Nurturing Minds and Transforming Lives
As the bustling heart of North Texas, Tarrant County is home to a diverse tapestry of communities, each with its own unique needs and challenges. Among these, the well-being of our youth has emerged as a pressing priority, with an increasing focus on addressing the mental health crisis that has gripped the region. Amidst this backdrop, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape – the Communities In Schools (CIS) of Greater Tarrant County’s Center for Student Support.
Addressing the Mental Health Imperative
The new $5.5 million CIS Center for Student Support, scheduled to open its doors in the fall of 2025, promises to be a transformative hub of resources and services for thousands of at-risk students and their families across Tarrant County. At the core of this ambitious project is a dedicated focus on mental health counseling, a critical component in the holistic support of young people navigating the complexities of adolescence.
“We asked local school districts what they see as the most pressing challenges in the coming years, and it was clear that mental health would be a priority,” explains Lindsey Garner, the president and CEO of CIS of Greater Tarrant County. “The new center will allow us to expand our services to include after-school and weekend sessions for students and their families, providing the flexibility that is so crucial for parents and siblings.”
This flexible approach is a direct response to the evolving needs of the community, as the pandemic has only exacerbated the mental health crisis among students. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, 42% of students across the country reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless, and one in 10 attempted suicide.
“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.”
Expanding the Scope of Support
The new CIS Center for Student Support will be more than just a mental health hub; it will serve as a comprehensive resource center, offering a range of services designed to address the diverse needs of Tarrant County’s most vulnerable youth.
In addition to the mental health counseling wing, the center will feature a fresh food pantry in partnership with Texas Health Resources, as well as a clothing and school supply pantry. The expanded space will also accommodate a training and enrichment facility, allowing CIS to extend its services to include trauma-informed training for staff and community members, along with enhanced case management support.
“The need is there,” affirms Garner. “Not only did families come, but they came from Fort Worth ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Granbury ISD, Everman ISD and even Lake Worth and White Settlement ISDs. This center will be a lifeline for students across the region.”
Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time
The impact of the CIS programs has already been felt throughout Tarrant County, with countless students and families finding solace and support in the organization’s services. For Leilani Landeros, a senior at Lake Worth High School, CIS has been a transformative force in her life.
“CIS is our safe place to go,” Landeros shares. “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.”
Landeros’ classmate, Kalise Ivory, echoes these sentiments, crediting the CIS program with helping her develop the focus and determination she needs to pursue a career in engineering, a field where she hopes to break barriers as a woman of color.
“I really used to slack on my work and, really, say forget it. But, once I started going to CIS, I’ve been better at it,” Ivory explains.
These stories of personal growth and academic success are a testament to the profound impact that CIS has had on the lives of students across Tarrant County. As the organization’s ability to serve students has expanded over the past 30 years, growing from just 200 students in Fort Worth schools to more than 40,000 across 84 schools in 12 districts, the need for a centralized hub of support has become increasingly clear.
Securing the Necessary Funding
While the CIS of Greater Tarrant County has already secured $3.2 million in donations from supporters, including the Amon G. Carter Foundation, The Morris Foundation, and the Ryan Foundation, the organization still needs to raise an additional $2.3 million to close the project’s funding gap.
“Garner and Dufrene’s next job? To find the $2.3 million necessary to close the project’s remaining funding gap,” as reported in the Fort Worth Report.
The cost of the CIS programs is not insignificant, with Fort Worth ISD, Lake Worth ISD, and Keller ISD each investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in their contracts with the organization. However, Garner emphasizes that the program’s growth is not just a story of expanded services, but of increased impact, with CIS students more likely to stay in school, be promoted to the next grade, and graduate on time compared to their peers.
A Beacon of Hope for Tarrant County
As the construction of the CIS Center for Student Support officially kicks off, the community of Tarrant County can look forward to the transformative impact this facility will have on the lives of countless young people. By providing a comprehensive suite of mental health, nutritional, and educational resources, the center will serve as a beacon of hope for those facing the challenges of adolescence, empowering them to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.
“Those kids just need love and support,” Dufrene reflects, his voice thick with emotion. It is this sentiment that lies at the heart of the CIS mission, and the driving force behind the creation of this vital resource center.
In the words of Lindsey Garner, “We asked local school districts what they see as the most pressing challenges in the coming years, and all this feedback manifested in the planning for the future.” The CIS Center for Student Support is the embodiment of this forward-thinking approach, a testament to the power of community collaboration and a promise of a brighter future for the youth of Tarrant County.
