Brittany Pennick, director of Communities in Schools, is excited to have an organization where students invest their time for others in need.

The CIS mission is to surround students with community support that students may need. The nationwide program has been expanding – providing basic needs for students, donations and clothing racks has increase.

CIS is an organization based on helping students in needs. When Hurricane Harvey hit in late August, the CIS program needed lots of donations for students that went through the tragedy.

Luckily, Caney Creek received multiple donations from other students to help out. Pennick, is open to any ideas to make the program better and make the program more well known.

Pennick was also considering doing creating all girls group after a suggestion.

“A student came forward that wants to found the girls group and make it more of a peer leadership group,” Pennick said.

A peer leadership group is just what CIS is about. They don’t have meetings after school, but students are welcome to help Pennick during any of the three lunches in Room 1113. She welcomes all students and is a counselor. Any student in need of advice or help can see Pennick.

CIS started in the 1970’s as a way to prevent students from dropping out, especially in communities with high poverty and minority rates.

“Our school-based staff partner with teachers to identify challenges students face in class or at home and coordinate with community partners to bring outside resources inside schools,” the national CIS website says. “From immediate needs like food or clothing to more complex ones like counseling or emotional support, we do whatever it takes to help students succeed.”

Currently, the program is in 2,300 schools in 25 states and the District of Columbia. For more information on the CIS program, see Pennick in Room 1113.