What are the opening hours?

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

Communities In Schools of Memphis

Home
United States
Memphis, TN
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.

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. 💙🧡

08/22/2026

Congratulations to Kai Green, CISM's Staff Member of the Month! 🎉

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! 💙💙

08/21/2026

Ready, Set, Learn! 📚🎒

On August 15th, we welcomed 300+ students and family members to CISM’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! 🌟

So many people made this day possible! 🤝 A special thank you to Memphis Business Academy for being such a generous host and to Whataburger and Communities In Schools for their support. We’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! 💙💙

08/20/2026

🌟 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! 💙💙

Candice serves students and families at the Schools of Perea, bringing her personal superpower of “priceless joy and passionate energy” 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 🎓, loves a good game of Rummikub, has been skydiving 🪂, 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." ✨

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! 💙💙

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 skills—they gain the confidence to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. 💙🧡

08/14/2026

🎓 Join us in celebrating our 2026 Alumni Excellence Scholarship recipients! 💙

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.

🌟 Christina Chandler – TCAT Memphis, HVAC
🌟 Antonio Pryor Jr. – University of Memphis, Finance
🌟 Jasmine Tate – Bene's Career Academy, Cosmetology
🌟 Miracle Turner – Georgia Southern University, Health Science (not pictured)
🌟 Laquavia Tucker – 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! 💙

Communities In Schools

08/11/2026

There's still time to support our students through tomorrow, August 12!

🎒 Donate supplies: bit.ly/cism-supplies

💸 Make a monetary donation: cismemphis.org/donate

Whether you purchase supplies, sponsor one or more backpacks, orsimply help spread the word, every gift reminds our students and

families that their community is behind them this school year. 💙💙

08/07/2026

What an exciting week for so many schools across Memphis! And for those welcoming students next week, we're cheering you on as well. 📚🎉

On Monday, I began my first full school year as CEO of Communities In Schools of Memphis. As our incredible CISM Support Specialists have returned to schools this week, building relationships and removing barriers so students can start the year with confidence, I'm reminded that student success has never been the work of one person or one organization. It happens because educators, families, community partners, and caring adults choose to show up for young people every single day.

Students deserve more than a great school. They deserve a COMMUNITY behind them. Thank you for being with us! 💙💙

Here's to a strong start, deeper partnerships, and another year of surrounding students with the relationships, support, and opportunities they need to thrive! 🌟

— Miska Clay Bibbs, CEO

08/06/2026

For Jhia Burns, a CISM alumni scholarship provided more than financial support, it gave her the freedom to focus on her education. As a full-time college student, Jhia used her scholarship to purchase textbooks, course materials, technology, classroom supplies, and everyday dorm essentials, allowing her to spend less time worrying about expenses and more time preparing for her future.

"Receiving this scholarship has been a tremendous blessing in my college journey. Instead of worrying about how to obtain the resources I needed, I was able to focus on learning, meeting deadlines, applying for internships, and preparing for my future with greater confidence."

Jhia's journey is a powerful reminder that investing in students doesn't end at graduation. Through the CISM Alumni Network and scholarship program, we're helping alumni remove barriers, pursue their goals, and build brighter futures. 💙💙

08/04/2026

We were thrilled to recognize Mr. Ron Fitzsimmons, Founder and Executive Director of Alice's Kids, as our Community Partner of the Month for July for the organization's deep commitment to helping Memphis students overcome barriers and fully participate in school life. 🤝 💙

Through targeted, short-term financial assistance, Alice's Kids helps meet urgent student needs that might otherwise stand in the way of success. Whether providing support for graduation and prom expenses, school clothing, educational field trips, or other essential opportunities, the organization ensures students can participate with dignity and confidence.

Throughout the year, Student Support Specialists across multiple CISM partner schools have relied on Alice's Kids to respond quickly and compassionately when students and families need assistance most. Their generosity has helped countless young people feel supported, included, and empowered to fully engage in both the classroom and the broader school community.

We are grateful to Mr. Fitzsimmons and Alice's Kids for their partnership and their unwavering investment in the success of Memphis students. 💙💙

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

Website

http://www.cismemphis.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Communities In Schools of Memphis posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Memphis?