Steve Townsend became connected to CISCC almost 10 years ago when it was Chatham County Together! Prior to his retirement and coming to NC, Steve lived in Houston, Texas and worked in the Oil and Gas Industry. While in Houston, he felt a calling to mentor kids at risk—students identified as “on the brink of success”— … Continue Reading
Stories
Here are some success stories from our programs.
“I Feel Privileged to be a Part of It”
Johnny Davis is a Jack-of-all-trades and master of all! He was first recruited to serve on the CISCC Board of Directors and currently serves as the 2017-18 fiscal year board Treasurer. Johnny also is a mentor, facilitator for the Cooking Matters classes, volunteers with the Youth Garden and volunteered for Challenge Day at Chatham Middle … Continue Reading
“Relationship Before the Task”
Erika Guy’s entrée into CISCC came by way of “Challenge Day” held at Chatham Middle School (CMS) in Siler City in October of 2016. The Challenge Day school program provides teens and adults with tools to break down the walls of separation and isolation, replacing them with compassion, acceptance, and respect. Retired after having worked … Continue Reading
Mentoring Works!
January is National Mentoring Month, and Communities In Schools of Chatham County (CIS CC) is celebrating the positive impacts of youth mentoring as well as recruiting more caring adults to make a difference in our young people’s lives. Mentoring provides guidance, encouragement, and support to help youth succeed in school, at work, and in life. … Continue Reading
Leading by Example-
Josilyn is a warm, smart, friendly 5thgrader who attends Virginia Cross Elementary School in Siler City. Susan Collins Thompson is a creative, resourceful retired educator. Josilyn and Susan are friends as part of CIS-Chatham County’s (CIS-CC) Mentoring Program. Matched in late February, 2017, the pair meets regularly to have lunch together, work on school work, … Continue Reading
A Busy Summer
*Please note: Personal names in this story have been changed to protect identity. The chances of Wayne committing a juvenile offense were high that spring. The weather was warm and the teens were just “hanging out” killing time. It was a simple act, just something to do for fun. The fun was short lived and … Continue Reading
A Match Made in Heaven: Carlos’ Story
When Enrique and Amanda Rojas met with CIS of Chatham County’s Mentoring Program Manager Shirille Lee more than 2 years ago, they said mentoring would be a family commitment. The mentee would be participating in family gatherings, and interacting with their own children. So before they made the commitment, their children would have to also agree … Continue Reading
Restorative Justice:From Fighting to Helping
Fighting was her way of settling a score. She angered easily and would lash out if things weren’t going her way. This way of dealing with others first appeared in 6th grade and reappeared in 8th grade. Her eighth grade fight resulted in Margarete being referred to Teen Court. To complete that program she was … Continue Reading
Alexis Peluso—Still Not Intimidated
“She was a sweet, smiling, tiny child whose hair came almost to the ground.” This was how former Chatham Middle School teacher, Alicia Shoup, described the 6th grader who waved to Alicia daily from the classroom next door. Curious to know more about the friendly student, Alicia sought information from school personnel, learning little … Continue Reading
Mentoring Spotlight: Sophia and Jane
Communities In Schools of Chatham County: Mentoring Match Spotlight Sophia and Jane Kornblut Jane was missing her two young grandchildren after they moved to the West Coast. So she decided to try spending time with a youngster here in Chatham County whom she might be able to help with school work and cultural opportunities. About a … Continue Reading
