The campaign runs from July 31st through August 27th to raise funds for at-risk students locally
Houston, July 23, 2024 – As a new school year approaches, Communities In Schools (CIS) of Houston, with the help of grocery giant HEB, is raising funds to provide free school supplies to underserved students and families who struggle to provide them. Since back-to-school costs can be difficult to meet for some families, CIS of Houston and HEB are ensuring students have what they need to be successful in school. The program is statewide for CIS affiliates.
Customers shopping online or in store between July 31 and August 27 at HEB locations in the Greater Houston Area can donate any amount to ensure all students are ready for a great school year, regardless of their economic situation. Funds will go to Communities In Schools of Houston, which served students in 163 schools in six school districts and Lone Star College during the 2023-24 school year.
“We are proud to collaborate on our back-to-school drive with HEB, which has been a generous partner to CIS of Houston for many years,” says Lisa Descant, CEO of Communities In Schools of Houston. “It’s so important for students to start the school year on the right foot with all the needed supplies. With our own fundraising drive and the boost from HEB’s point-of-sale donations, CIS students, who are generally from underserved communities, can be assured they won’t be lacking when school begins.”
“CIS of Texas is excited to see HEB and Communities In Schools join together to help at-risk students in Texas succeed in school,” says Elizabeth Johnston, Director of Network Development for Communities In Schools of Texas. “This campaign allows all students at our high need campuses to have access to free school supplies throughout the school year. Students need to be resourced with what they need for school before they are ready to learn. School supplies are a big part of helping students engage in school and feel prepared to learn.”
CIS places at least one full-time Student Support Manager on each partner campus to deliver direct services – counseling, academic support and health and human services. CIS also provides students and families with tailored referrals to community resources, while collaborating with more than 300 community partners, including volunteers, social service agencies, mental health providers, educators and companies like HEB to help students stay in school and thrive.
Across Texas, CIS served over 127,000 students in the 2022-2023 school year with one-on-one case managed services and impacted the lives of over one million students in the 1,550 campuses where they operated. There are 27 local CIS affiliates in Texas surrounding students with a community of support to ensure they stay in school and achieve in life.
Courtesy Communities In Schools of Houston
About Communities In Schools of Houston
Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) is an organization that empowers every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background, to realize their potential in school and beyond. During the 2023-2024 school year, CIS served 163 school campuses across Greater Houston. CIS places at least one full-time staff member on each partner campus to deliver direct services and to connect students and families with needed community resources. We collaborate with more than 300 community partners each year to help students see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. CIS works alongside students, families, alumni, and stakeholders to create meaningful change that impacts lives today and generations to come.
About HEB
H-E-B, with sales of $43 billion, operates more than 435 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 118th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 160,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com.