Communities In Schools of Washington

08/20/2026

🎉 SAVE THE DATE: MAY 8, 2027 🎉

We’re celebrating 35 years of showing up for Washington students, and we want you there!

Join Communities In Schools of Washington this spring for our 35th Anniversary Gala, a special evening honoring the people, partnerships, and communities that have helped students succeed for more than three decades.

📅 Mark your calendar now: May 8, 2027

There’s so much to celebrate... and even more ahead. More details coming soon. 💚

08/17/2026

Who showed up for you when it mattered most?

Communities In Schools’ story in Washington began in 1991. Now, we want to hear yours.

As we celebrate 35 years of showing up for students, we’re collecting memories, photos, and reflections from across our community.

Where were you in 1991? What shaped you? Who helped you feel supported, encouraged, or seen?

And if you weren’t born yet, you’re invited too. Share a memory from your own school years, a person who helped shape your path, or a hope you have for students today.

Your story may be featured as part of CISWA’s 35th anniversary campaign.

Submit your story here: https://ciswa.org/whats-your-1991/

08/13/2026

Dr. Gwynth R. Nelson recently sat down with CISWA Deputy Director Erica Limón-Trefielo to reflect on her first year as our State Executive Director — including the students she has met, the Site Coordinators who inspire her, and the moments that have shown her firsthand what Communities In Schools makes possible.

They also look ahead to an exciting milestone: CISWA’s 35th anniversary and the next chapter of supporting students and families across Washington.

🎥 Watch the full conversation and read the story for a closer look at Gwynth’s first year, what she has learned along the way, and why she believes more people need to know about the work happening across the CISWA network.

👉 Read + watch here: https://ciswa.org/news/a-year-of-showing-up/

Here’s to 35 years of showing up, and to all that comes next.

08/10/2026

Strong networks are built through relationships, and we’re grateful to our Board members who help open doors.

A special thank you to CISWA Board member Joan Duffy Watt for continually creating opportunities for our team to connect with leaders and organizations who care deeply about Washington’s young people and communities.

Most recently, Joan invited our State Executive Director, Dr. Gwynth Nelson, to join her at the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation Summer Social, creating an opportunity to build relationships with philanthropic and community leaders from across Pierce County.

Connections like these help us expand awareness of our work, strengthen partnerships, and identify new ways to support our statewide network as it surrounds students with the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Thank you, Joan, for using your relationships, experience, and leadership to help CISWA grow our circle of support. 💙

08/07/2026

THIS is what showing up for students looks like. 💚🙌

We’re incredibly grateful to U.S. Bank for presenting Communities In Schools of Washington with a $50,000 gift at the town hall before the Seattle Storm game. This generous investment helps us continue surrounding students across Washington with the people, resources, and support they need to thrive.

A huge thank you to CISWA Board Member James Payne for helping make this incredible partnership possible and to U.S. Bank for showing up alongside us for Washington’s students.

Want your company to make an impact, too? Explore ways to partner with CISWA: https://ciswa.org/corporate-engagement/

08/06/2026

💚 For 35 years in Washington, the Communities In Schools network has been there for students and families, helping connect young people with the relationships and resources they need to succeed.

To celebrate this milestone, we’re inviting you to join our 35.35 Giving Circle with a monthly gift of just $35.35.

Your ongoing support helps us continue showing up for students across Washington through the school year and beyond, whenever they need someone in their corner.

🎉 Celebrate 35 years with us.
💚 Invest in the years ahead.
🙌 Join the 35.35 Giving Circle today: https://ciswa.org/35-35/

08/03/2026

Our hearts are with the students, families, educators, first responders, and communities across Eastern Washington impacted by the current wildfires.❤️

Conditions and evacuation zones can change quickly. Please follow local emergency officials and use these trusted resources for the latest information:

🚨 Check current Spokane-area evacuation zones:
Spokane Regional Emergency Communications Evacuation Map
https://www.spokane911.com/evacuation-map.html

🏠 Find an open emergency shelter:
American Red Cross Shelter Locator
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html | 1-800-733-2763

🔥 Current Washington wildfire information:
Washington DNR Wildfire Portal
https://dnr.wa.gov/wildfire-resources/current-wildfire-incident-information/wildfire-portal

🚗 Road closures and travel conditions:
WSDOT Real-Time Travel Information
https://wsdot.wa.gov/

💨 Smoke and air-quality updates:
Washington Smoke Blog
https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

To everyone opening their doors, checking on neighbors, caring for animals, providing resources, and working to keep our communities safe: thank you.

Eastern Washington, we are standing with you. Please stay safe, follow evacuation guidance, and share these resources with anyone who may need them. ❤️

Welcome to the Washington Smoke blog, a partnership between state, county, and federal agencies, and Tribes. We coordinate to collectively share information for Washington communities affected by wildfire smoke.

08/02/2026

Decisions made close to home help shape our schools, neighborhoods, community resources, transportation, youth programs, and the support available to families across Washington.

That’s why staying informed and engaged matters. When communities show up, speak up, and participate, we help build stronger places for young people to learn, grow, and thrive.

Reminder to submit your ballot by Tuesday, August 4th! Local decisions can create lasting change for kids and families.

07/31/2026

Join the movement and help students thrive when they go back to school! 🎒

Communities In Schools network affiliates across Washington have several impactful events lined up this July through August:

Greater King County:
• Backpack Drive

Lakewood:
• Annual State Fair Supply Drive

North Central Washington:
• Walmart Storefront for Student Success
• Moses Lake Care Fair
• 2nd Annual CISNCW Golf Tournament

Puyallup:
• Fill the Canoe
• Hope Encounter
• Free Fair Day

Tacoma:
• Stuff the Bus

Whatcom Skagit:
• Ready, Set, Thrive! Back to School Basic Needs Drive

Explore the full list and check back often to learn how you can get involved and support events happening in your local community. Find all the details at ciswa.org/network-events

07/30/2026

What an incredible night at the Seattle Storm game! 🏀💚

On Tuesday, Communities In Schools of Washington had the honor of being featured in U.S. Bank’s Community Spotlight. From sharing our story during the U.S. Bank Town Hall to connecting with fans at our table and being recognized during the game, the evening gave us an exciting opportunity to celebrate the people and partnerships helping students across Washington succeed.

The energy was especially memorable with more than 18,000 fans in attendance -- the Storm’s largest crowd of the year!

A heartfelt thank-you to U.S. Bank for its generous donation and continued partnership, and to Esther Richmond and CISWA Board Member James Payne for championing our mission. We are also grateful to the Seattle Storm for welcoming us and shining a light on organizations working to strengthen communities across our state.

We are proud to have such an incredible community by our side as we continue surrounding students with the relationships and resources they need to stay in school and thrive in life.