Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS), an educational nonprofit, celebrates National Mentoring Month in January, which represents 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.

Currently serving 163 campuses in six Houston-area schools districts and Lone Star College, CIS places at least one full-time Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver direct services – counseling, academic support 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 300 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 who are 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 the perfect time to highlight the contributions of mentors in our city, state and nation,” says Lisa Descant, LPC-S, LMFT-S and CEO of CIS of Houston. “I am incredibly proud of the incredible Student Support Managers at Communities In Schools, who are on the front lines every day, ensuring that students receive the support they need to stay in school and succeed. I would be remiss if I didn’t also express appreciation for our many campus volunteers who provide an invaluable service to CIS students who are struggling and need a caring adult in their lives.”

“Students face a multitude of challenges today, including poverty, mental health issues, substance abuse, anxiety and depression, along with the pressures of keeping up academically,” Descant continues. “Our Student Support Managers help them, and their families, navigate the toughest situations with compassion, interventions and practical solutions. Just showing up every day to be a sounding board for students in need makes all the difference.”

According to Youth.gov, “mentoring is often one component of a program that involves other elements, such as tutoring or life skills training and coaching. The supportive, healthy relationships formed between mentors and mentees are both immediate and long-term and contribute to a host of benefits for mentors and mentees.”

Notable benefits for youth, which are confirmed by the CIS model of Student Support Managers embedded on school campuses and volunteers, 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 the official 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.