Over the past few weeks, we have collectively witnessed the painful realities of structural racism with the continuing murders of Black and Brown Americans. However, as Counseling In Schools (CIS) and our staff know well, structural inequities in communities of color have existed long before these moments of protest.We want to share with you an op-ed published in The 74 written by CIS Executive Director Kevin Dahill-Fuchel about the importance of transforming schools into centers for healing, an idea that is of even greater urgency as the effects of the current health and social pandemics unfold.The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on CIS school communities, due to racism, inadequate health care, chronic medical issues, poor nutrition, job instability and unhealthy levels of stress, have exposed the racial and social injustice of society.We believe that CIS’ work is itself part of a heroic and historic struggle for positive social change and the fight against racism, intolerance, bigotry and violence. That is why the need for schools to recognize the importance of mental health services and become centers for healing has never been greater than at this moment. The emotional wellbeing of children and entire school communities is integral to sustained learning and social progress. Thank you again for your ongoing support as together we continue to advocate for the importance of schools as centers of healing to awaken the full range of possibilities in our students. ...

01 July, 2020

We are excited to share with you two recent stories published about Counseling In Schools (CIS). This past weekend Gothamist ran, '"COVID-19 Was A Monster": How A Turbulent School Year Changed These Students' Views,' an article that highlights a project that one of our talented art therapists, Lauren Amigo, did with her students in Canarsie, Brooklyn.Lauren asked her students to draw what they saw outside their windows, as well as what they hoped to see in the future. Her creative prompt inspired creation of powerful images that helped students better understand their own lives and the trauma of Covid-19 and systemic racism.WNYC, New York City’s local NPR affiliate, also aired a segment, 'New York City Students, In Their Own Words, On A Tumultuous School Year During COVID-19' that served as a moving companion piece to the Gothamist article. These stories reflect the skill of our staff and the valuable role our counseling services play for students as they navigate this very difficult time. We thank our CIS team as well as all of our supporters who sustain our expanded work in the communities we serve. CIS remains committed to supporting students, parents, teachers, and other members of the school community, so that children can succeed personally and academically both now and in the future. ...

01 July, 2020

In June 2019, in collaboration with School of Visual Arts, CIS is curating a month-long initiative that will be an opportunity for friends, sponsors and supporters to help raise critical funds and bring awareness to the work that CIS ...

06 June, 2019