Description
In our over 25 years of helping kids we've developed an approach that considers the whole child. Once we know them, know their needs, we can coordinate services that address them specifically with both short term help such as shoes and long term help such as tutoring.
Our approach is guided by principles we call the Five Basics:
- A one-to-one relationship with a caring adult. The breakdown of traditional support systems - extended families, neighborhoods - has resulted in millions of kids without strong relationships with caring adults. We provide before and after school programs with low student to adult ratios and recruit additional volunteers to be those caring adults.
- A safe place to learn and grow. Our after-school programs give kids an alternative to risky environments and activities. Focused on math and reading, they help kids catch-up with their classmates and maintain confidence and skills. We create places where kids thrive.
- A healthy start for a healthy future. Kids can't learn if they have a throbbing toothache, can't see the blackboard, or are hungry. Our site coordinators connect young people with a host of services providing health and dental care, eyeglasses, even weekend food backpacks for kids who depend on school meals.
- A marketable skill to use upon graduation. Our school programs focus on helping at-risk students master basic analytical and social skills, and develop attitudes and ethics necessary for success in the workplace.
- A chance to give back to community and peers. Little makes a young person feel more valued by their communities than when given the chance to give back. Through community service, young people understand the give/get interconnection between themselves and the greater community.
Programs:
Students in Need
CIS Auburn helps students in need at all 22 Auburn schools. We purchase clothing for homeless students. We buy alarm clocks for elementary children getting themselves to school. We help high school students obtain interview clothing from consignment shops. We purchase lice medication; provide scholarships for art enrichment, Camp Auburn and so much more.
Assistance is granted only when the family's resources or other programs cannot meet the need. School district staff purchase the necessary items. Money is never given to the student or the student's family.
In addition to direct purchases we also distribute in-kind donations. We participate in the "Sight for Students Program," providing certificates for eye exams and glasses to qualifying students. We distribute 700 backpacks filled with supplies to elementary, middle and high school students through the Costco Wholesale Backpack Program. CIS Auburn is a member of the World Vision Storehouse Program, providing items such as clothing, health supplies and grooming aids to children and families in need.
Food to Go
Many students depend on school meals for proper nutrition. Some children rely on school meals to meet the majority of their nutritional needs - often going hungry over the weekends and holidays. To help those kids in critical need, CIS of Auburn, in partnership with the Auburn Food Bank, provides backpacks filled with food each Friday afternoon at eight Auburn schools. Ten students at Dick Scobee, Gildo Rey, Pioneer, Terminal Park and Washington elementary schools and 15 students at Olympic, Cascade and Mt. Baker middle schools receive food each week.
Tutoring Program
CIS Auburn coordinates high quality after and/or before school tutoring programs at Dick Scobee, Gildo Rey, Pioneer, Terminal Park and Washington elementary schools for third, fourth and fifth graders identified as needing assistance before making that important transition to middle school.
