Empowering Tarrant’s Youth: The Transformative CIS Center for Student Support
In a groundbreaking move, the Greater Tarrant County chapter of Communities In Schools (CIS) is set to open a state-of-the-art facility that will revolutionize the way mental health services are delivered to local students. The CIS Center for Student Support, scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025, will serve as a comprehensive hub for resources and support, addressing the diverse needs of thousands of at-risk youth across the region.
A Holistic Approach to Student Wellbeing
The new center, born from extensive collaboration with local school districts, will be a game-changer in the realm of student mental health. Recognizing the evolving challenges faced by today’s youth, the CIS leadership has designed the facility to offer a wide range of services tailored to the unique needs of Tarrant County’s student population.
One of the centerpieces of the CIS Center for Student Support will be its dedicated mental health counseling wing. This specialized space will allow the organization to expand its existing services, providing after-school and weekend sessions for students and their families. This innovative approach acknowledges the reality that many parents work during traditional school hours, and siblings may require joint counseling sessions – ensuring accessibility and flexibility for those who need it most.
“We asked local school districts what they see as the most pressing challenges in the coming years,” explains Lindsey Garner, the president and CEO of CIS of Greater Tarrant County. “All this feedback manifested in the planning for the future, and it was clear that mental health would be a top priority.”
Addressing Barriers to Academic Success
The new center will go beyond just mental health services, providing a comprehensive suite of resources aimed at supporting students’ overall wellbeing. One key feature is the partnership with Texas Health Resources to establish a fresh food pantry on-site, ensuring that students and their families have access to nutritious sustenance – a critical component in fostering physical and emotional resilience.
Additionally, the facility will house a training and enrichment space, allowing CIS to expand its trauma-informed training programs for both staff and community members. By equipping educators and local supporters with the knowledge and skills to better understand and address the unique challenges facing Tarrant’s youth, the center will create a stronger, more empathetic support network.
“As parents, we desire and strive to provide a nurturing, loving and stable environment for our kids,” shares Matt Dufrene, the CISGTC campaign chair and vice president at Texas Health Resources. “But I think about the reality for many students across Tarrant County today, right now. And, for many, it’s not the same reality.”
Dufrene’s heartfelt words underscore the crucial role that the CIS Center for Student Support will play in bridging the gap between the ideal and the lived experiences of many students in the region. By addressing the barriers that often hinder educational success, the center aims to unlock the full potential of Tarrant’s youth.
A Legacy of Transformative Impact
The CIS Center for Student Support is the culmination of a decades-long commitment to serving Tarrant County’s students. Since its inception, CIS of Greater Tarrant County has grown from supporting just 200 students in Fort Worth schools to serving over 40,000 across 84 schools in 12 districts. This expansion is a testament to the organization’s unwavering dedication to empowering young lives.
“CIS is our safe place to go,” says Leilani Landeros, a senior at Lake Worth High School. “Whenever we need help with something, we always talk to Ms. Brown, who’s always there for us making sure we’re taken care of and fed.”
Stories like Leilani’s underscore the profound impact that CIS has had on the lives of Tarrant’s students. Whether it’s providing academic support, access to resources, or a trusted adult advocate, the organization has been a lifeline for countless young people, helping them overcome challenges and unlock their full potential.
The Path Forward: Closing the Funding Gap
As the CIS Center for Student Support takes shape, the organization is actively working to secure the necessary funding to bring this transformative project to fruition. While they have already secured $3.2 million in donations from generous supporters, including the Amon G. Carter Foundation, The Morris Foundation, and the Ryan Foundation, there is still a $2.3 million funding gap that needs to be closed.
“Garner and Dufrene’s next job? To find the $2.3 million necessary to close the project’s remaining funding gap,” reports Matthew Sgroi, an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report.
The Stanley Park High School community is encouraged to follow the progress of the CIS Center for Student Support and consider ways to support this crucial initiative. By contributing to the cause, you can play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for Tarrant’s youth, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
To learn more about the CIS Center for Student Support and how you can get involved, please visit the school website or reach out to the CIS of Greater Tarrant County team directly.
Accessing Mental Health Resources in Tarrant County
While the CIS Center for Student Support is on the horizon, there are already a wealth of mental health services and resources available for students and families in the Tarrant County area. Whether you’re seeking counseling, crisis support, or community-based programs, there are numerous options to explore.
Tarrant County College (TCC) Mental Health Services
Tarrant County College (TCC) offers a wide range of mental health services for its students, including:
- Counseling Services: TCC’s counselors provide support for personal and career-related concerns, with sessions available both online and at each of the college’s five campuses.
- Student Accessibility Resources (SAR): SAR services on each campus offer reasonable accommodations for enrolled students with disabilities.
- Health Services: The college’s Health Services department can provide referrals to community health resources through nurse consultations.
- TCC Police Department’s Victim Assistance Unit: This unit offers 24/7 support for victims and their families, helping to lessen the trauma experienced from victimization.
Community-Based Mental Health Resources
Beyond the services offered by TCC, Tarrant County is home to a variety of community-based mental health resources, including:
- Baylor Health Fort Worth: This facility treats adults 18 and older for psychiatric and/or addictive disorders in its Behavioral Health Outpatient Programs.
- Lena Pope: This organization provides counseling services to children, adolescents, and families for issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, and disruptive behavior.
- MentalHealthTX: This hotline (1-800-273-TALK) connects individuals to providers who can offer help for a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and substance use.
- My Health My Resources of Tarrant County (MHMR): MHMR offers a comprehensive array of services, from mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities support to addiction treatment, early childhood intervention, and more.
- Recovery Resource Council: This organization provides a variety of services to help individuals recovering from alcohol, addiction, and mental health issues.
- The Women’s Center: In addition to a 24-hour crisis hotline, this center offers counseling, support groups, and courtroom assistance for those in need.
Remember, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, reach out for the support and resources available in the Tarrant County community. Taking the first step can make all the difference.
