Since its inception in 1993, the mission of CISL has been “to promote readiness to learn and success in life for our children.” The organization’s vision is “to help kids prepare for life through a network of parents, volunteers, businesses, and community organizations working together and focused at school sites”.

With the help of CISL’s many collaborative partners, our programs offer customized and free assistance to children and their families, empowering them to overcome barriers to success and become self-sufficient and productive. We believe that early intervention and prevention are the most effective ways to reduce the number of youth dropping out of school. We understand that in order to accomplish this evert child needs and deserves the following five promises:

• A relationship with a caring adult
• A safe place to learn and grow
• A healthy start for a healthy future
• A marketable skill upon graduation
• A chance to give back to the community

Communities In Schools mentors and students gathered at Pacific Lutheran University to celebrate and enjoy cooperative games led by MESA staff. MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, and Achievement) is a PLU-based program that provides teacher-training and hands-on educational activities for young people. MESA partners with CISL after-school and summer school programs. After dinner the students received affirmation for their growth, and the mentors were given a certificate.

Twenty-eight students in grades 4-8 had the good fortune to be matched with a Champions Mentor this year. They met each week with their mentor to build trust and work on school and personal goals. It has been an amazing year of growth for the students…and the mentors.

Each month mentors gather at the CISL office to share stories and improve their mentoring skills. Led by Champions Mentor Trainer, Mimi Tucci, these meetings are full of emotion and inspiration. Each mentor has a unique story to tell, and almost every mentor wants to continue with their student next year.

Below is a letter sent to the mentors from the mother of a student who was matched with a Champions Mentor:

Dear Mentors,
I am writing this on behalf of my son who was able to experience your love and kindness. His mentor was my son’s first hero. All of you are heroes in those children's eyes. Maybe the children do not see that now but hopefully in the future. My son has had a difficult life with epilepsy and dealing with me being very sick at times. I am also a single Mom and my son has needed a positive male role model in his life. My son calls his mentor “my friend." His mentor cares about his health, his behavior, but above all his self-esteem.

My son is just now understanding that he has epilepsy and his mentor’s acceptance of him helps make him calmer at home and school. Later,
someday he will remember who helped him give him that feeling
of it’s ok to be you, and you are accepted the way you are.
Maybe my son will become somebody else’s mentor someday.

I know that there is a need for more mentors. Please, if you can,
put in an hour of your time. It changes lives.
With all my Love and Joy,
-Mom of a mentee


-Dave O’Keeffe
If you want to mentor next year, contact the CISL office at 589-7489,
or download an application form.