School organization breaks ground
Communities In Schools of Central Texas celebrated the groundbreaking of its new Central Office and Training Center, in Southeast Austin on Tuesday, Sept. 19, according to a press release.
After a sustained period of programmatic growth [currently serving students in 100 schools in 5 school districts], and two years of “quiet phase” fundraising through the All in for Kids capital campaign, construction began in June.
In partnership with Gensler, Sabre Commercial and Square One Consultants, the youth and family serving organization plans to move into its new, permanent home the last quarter of 2024.
“Five years ago, we would have never imagined being building owners, because our work is in on campuses and in the community,” said Sharon Vigil, CEO of Communities In Schools of Central Texas. “But the cost of our rented space has doubled in nearly four years to half a million dollars. Thanks to our incredibly generous community of support, our new building will allow us to significantly decrease our annual occupancy costs, and to direct these resources right where they belong: to our students and their families.”
The groundbreaking saw attendance from the organization’s board of directors, members of the All In For Kids Campaign Committee, District 46 Representative Sheryl Cole, CEO Emerita Suki Steinhauser and CISCT staff members.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Campaign Chair Isabel Welland announced that the campaign crossed over into its public phase with $17.2 million [98%] of the $17.6 million goal committed.
“The realization of this dream is only made possible through the outpouring of support from our community. Generations of students and their families will benefit from this first ever campaign for our forever home,” Welland said.
To learn more about the All in for Kids Campaign, visit www.ciscentraltexas. org/AIFK.
“It has been such a rewarding experience partnering with CIS to create an inclusive environment that will support the variety of activities and diverse communities utilizing this new campus,” said Jennifer Mejia, client and project manager at Gensler. “CIS worked with our team to help us understand their mission so that the space can best service the schools, community, and their dedicated staff.”
Communities In Schools of Central Texas ensures every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background, has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond.
Working directly inside 100 Central Texas schools in Austin, Elgin, Hays, Lockhart, Manor, and San Marcos school districts, the organization connects students to caring adults and community resources that help them see, confront, and overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future.
Together, officials stated that they build a powerful change movement committed to building an equitable path to education for future generations.
Learn more at ciscentraltexas. org.
