Thank You Communities in Schools of North Texas — 2016 Volunteer of the Year
This week I was honored to be the recipient of the 2016 Communities in Schools of North Texas Volunteer of the Year Award. I am grateful to the amazing CISNT staff Beth Ann Beckman (Rockbrook Elementary School) and Maegan Ruiz (Lewisville High School) for their nomination. I am humbled to represent the nearly 1,400 CISNT volunteers who are daily making a difference in the life of a child, embodying the words of Francis of Assisi, “For it is in giving that we receive.”
In an economically prosperous North Texas, most people don’t know that 1 in 4 students in North Texas are at-risk of dropping out of school. And that’s where CISNT is making a BIG difference with the mission “to surround students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life”. Named “One of the 100 Charities Most Likely to Save the World” by Worth Magazine, Communities In Schools of North Texas has a legacy that spans nearly 50 years serving at-risk youth, helping them to achieve in life. Last year, 99% of students in CISNT programs stayed in school.
Personally, I’ve grown by my mentoring relationships with Rockbrook Elementary fourth grader, Cameron and Lewisville High junior, Cedrick. Both of these young men are full of life with big dreams for the future. My role is listening and helping them envision life’s possibilities. We talk about sports, academics, friendships, challenges, character traits, and generally how to grow and mature as men. I always walk away blessed by our interactions and conversations. Check out this video of the comments related to my work as a mentor: https://youtu.be/zcMEr7x-Co0
In June 2014, recognizing the volume of unserved needs in our communities, God transitioned my vocation from a local church pastor to that of a community pastor. With a calling “to be good neighbors, by connecting people into relationships and serving the needs of our community”, we founded Loving Community, a 501(c)(3) public charity. www.loving-commuity.net.
In our partnership with CISNT, Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce, and LISD, we have initiated and partnered in programs such as Boys2Men, Rockbrook Reading Initiative, Operation Success, Grateful Dads and Lead Forward www.leadforwardprogram.com.
Believing in the power of partnerships, our first community partner was with CISNT. I am a HUGE believer and advocate of CISNT http://cisnt.org and their mantra, that in volunteering, “You can make a difference in the life of a child.” Additionally, when you donate financially, every dollar invested in Communities In Schools produces an average return of $11.60 in economic benefit to local communities.
I am thankful for the passion and vision of the CISNT board and staff, including Kathy Duke, Board President, Dana Smith, past CEO, Ann Pape, CEO, Brian McCauley, CFO, Amber Shattuck, Director of Volunteers with whom we have worked.
In addition our other partners and volunteers at LISD, Dr. Kevin Rogers, Superintendent of Schools, Andy Plunkett, Central Zone Leader, Tracy Scott Miller, Vice President Board of Trustees, Sherry Betts, Principal Rockbrook Elementary, Brian McCoo, Principal Durham Middle, and Alison Stamey, Student Activities Director, Lewisville High. Also Ray Hernandez, President of the Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce and Brannon Cox, Board Member and Loving Community Board and volunteers, Keith Campbell, Toby Cupstid, Chad Mustain, Sharon Mustain, and Stephanie Hall.
