Gary Henderson, the CEO of Communities in Schools of North Texas, will be stopping by the Innovation at Work studios to talk about how Communities In Schools of North Texas is making a profound impact on the lives of so many students. What does CISNT do, and how can you get involved? Tune in to the Innovation at Work radio show on CNN 1190 AM today at 3pm CST.  CISNT volunteers are encouraged to call in to the show today to share their experiences at (214) 787-1190 or (817) 787-1190.

Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT) is excited to announce the kickoff of their third annual 1Child Giving Campaign. Co-chairs for this community giving event, which will run from December 1 through January 31, are Denton County Commissioner Andy Eads, Lewisville ISD School Board President Carol Kyer, and Denton ISD School Board Trustee Charles Stafford. 

Did you know that only $1 a day allows CISNT to bridge the gap for one child in our community? Helping a child overcome the barriers they face in life helps them succeed in school. In the last school year, CISNT provided dropout prevention services to over 2,000 at-risk students.

The 1Child Campaign has grown each year, despite the recent economic challenges, but the need for donations to sustain CISNT is greater than ever. You can support CISNT’s dropout prevention programs by making a tax deductable donation. In addition, your donation can be a holiday gift through the 1Child Giving Campaign if made before December 16.

In a new development this year, the Lantana Education/Charitable Foundation has generously committed a match grant to CISNT for the 1Child Giving Campaign. Every dollar donated to CISNT during the 1Child Giving Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, by the Lantana Education/Charitable Foundation.

Information about donating to the 1Child Giving Campaign can be found on the CISNT website at www.CISNT.org, or by calling Dana Smith or Gary Henderson at 972-436-6377.

CISNT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide and coordinate community based solutions that equip at-risk students to overcome barriers, succeed in school, and prepare for life.

Verizon Foundation has awarded Communities In Schools of North Texas $20,000 for their work with at-risk students in Denton and Wise counties.  The grant award comes at a critical time for CISNT.  "To sustain all of our dropout prevention programs this year, we will need to generate around $150,000 more in support," states Gary Henderson, CISNT CEO.  "The possibility of closing a program this school year is very unpleasant, hundreds of at-risks students would be affected.  This new partnership with the Verizon Foundation demonstrates the strength and commitment to education that exists in our community."

Texas State Senator Chris Harris, along with Lewisville ISD school board president Carol Kyer and board secretary Amber Fulton, Hedrick principal Esteva Bargo and assistant principal Obie Esquivel, CISNT board member Louis Rael and CISNT staff joined Barbara Walker from the Verizon Foundation at Hedrick Elementary in Lewisville to present the award.  "We want to let you know that we all care about your education", commented Ms. Walker to the students,  "we want you to know that we support you and are here for you.  Keep working hard, we care about you and want you to be successful!"

Communities In Schools of North Texas is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to provide and coordinate community based solutions that equip at-risk students to overcome barriers, succeed in school and prepare for life.  To learn more about CISNT call (972) 436-6377 or visit www.CISNT.org.

At Communities In Schools of North Texas, was are deeply committed to accountability and transparency.  Throughout our website at www.CISNT.org you will find a number of resources that demonstrate our effectiveness and integrity.  It is no surprise that Communities In Schools has been recognized by the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance in a Reuters report. 

CISNT is a 501(c)3 non profit organization committed to helping students who are at-risk of dropping out of school succeed in school and prepare for life. 

 Bill Milliken, Communities In Schools founder and vice chairman, has been selected as a recipient of the 2009 National Jefferson Award for Public Service from the American Institute for Public Service. Milliken was honored in the category of Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged for his nearly 50 years of work helping young people graduate and prepare for life. “This is humbling … God is good,” said Milliken. “Each of us in our own way had a part in making this happen. In accepting this honor, I acknowledge first and foremost the entire CIS family and what we have collectively accomplished.”