Communities In Schools of Northeast Washington

10/16/2026

So proud of Rey, our President and CEO at the Communities In Schools National Office! 💙

A powerful reminder of what’s possible when students have the right support and opportunities to succeed. With someone in their corner, they can go on to achieve incredible things!

We’re cheering you on, Rey! Best of luck this weekend! 👏

From CIS student to proud alum to President and CEO, Rey Saldaña's journey shows what can happen when students have caring adults and a community of support.

As Rey turns 40 this year, he’s taking on IRONMAN California in Sacramento on October 18: 140.6 miles of swimming, cycling, and running to support Communities In Schools.

As a high school student in San Antonio, Rey received support and encouragement from CIS. He went on to become a first-generation college graduate, a father of two, an elected official, and the leader of the organization that helped shape his future.

Supporters can contribute to Rey Saldana's Race for CIS here: https://cisnational.org/ironman, which helps further CIS’s efforts to foster connections, celebrate alumni achievements, and strengthen the CIS community long after graduation.

10/16/2026

A HUGE thank you to Engel & Völkers Spokane for hosting a coat and cold-weather accessory drive throughout October to support students served by Communities In Schools of Northeast Washington!

As temperatures begin to drop, having a warm coat, gloves, or a hat can make all the difference for a student heading to school each morning.
Thanks to this wonderful community partnership, we're helping ensure more local students are warm, comfortable, and ready to learn. 💙

But they are not done yet! The donation drive wraps up Monday, October 19, and they would love your help filling that box!

🧥 Have a coat to share?
🧤 Extra gloves, hats, or scarves?
❤️ Want to make a difference for a local student?

Drop off your donations at Engel & Völkers before October 19 and help us end this drive STRONG!

We help THOUSANDS of students every year - if you or your organization would like to host a supply drive as well - please reach out!!

10/15/2026

🕯️🔎 The clock is ticking… and the mystery is getting closer.

In just TWO WEEKS, Spokane Civic Theatre will become the scene of a crime, and we need YOU to help solve it! 🔪

Join Communities In Schools of Northeast Washington and Spokane Civic Theatre on October 29 for our 2nd Annual Murder Mystery Fundraiser!

✨ Dress to impress — formal attire is encouraged for this special night at the theatre.

🥂 Gather your sharpest sleuths for an immersive evening filled with mystery, unexpected twists, and plenty of fun.

🍽️ Enjoy hors d'oeuvres prepared by the talented culinary students at Cheney High School in Cheney Public Schools !

💙 And best of all?
Your ticket supports TWO incredible local nonprofits doing meaningful work right here in our community.

A special THANK YOU to WSECU, our Signature Sponsor, for helping bring this evening to life!

📅 Thursday, October 29 | 5 PM
📍 Spokane Civic Theatre

🎟️ Two weeks to go! Make your plans, invite your friends, and grab your tickets before this night becomes the one everyone is talking about!

🔗 www.civictickets.com

The mystery is waiting.
Will you be there to solve it? 🕵️‍♀️

10/14/2026

A heartfelt THANK YOU to North Central High School in Spokane Public Schools for welcoming CISNEW and our community partners for a School Site Visit last week!

These visits provide an opportunity to see firsthand how our Student Support Coordinators help remove barriers to learning and why strong community partnerships are so important to student success.

We are especially grateful to these community leaders for taking time out of their busy schedules to join us:

💙 Jennifer Vigil – MultiCare Health System
💙 Stacia Rasmussen – Greater Spokane Incorporated
💙 Spokane City Councilmember Kitty Klitzke
💙 Ela Lopez – Teen & Kid Closet
💙 Naomi Hobson – Spokane Colleges
💙 Maddie Sontag – Executive Legislative Assistant to Sen. Marcus Riccelli
💙 Spokane City Council Member Zack Zappone
💙 Amanda LaShaw – LaShaw Ranch Roaster

Our schools cannot do this work alone, and they shouldn't have to!
When community leaders show up, listen, and engage, we build stronger connections and create more opportunities for students to succeed.

Thank you for being part of the CISNEW community.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and turning connections into meaningful impact! 💙

10/13/2026

Help us in supporting our Board Treasurer - Jon Maroni!!

If you haven't met Jon yet - you NEED to! His energy is unmatched and he is ALL IN FOR KIDS! If you need something to do on November 13th - grab tickets, go watch the dance competition, and VOTE FOR JON!

10/13/2026

Please join us!!

10/12/2026

🎓 Seniors & families — FAFSA season is here!

Figuring out what comes after high school is exciting…but figuring out how to pay for it can feel a little less exciting. 😅 Thankfully, our friends at STCU are here to help!

Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an important step for seniors considering college, trade school, or other eligible post-secondary programs. FAFSA information is used to determine eligibility for financial aid, including grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans — and completing it may also be required for some additional aid opportunities.

📅 FREE FAFSA Assistance Night

Wednesday, October 14 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 STCU Valley Branch | 13501 E. Sprague Ave.

✨ No RSVP needed
✨ STCU membership NOT required
✨ Students AND families are welcome
✨ One-on-one help completing the FAFSA
✨ And dinner is provided! 🍽️

Can't make it that night? Beginning October 13, STCU will also offer one-on-one FAFSA assistance appointments at its branches.

A big thank you to STCU for helping remove some of the confusion from the financial aid process and making post-secondary opportunities more accessible to local students! ❤️

10/07/2026

🏀⚽ How can you have a Community Ball Bin without a community to fill it?!

A BIG thank you to Gina with Notary Spokane and Jene with Northeast Community Center and THEZONE for sponsoring the balls to fill the new Community Ball Bin at Elementary School in Spokane Public Schools !

The idea is simple: grab a ball, play, and put it back when you're done.
And it isn't just for students during the school day!
If you live in the neighborhood, stop by in the evenings or on weekends, grab a ball and play.
It's a simple (and free!) way to unplug, get moving, and connect with your family, friends and neighbors.
🏀⚽🏈

We love seeing community partners come together to create something that everyone can enjoy. Thank you, Gina and Jene, for helping bring this idea to life! 💙

📸 Also pictured: Ken, CISNEW Student Support Coordinator; Kent, Lidgerwood Principal; and Takwona, CISNEW Program Manager.

10/06/2026

👖💙 Denim that makes a difference!

A huge THANK YOU to Spokane Maurices at NorthTown Mall and Maurices at the Spokane Valley Mall for hosting a denim donation drive to support CISNEW and the students we serve!

Their teams collected jeans that will head directly into our schools, where our Student Support Coordinators can make sure they get to students who need them. Having access to basics like a good pair of jeans can make a real difference in helping students feel comfortable and confident at school.

We love seeing local businesses rally their customers and employees around our students. Thank you, maurices, for choosing CISNEW and helping us keep our school clothing closets stocked! 👖💙

10/05/2026

What an incredible night at NEWTech Prep for the Associated Builders and Contractors Inland Pacific Chapter Trades Night!

Students and families started with safety briefings, donned their PPE, and then jumped right in — trying hands-on skills, operating equipment, asking questions, and learning directly from the amazing businesses and trades professionals who showed up to share what they do.

These experiences matter.

They give young people a chance to try something new, discover skills they didn’t know they had, and see the many different pathways available to them after high school.

A HUGE thank you to ABC Inland Pacific, NEWTech Skills Center, Spokane Public Schools, every business and industry professional who gave their time and expertise, the volunteers who helped make the evening possible, and the nearly 500 community members who came ready to learn and explore! 💚

It takes a community willing to show up for young people — and this community SHOWED UP. 👏

We’re grateful CISNEW could be part of such an incredible night of connection, career exploration, and opportunity!