Every week, in schools across North Texas, something small happens that turns into something big.
A student opens a book and feels confident reading out loud.
A teenager realizes someone is still showing up just for them—years later.
A future graduate begins to see a path forward.
At Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT), those moments don’t happen by accident. They happen because volunteers show up—consistently, intentionally, and with care.
This National Volunteer Month, we’re celebrating not just what our volunteers do, but the lasting impact they create.
The Power of Showing Up: Reading Buddies
When Yusmary O. walks into Bridgeport Intermediate each week, three students are already waiting.
They ask about her. They look forward to Thursdays. They’re excited—not just about seeing her, but about reading.
A librarian by profession, Yusmary has been a Reading Buddy with CISNT since 2022. With the support of her workplace, she steps away for one hour each week to spend time reading with her students. It’s a small window of time that’s creating measurable change.
Angela Callaway, CISNT Site Coordinator at Bridgeport Intermediate, shares that both teachers and parents have seen noticeable improvement in the reading ability of the students Yusmary works with, but also, her students are developing something less measurable—and just as critical: confidence.
Because when a child believes they can read, everything else begins to follow.
The Long Game: Mentorship That Lasts
Rebecca K. has been mentoring with CISNT since 2016—but what stands out most isn’t just the years. It’s the commitment.
She’s been with her mentee since elementary school and has continued walking alongside her all the way into high school.
“Life can be incredibly challenging for kids these days,” Rebecca says. “If we as mentors can help a student know that they matter…that’s a win.”
That consistency matters more than we often realize. When a student knows someone is in their corner—year after year—it changes how they see themselves and what they believe is possible.
At CISNT last year alone, 251 students were matched with a mentor, each one gaining access to that same kind of steady support.
Preparing for What’s Next: Academic Coaching
For students approaching graduation, the question isn’t just how do I finish school?—it’s what comes next?
That’s where volunteers like Cathy W. step in.
A retired University of North Texas Business Professor with a background in Human Resources, Cathy brings decades of experience into her role as an Academic Coach at Ryan High School. She meets with students bi-weekly, helping them connect their interests to real-world pathways—college majors, careers, and beyond.
One of her students said it best:
“Mrs. Westurn is one of the best people I’ve ever met. She has a very good business sense and helped me develop great ideas for my business plan, even down to my mission statement. She has helped me tie my interests to majors and minors that I will pursue in college to help me get where I want for college, business, and life afterwards. I guess I’m pretty lucky to have her as someone to talk to!”
Last year, 52 students worked with Academic Coaches like Cathy, gaining clarity, direction, and confidence about their futures.
The Bigger Picture
Across all roles, the impact of volunteers at CISNT is clear.
Students paired with volunteers show stronger outcomes in academics, behavior, attendance, and access to social services—with especially significant gains in attendance and engagement.
And behind every percentage point is a real student. A real relationship. A real moment of connection.
A Month of Gratitude—and an Invitation
This National Volunteer Month, we’re grateful for every volunteer who chooses to show up—for an hour, for a year, or for nearly a decade.
Because whether it’s helping a student read, staying consistent through life’s challenges, or preparing them for what comes next, our volunteers are helping students not just stay in school—but succeed in life.
And if you’ve ever wondered whether one hour of your time could make a difference, the answer is yes.
We see it every day.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
