When we send our children to school, we hope and expect that they learn and grow in a healthy environment. Communities in Schools is a non-profit organization that makes that expectation into a reality for your child. It truly takes a village to help raise our young adults. We had a chance to sit down with Susan Wetz who is the CEO of the organization and someone who is deeply passionate about empowering our next generation with emotional and practical knowledge.
Founded in 1993 in New Braunfels, Communities in Schools - South Central Texas, has been a pillar of support for students across the region. They support 13 schools in the New Braunfels area alone, their influence extends to over 42,000 students spanning across 57 schools. From early childhood to graduation and beyond, the organization specializes in delivering programs and assistance that not only foster academic excellence but also cultivate marketable skills, empowering children to become invaluable contributors to their communities.
Susan Wetz, a cornerstone of this organization, underscores the paramount importance of trust between Communities in Schools and its community. Emphasizing a needs-driven approach, she elucidates that each child's experience with the organization is unique, tailored to identify and amplify their individual strengths. A site coordinator makes matches between volunteer and student to ensure the best experience.
Beyond the classroom, Communities in Schools extends its support to parents, offering guidance on navigating available resources and surmounting barriers, be they financial, logistical, or otherwise. One of these resources Susan went on to explain that students can't and shouldn't be asked to focus on academics when they are hungry. And because of partnerships with churches and existing backpack feeding programs, food items in backpacks are given out to children in need. This is a confidential service where the child takes the backpack home and brings it back when finished.
Volunteer opportunities abound, catering to individuals from diverse backgrounds. From administrative roles ensuring operational efficiency to supporting the organization's thrift store, volunteers play a pivotal role in sustaining Communities in Schools' mission.
Another impactful volunteering avenue is through mentorship, where individuals provide guidance, support, and encouragement to students, aiding in their holistic development. Volunteers can also contribute their time and efforts in the organization's thrift store, sorting donations, organizing inventory, and assisting customers, thereby directly supporting Communities in Schools' mission. Additionally, volunteers can actively participate in fundraising efforts aimed at converting the New Braunfels ISD Administrative Building into the new student center for middle and high schoolers. This initiative will serve as the new home for Communities in Schools, further enhancing their capacity to support students in need.
Social workers, counselors, and other qualified personnel ensure comprehensive support, facilitating meaningful connections between volunteers and students for optimal experiences. Integral to their mission is the provision of essential services such as food assistance, facilitated through strategic partnerships and confidential distribution methods, ensuring the dignity of those in need. Moreover, the organization strives to create welcoming spaces within their offices, fostering an environment where students can comfortably seek support and process their emotions. “Students can pop into our offices and have a granola bar during an overwhelming situation to calm down,” says Susan. Allowing students to experience and process their strong emotions is important and is one of the most productive methods of cognitive development.
Reflecting on her three decades of service, Susan Wetz articulates a profound sense of purpose in empowering individuals to seek help when needed, underscoring the transformative impact of genuine support. When asked how long students utilize services Susan Wetz answered that, “[We] would love to work [ourselves] out of a job. We allow students to come to us with their needs, so we often see familiar faces. It comes down to the individual. We have had many people spread news about this through word of mouth so it all depends.” When asked how long she has been with the organization, Susan Wetz answered, “My 30th anniversary comes in August! I joined out of college because I wanted to work with kids and not do the same thing every day. Wish granted!” She goes on to say, “It takes incredible strength to say ‘I need help,’ or ‘I'm not ok’. To entrust that to another person? Wow. To me, there's no bigger honor or responsibility than to be able to help that person.” As the organization continues to navigate through unprecedented challenges, the indomitable spirit of Communities in Schools remains unwavering.
Communities in Schools serves as a testament to the power of collective action in fostering the growth and well-being of our youth. Through their relentless dedication and unwavering commitment, they not only improve the lives of countless students but also enrich the fabric of our communities, leaving a positive mark on generations to come.
“It takes incredible strength to say ‘I need help,’
"Students pop into office, have a granola bar during an overwhelming situation to calm down."
