Communities In Schools of Memphis

Communities In Schools of Memphis Strengthening our communities by addressing non-academic barriers to ensure academic success.

Communities In Schools of Memphis is a part of the national Communities In Schools network, which is the leading dropout prevention organization in the country, and the only such organization that is proven to decrease the dropout rate and increase on-time graduation rates. At Communities In Schools of Memphis, we work with everyone to change the picture of education for kids in our city. We do th

is by keeping kids in schools, doing whatever it takes to eliminate barriers to achievement, and never giving up on anyone! We believe every child needs and deserves a one-on-one caring relationship with an adult, a safe place to learn and grow, a healthy start and a healthy future, a marketable skill to use upon graduation, and a chance to give back to their peers and their community. Communities In Schools of Memphis currently has comprehensive, integrated student services in over 19 schools in the Achievement School District and Shelby County schools.

๐ŸŒŸBEHIND OUR IMPACT: Meet Chloe Brewer!Sometimes the details others might miss are exactly where meaningful support begin...
09/03/2026

๐ŸŒŸBEHIND OUR IMPACT: Meet Chloe Brewer!

Sometimes the details others might miss are exactly where meaningful support begins. That perspective is one of the strengths Chloe Brewer brings to her role as a CISM Student Support Specialist at Memphis Business Academy High School. ๐Ÿ’™

Chloe joined CISM in March with a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and recently celebrated another major accomplishment: passing her LMSW exam! ๐ŸŽ“ She describes her superpower as being an โ€œobserverโ€ who notices patterns, behaviors, and details that help her recognize student needs early and respond thoughtfully.

What Chloe enjoys most, though, is becoming part of studentsโ€™ everyday lives: creating a safe space where they can be themselves, building connections, and celebrating their progress, whether the win is big or small.

Chloe is originally from rural northeast Missouri and made Memphis home late last year. When sheโ€™s not supporting students, you might find her thrifting, at a concert, working on a crochet project, or traveling home to see family and friends. ๐Ÿงถ๐ŸŽถ

In just a few months, Chloe has brought a thoughtful eye, a social workerโ€™s perspective, and a genuine enthusiasm for celebrating young people to the team BEHIND OUR IMPACT! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’™

๐ŸŽ‰ Congratulations to our CEO, Miska Clay Bibbs!Last night, she was officially sworn in to continue serving as Shelby Cou...
09/01/2026

๐ŸŽ‰ Congratulations to our CEO, Miska Clay Bibbs!

Last night, she was officially sworn in to continue serving as Shelby County Commissioner for District 11, building on her longstanding commitment to public service in Memphis and Shelby County.

Miskaโ€™s years of leadership, deep knowledge of our schools and communities, and relationships across sectors strengthen her work at CISM and our mission to surround young people with a community of support.

Congratulations, Miska! Weโ€™re proud to see you continue showing up for our community while leading CISM forward. ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’™

09/01/2026

CISM is All In for #901! ๐Ÿ’™ใ€ฝ๏ธ

We donโ€™t just work in Memphis. We take pride in being part of it. Weโ€™re inside schools, connected to every zip code and neighborhood, and surrounded every day by students, families, educators, partners, and neighbors who make this city what it is.

Weโ€™re proud of the relationships weโ€™ve built here, grateful for the communities that welcome us, and inspired by the way Memphis shows up for its own.

Today, we celebrate our city, our community, and the young people who represent its future!

Weโ€™re 901 proud. And always .

๐ŸŒŸ BEHIND OUR IMPACT: Meet Peyton Worst!For Peyton Worst, being a Student Support Specialist is as much about being prese...
08/27/2026

๐ŸŒŸ BEHIND OUR IMPACT: Meet Peyton Worst!

For Peyton Worst, being a Student Support Specialist is as much about being present as it is about providing support. Peyton brought a decade of experience working with youth when she joined CISM in April 2024. Her favorite part about her role is creating new experiences and opportunities for her students at Granville T Woods Academy of Innovation Charter School while being someone they can count on as they navigate everyday life. ๐Ÿ’™

It makes sense that Peyton calls her superpower being a โ€œculture connector.โ€ Whether she's helping students experience something new or simply making space to listen, she understands how relationships and a sense of connection can shape a young person's experience at school. ๐Ÿค

Outside of school, Peyton is currently learning to read Tarot ๐Ÿ”ฎ, and her favorite words to live by say a lot about how she approaches her work too: โ€œDon't lose this moment searching for another.โ€ She believes in the power of presence and making the most of where you are right now. โœจ

We're so glad to have Peyton's presence, perspective, and connection BEHIND OUR IMPACT! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’™

When Student Support Specialist Rosalind Bunch began working with "P.E.," inconsistent attendance was standing in the wa...
08/24/2026

When Student Support Specialist Rosalind Bunch began working with "P.E.," inconsistent attendance was standing in the way of academic success. By partnering closely with school staff and P.E.'s mother, Rosalind helped create a shared plan built on encouragement, accountability, and consistent support.

The results were remarkable. After struggling with attendance during the first half of the school year, P.E. missed just two days during the third quarter, leading to stronger classroom engagement and renewed academic momentum.

P.E.'s story is a powerful reminder that when schools, families, and Student Support Specialists work together, students are better equipped to overcome barriers, stay engaged, and move confidently toward success. ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿงก

Congratulations to Kai Green, CISM's Staff Member of the Month! ๐ŸŽ‰As our Alumni Coordinator, Kai consistently leads with ...
08/22/2026

Congratulations to Kai Green, CISM's Staff Member of the Month! ๐ŸŽ‰

As our Alumni Coordinator, Kai consistently leads with professionalism, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Over the past year, she has shown tremendous growth in confidence while bringing fresh ideas, taking initiative, and delivering exceptional work that strengthens our organization.

Kai played a key role in the success of this year's Alumni Induction Ceremony, where her organization, attention to detail, and creative vision helped create a memorable experience for our newest CISM alumni. She is also a trusted teammate whose collaborative spirit, positive attitude, and willingness to step up make an impact every day.

Thank you, Kai, for the leadership, dedication, and passion you bring to our mission. We are grateful to have you on the CISM team! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’™

Ready, Set, Learn! ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ’On August 15th, we welcomed 300+ students and family members to CISMโ€™s annual Back-to-School Family...
08/21/2026

Ready, Set, Learn! ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ’

On August 15th, we welcomed 300+ students and family members to CISMโ€™s annual Back-to-School Family Fun Day, and it was exactly what we hoped for: families connecting, kids having fun, and students getting what they need to start the year feeling prepared and supported.

We handed out 243 backpacks filled with school supplies, provided students with new shoes, and connected families with community resources they can turn to throughout the year. There was plenty of good food, fun games and activities, and time for families, partners, volunteers, and our team to simply enjoy being together. And when we asked families about their experience, 92% gave the day a 5 out of 5! ๐ŸŒŸ

So many people made this day possible! ๐Ÿค A special thank you to Memphis Business Academy for being such a generous host and to Whataburger and Communities In Schools for their support. Weโ€™re also incredibly grateful for every community partner, vendor, volunteer, donor, and CISM team member who pitched in, showed up, and made our students and families feel welcome.

Every student deserves a community behind them. On Saturday, you could see that community in action: hundreds of students leaving with what they need to thrive this school year! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’™

๐ŸŒŸ BEHIND OUR IMPACT: Meet Candice Fondren!The impact CISM makes every day starts with the people doing the work. This ne...
08/20/2026

๐ŸŒŸ BEHIND OUR IMPACT: Meet Candice Fondren!

The impact CISM makes every day starts with the people doing the work. This new series is your chance to meet the team members who bring their talents, personalities, passion, experiences, and commitment to our students, schools, and community.

We're kicking things off with someone who knows this work especially well. Candice Fondren, Student Support Specialist II, is celebrating 10 years with CISM! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’™

Candice serves students and families at the Schools of Perea, bringing her personal superpower of โ€œpriceless joy and passionate energyโ€ to her role every day. For Candice, that joy comes from knowing she's making a real difference in children's lives.

After a decade together, we know a few other things about Candice, too. She has a Master of Education ๐ŸŽ“, loves a good game of Rummikub, has been skydiving ๐Ÿช‚, and even got her first tattoo this year. Her mindset through it all? "Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I respond." โœจ

Ten years of relationships. Ten years of showing up. Ten years of making a difference. We're so proud Candice is part of the team BEHIND OUR IMPACT! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿ’™

When Student Support Specialist Shaniah Jones began working with "L.G.," she was struggling academically and lacked conf...
08/18/2026

When Student Support Specialist Shaniah Jones began working with "L.G.," she was struggling academically and lacked confidence in her ability to succeed independently. Through consistent encouragement, personalized support, and connections to resources like tutoring and a GroupMe homework support network, L.G. began to believe in herself and take ownership of her learning.

As her confidence grew, so did her engagement. L.G. became more proactive with assignments, made greater use of available resources, and shared that having someone who believed in her gave her the motivation to keep pushing forward.

L.G.'s story reminds us that when students are supported, encouraged, and equipped with the right tools, they gain more than academic skillsโ€”they gain the confidence to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿงก

๐ŸŽ“ Join us in celebrating our 2026 Alumni Excellence Scholarship recipients! ๐Ÿ’™CISM is proud to award five $3,000 Alumni E...
08/14/2026

๐ŸŽ“ Join us in celebrating our 2026 Alumni Excellence Scholarship recipients! ๐Ÿ’™

CISM is proud to award five $3,000 Alumni Excellence Scholarships to alumni who have remained actively engaged in the CISM Alumni Network and are continuing to invest in their education, careers, and futures.

๐ŸŒŸ Christina Chandler โ€“ TCAT Memphis, HVAC
๐ŸŒŸ Antonio Pryor Jr. โ€“ University of Memphis, Finance
๐ŸŒŸ Jasmine Tate โ€“ Bene's Career Academy, Cosmetology
๐ŸŒŸ Miracle Turner โ€“ Georgia Southern University, Health Science (not pictured)
๐ŸŒŸ Laquavia Tucker โ€“ University of Tennessee at Martin, Health & Human Performance

This $15,000 investment is a powerful example of how CISM's support continues well beyond high school. Through the CISM Alumni Network, graduates stay connected to resources, relationships, leadership opportunities, professional development, and ongoing support as they navigate college, career, and adulthood. These scholarships help remove financial barriers while reinforcing something at the heart of our mission: our commitment to students doesn't end at graduation.

We are incredibly proud of Christina, Antonio, Jasmine, Miracle, and Laquavia, and we can't wait to see where their journeys take them next! ๐Ÿ’™

Communities In Schools

Address

2714 Union Avenue Extended, Suite 225
Memphis, TN
38112

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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