By Kathy Zimmermann, Holy Spirit after-school program:

For me, just finishing my first year running an after-school program, the sweetest success came the last day of school when I was saying good-bye to my kids. They (not all, but many!) hugged me and told me they had really missed going to the GIFT program the last week of school and that they would be back next year! 

That made me feel as though I had accomplished what I had set out to do – make each child feel important and valued in our after-school family.

Also, academically, all my kids grew in their math skills (based on STAR testing at the beginning and end of the school year).  All but 2 grew in their reading skills based on the STAR pre and post-tests.

By Jean Kucheman, Stable Families Program:

I worked with a young couple living in a doubled-up situation.  They had 3 small children and one on the way.  They received TANF funds and that was their total income.

Within one week, the father obtained full-time employment and they found a house they could afford.  We went to the Furniture Bank and were able to get them almost everything they needed for the house.

When we closed our case, they were a week away from the new baby arriving.  The older girls’ rooms were all set and the nursery was ready to go.

This family worked hard to overcome obstacles and stuck together the entire time.  They are the most loving and appreciative family I have worked with.

By Kitty King:

CIS has had a partnership with the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation and local Tim Horton restaurants since the year 2000.  Over these years, we have been able to send hundreds of kids to their camps in Kentucky and Canada.

Today, because of the efforts of our CIS staff, 46 children left on a bus to go to Campbellsville, Kentucky or St. George Ontario for a 10-day, all expenses paid trip of a lifetime.

I was enlisted at the last minute to drive a camper and his mother and father to the Tim Horton restaurant that was designated as a bus pick-up location for him.  The young boy was very excited about going, but I think his Dad might have been more so! 

Dad had purchased 2 disposable cameras for his son to take, but proceeded to take pictures of the bus, the store, the other campers and themselves.  When I asked if I could take a picture of the 3 of them, Dad said yes and commented “one big happy family!” and put his arms around the other two.  Dad and Mom are not together (son lives with Dad), but I am sure this comment made the little boy smile.

The drop-off site was about 20 miles away from their home and on the way back, I took the “scenic” route along the Scioto River.  Dad was sitting in the front passenger seat snapping pictures of the river, the trees, the clouds and the Columbus skyline.  He laughed and said my son is on an adventure and so am I!  He – and his son -- had never been that far away from the West Side neighborhood where they live. 

Many thanks to the Sarah Swank, the CIS School Resource Coordinator from Eakin ES, who selected this young boy to go to camp and to the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation and store owners who maintain and support the camps.

I am sure this trip will be a once in a lifetime trip for this little boy!

From Missy Bolden: 

This year was the first year of Sisters' Keeper at South High School since the Chase Leadership Program for Girls ended. At the end of the program, I gave students an opportunity to provide feedback.  Most of the students felt the program was so helpful that they have requested that I come on their activity cluster day (Tues and Thurs) since there is an hour of free time.  They wanted to meet more often and for a longer period because they love having an opportunity to learn, express themselves and build positive relationships with other girls.

From Ami, School Resource Coordinator, Etna Road ES:  While discussing the end of the school year and all of the progress that our students have made, one of the students said to Linda Thompson, the long-time program assistant for the after-school program, "Ms. Thompson, thank you so much for your help. You have really helped me with my math homework this year." 

Thanks, Linda!

Lisa Lambert, our new CEO started on Monday, May 9 at CIS.  Lisa worked for Franklin County Children Services for many years and then was the ED at Starr Commonwealth.  She has a passion for kids just like the rest of us so we think she will fit in perfectly!  Welcome, Lisa, to one of the best-kept secrets in central Ohio -- Communities In Schools!

STAFF NAME: Julie M.

SCHOOL: Stable Families Program

DETAILS: Renee came into the program while living with a family member. Their income was limited, but she got approved for an apartment that she could afford. Renee went to the Furniture Bank with me and was able to get a lot of the furniture she needed for her new place. Renee is happy to have a home for herself and her two children.

STAFF NAME: Julie M.

SCHOOL: Stable Families Program

DETAILS: Antoinette came to Stable Families stressed about her living situation. She was living with a friend who had made it clear that her time was limited. Antoinette did not have a job and was receiving unemployment. Within six weeks of working together, she found a good job, an apartment, and a 24-hour daycare for her daughter. My final visit with Antoinette was at her new apartment where she is happy and peaceful. She credits the Stable Families program for keeping her going when she had given up on herself.

Slowly, but surely, Communities In Schools of Central Ohio is getting tech-savvy!  This is our blog site where we hope to share lots of interesting updates about CIS -- success stories, staff accomplishments, partners, etc.  We believe we have lots to share so come back often!

First, I would like to announce the new CEO for Communities In Schools!  Lisa Lambert has been hired by our Board of Trustees to replace Derrick Fulton who left CIS in November, 2010, and will start May 9.  Lisa worked at FCCS for many years and was the Executive Director at Hannah Neil for 2 years.  She comes with a lot of experience working for the welfare of children so we know that she will be a good fit with us.

The CIS staff welcomes our new leader!