs met. Through the CIS Resource Database, schools can connect students with services and resources in the community. This program will help remove barriers so students can learn and teachers can teach!
