The Grim Reality Is…
Our Communities In Schools of North Texas campus staff came together today for our monthly staff meeting. We were graciously hosted by our University Behavioral Health friends at the NorthPointe Family Center in Carrollton. I was reminded today how really messy is the work we do with children who are at-risk of dropping out of school.
As our campus staff shared “success stories”, which in reality are disasters averted, it was humbling to see the span and depth of impact our people have - both staff and volunteers. Stories of children from Little Elm to Denton, The Colony to Rhome, Lewisville to Roanoke, Newark to Justin - every situation desperate unless a CISNT staff member were present on their campus to providing or find desperately needed services and volunteers who drive miles upon miles to “be there” for our children. Children facing cancer, parents with cancer, hunger, abandonment, poverty, no electricity, suicidal, homicidal, running out of answers, running out of hope, running out of time. How do you pass a math test with this staring you in the face. Tears. Many tears.
I have the highest regard for our people at CISNT. Passionate, possible workaholics, driven to stand in the gap for every child who needed them. How do you not take this kind of load home each day?
The North Texas community is a giving community. It’s interesting that the week started with a great meeting with Flower Mound Mayor, Jody Smith and ended in a therapeutic room where the weight of serving at-risk students was shared and supported by each of our staff. I walked away troubled and relieved at the same time. The answer lies within the community. We simply must continue to share the grim reality that many, many children need their help!
November 2nd, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Great post, Gary! I too left today’s meeting troubled (by the overwhelming odds that our staff and our students face) but inspired (by the committment that we all have in providing, caring and nurturing for all those underpriviledged/marginalized/troubled in our community). Great title post too …
November 5th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Gary,
Your positive leadership and vision continually inspire me. You and your team are the true reflection of serving wholeheartedly…I thought about this quote when reading your blog today…
Alan Cohen
It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.
Warm Regards,
Lori Anthony