Communities In Schools of Washington

Today we honor Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and recognizes the ongoing journey toward freedom and equity.

At Communities In Schools of Washington, we see how important it is for every student to feel safe, supported, and seen. Juneteenth reminds us that equity takes intention, action, and a commitment to showing up for students every day.

We stand with students and families as we work toward a future where every child has what they need to thrive.

Because in our schools, our communities, and our actions.

As another school year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the students, families, educators, partners, and CIS staff who showed up for one another across Washington.

Every student deserves the chance to show up, learn, and flourish. This year, the CIS WA network continued working alongside schools and communities to remove barriers, strengthen relationships, and help students stay engaged in school and on track for their futures.

Thank you to everyone who helps make this work possible.

Explore the impact of the work being done in our recent annual report at ciswa.org/annual-report

Please join us in welcoming Tom Metcalf to the Communities In Schools of Washington Board of Directors! 💙

Tom brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across education, technology, healthcare, and professional services. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations strengthen teams, improve operations, build healthy cultures, and stay connected to their purpose.

His leadership is guided by the belief that people thrive when they feel valued, supported, and connected.

Tom shared: “Having spent much of my career and life serving organizations that support people and communities, I am passionate about ensuring every student has access to the relationships, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive. Joining the CISWA Board is an opportunity to contribute to a mission that creates lasting change across Washington.”

Tom lives in the South Puget Sound region with his wife, Janel. Together, they are passionate about serving their community, supporting young people, and investing in pathways for future generations.

We are so grateful to welcome Tom to the CISWA Board and look forward to the leadership, insight, and heart he will bring to this work.

“A space to come and breathe.”

This is how one student described their class at Pioneer Middle School created to help students reconnect with school, each other, and their future.

Led by Communities In Schools of the Blue Mountain Region Student and Community Advocate Helen Freer, the class gives students a place to set goals, journal, catch up on assignments, explore careers, and build confidence.

Sometimes belonging starts with having a safe place to walk into each day. 💙

Read the full story to learn how this class is helping students feel supported, connected, and ready for what comes next: https://ciswa.org/news/attendance-to-achievement/

Graduation season demonstrates what becomes possible when students are surrounded by consistent support.

Across the CIS WA network in 2024-2025, 87% of 12th graders receiving CIS individualized supports graduated or earned their GED, and 90% of K–11 students stayed in school.

Behind every number is a student, a relationship, and a community that helped make the next step possible.

Learn more by reading our full annual report at ciswa.org/annual-report

What a meaningful morning with Communities In Schools of Central Washington 💙 We were so grateful to attend their fundraising breakfast on May 22!

The morning was filled with stories that reminded us why this work matters so deeply.

Students shared how having a trusted Site Coordinator helped them feel supported, stay focused in school, and have hope for the future. Educators and partners spoke about the way CIS helps connect families, schools, and communities so students have what they need to learn and grow.

As one speaker explained: “Talking to my site coordinator was the best decision I’ve ever made.... She gave me hope for the future and something to look forward to in life.”

Thank you to CIS Central Washington, the students and speakers who shared their stories, and every sponsor, donor, and community member who came together in support of young people. Your support helps CIS reach more students with consistent, caring relationships and the resources they need to succeed.

🌈 Happy Pride Month. Here are Communities In Schools of Washington we’re celebrating Pride Month by honoring the strength, joy, and brilliance of LGBTQIA+ students across Washington.

Across the CIS WA Network we know that . That’s why Site Coordinators are in schools every day, creating inclusive spaces where students are not just accepted—but affirmed and celebrated for who they are.

To every LGBTQIA+ student, family member, and educator:
💛 You belong.
💛 You are seen.
💛 You are supported.

We’re proud to walk beside you—not just this month, but all year long.

🎓Congratulations to the Class of 2026, and to all of the graduating classes that came before!

Communities In Schools of Washington’s Erica Limon-Trefielo was honored to attend CIS of Benton-Franklin’s Beyond Graduation Alumni Kickoff as they celebrated graduating students and welcomed them into the Alumni Impact Network.

Through mentorship, leadership, career development, post-secondary support, life skills, wellness, and belonging, this network helps students stay connected and supported long after graduation.

Thank you to the CIS of Benton-Franklin team for creating such a meaningful celebration and continued community for students and alumni. 💙

What a night celebrating and supporting Communities In Schools of the Blue Mountain Region!

Erica Limon, our Deputy Director, was so glad to attend the 2nd Annual Bingo & Brews event and celebrate alongside the incredible Blue Mountain Region team and community.

The sold-out event raised more than $10,000 to support students across Walla Walla, College Place, and Milton-Freewater — helping ensure more young people have someone in their corner this school year.

We’re echoing CISBMR’s thanks to the sponsors, raffle donors, Burwood Brewing Company, and every community member who showed up, played hard, and made the evening such a success.

This is what showing up for kids looks like. 💙

Congratulations to Leslie Gomez, Program Manager with Communities In Schools of Central Washington, for winning the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines raffle prize at our Fundraising for the Future breakfast event! ✈️

Leslie already showed up in a big way that morning, stepping in at the last minute to fill an unexpected vacancy on our panel and generously sharing his voice, perspective, and commitment to students. We are so grateful for his leadership, flexibility, and the heart he brings to this work every day.

We could not be happier to see this prize go to someone who gives so much to the CIS WA network and the students and communities we serve.

A huge thank you to Alaska Airlines () and Hawaiian Airlines () for sponsoring this generous raffle prize and helping make the morning even more special. 💙