H-E-B helps CIS support students, families impacted by virus

HOUSTON — A nonprofit providing emergency aid to Houston-area students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic just received a critical boost thanks to a $10,000 grant from H-E-B.

Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) partners with education leaders and community organizations to support students in their times of need. The organization has more than 200 student support specialists—who normally are embedded on school campuses across Greater Houston—working remotely during the pandemic to help break down barriers to students' success.

This 2019-20 school year, CIS student support specialists have been called to serve more than 125,000 students in Houston, Spring Branch, Alief, Aldine and Fort Bend Independent School Districts, Southwest Schools and Lone Star Colleges.

“Together with educators and caring community partners like H-E-B, CIS is helping ease the hardship for thousands of Houston-area students and their families,” CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant said.

The COVID-19 relief grant from H-E-B will help CIS fund aid and provide immediate assistance, from access to food and utilities to technology and mental health support.

“We are committed to supporting CIS staff on the front lines, working hard to help families in our community during this pandemic and in the days that follow,” H-E-B Corporate Giving Manager Kristina Jewasko said.

CIS of Houston is accepting donations from the public to their COVID-19 Response Fund, which was set up to help more families during the pandemic.