News from CIS: CIS in the news, honoree spotlight, and more!

Here’s what’s inside this issue of the Counseling In Schools newsletter:

• Cultivating Conversation with Familia Adelante
• CIS in the News
• Creating Safer Schools: Spotlight on Manny & Patricia Oliver
• Supporting New New Yorkers

Cultivating Conversation with Familia Adelante

In late 2023, CIS staff received training in a new evidence-based curriculum designed to support Hispanic and Latinx communities: Familia Adelante. Familia Adelante provides a culturally-responsive structure that gives families the tools and support they need to talk about difficult topics, such as substance use. At the end of January, our team at IS154 in Queens – Jeanette and Cynthia – launched a series of Familia Adelante workshops that have continued through February and March.

Each week, children work with one team member while family members work with another, asking questions and building confidence to then come together and have conversations as a family. Through this approach, our team is creating a space where families can tackle tough experiences in a safe, respectful way. Learn more about Familia Adelante by watching this special feature on our YouTube channel.

CIS in the News

CIS works with thousands of New Yorkers each year, and each student has unique needs and experiences that shape their lives. Our team works diligently to adapt and tailor programming to ensure every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. Earlier this month, our counselor Lisset Condo Dutan spoke to Chalkbeat about some of the unique challenges of the students, many of whom have just arrived in New York City, at her school in Queens are facing, and what she – like many of our staff – are doing to support them. Read the Chalkbeat interview now. 

Creating Safer Schools: Spotlight on Manny & Patricia Oliver

At the heart of CIS’ work is a desire to empower schools and communities that encourage learning, growth, and healing. A key component of that is school safety, so that each and every student can thrive – both in and out of the classroom. In our often-challenging work, we are always grateful for partners who share our vision for a better future and are thrilled to highlight their efforts. To that end, we are pleased to announce that on May 22, 2024, CIS will be presenting our Measures of Hope Award to Manny and Patricia Oliver.

Together, Manny and Patricia founded Change the Ref, which supports the advocacy work of young people who strive to make their schools and communities safer. Fighting to ensure children are safe in their classrooms is what draws CIS to Manny and Patricia’s incredible advocacy, and we are privileged to honor them this spring. We hope you’ll join us in a few weeks when we present this award. Learn more about Measures of Hope.

Supporting New New Yorkers

As New York City welcomes a growing wave of immigrants, the CIS team is stepping up to the plate to make sure our newest New Yorkers have the support they need to find a sense of belonging and well-being. CIS – along with numerous other nonprofit partners – has been participating in a series of resource fairs led by the city’s Borough Response Teams.

A recent resource fair on February 24 had more than 1,200 attendees who were able to get healthcare information and resources (vision, dental, insurance navigation, and screenings); information about food assistance, immigration and legal services, housing and workforce development, and more; a hot meal; and access to arts activities for younger attendees. The CIS team is proud to serve as a mental health resource to young New Yorkers, including these new arrivals, and ensure they have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Thanks to supporters like you, CIS empowers New York City’s children to thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for being part of the CIS community!

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