Communities in Schools organization fights dropouts through fashion show, tree decorating

A Bay Area dropout prevention program raised money for at-risk students at a recent fashion show and tree decorating event.

At the recent Interfaith Caring Ministries (ICM) Festival of Trees fundraiser, Communities in Schools-Bay Area (CIS-Bay Area) donated a decorated tree. At the event's fashion show, CIS-Bay Area was represented by past Board President Becky Reitz, Program Director Janet Summers and Resource Development Director Angela Jenkins.

CIS-Bay Area is a dropout prevention program serving Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts. CIS-Bay Area partners with numerous community resources to meet the needs of at-risk students, whether the need be school supplies, clothing, food, housing or medical attention.

CIS-Bay Area frequently partners with ICM to provide food for students and their families, clothing, housing assistance and assistance with medical care. ICM is the go-to agency for assistance with basic needs when a student's family is struggling or in crisis. CIS-Bay Area staff has referred approximately 225 families to ICM for help this fall. The dropout prevention program provides individual support and referrals to students on 15 campuses in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.

For more information on CIS-Bay Area, visit www.cisba.org.