How to create safe and supportive classrooms

Sharon Vigil
CEO, Communities in Schools of Texas
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While many of us may take the education of our children for granted, for some Texas families, success in the classroom is often challenged by a lack of resources at home and at school. Organizations like Communities in Schools (CIS) of Texas help remove those barriers by providing critical student support services, academic resources and one-on-one guidance that empower students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

In this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Sharon Vigil, CEO of Communities in Schools of Texas, discusses how the organization helps students overcome challenges through trauma-informed support, mental health resources, basic needs assistance and strong partnerships with educators and families. By placing site coordinators directly on school campuses, Communities in Schools helps ensure students have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Throughout the conversation, Vigil shares the research behind the Communities in Schools model, including studies from Harvard University that demonstrate improved graduation rates and long-term outcomes for students. She also explores the connection between childhood trauma and learning, explaining how Communities in Schools helps students build new pathways for success through safe, supportive relationships and positive experiences.
Release date: July 2026
Guest: Sharon Vigil, CEO, Communities in Schools of Texas
Duration: 27 minutes
Sponsor: Amplify Credit Union
Timecodes:
03:27
Reversing Generational Trends: What Harvard studies have to say about the success rate of students who graduate from Communities in Schools programs, and what that means for their future earning potential. 
07:12
Why Supportive Spaces Matter: Why Communities in Schools creates safe, supportive environments to help create “new pathways” in the brains of students who have experienced trauma at home.
16:45
Making Austin Accessible: How Communities in Schools is still addressing “food deserts” and “mental health deserts” in Austin so that students have resources available in the classroom, not across town.
20:08
Helping the Helpers: Why people are the secret to success at Communities in Schools, and how the organization supports their staff with resources like free healthcare and basic minimum incomes.

What Is Communities in Schools?

Since launching its first program in Houston in 1979, Communities in Schools of Texas has helped students overcome academic and non-academic barriers to success. CIS site coordinators work directly with students, families and educators to identify individual needs and develop personalized support plans that improve educational outcomes and long-term success.

Today, Communities in Schools of Texas serves 192 school districts statewide and provides one-on-one support to more than 120,000 students each year, making it one of the nation's leading student support organizations.
Founded: 1979
Location: 2521 E. Saint Elmo Road
Mission: To surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Type: Nonprofit
Website: www.cisoftexas.org

Memorable Quotes from Sharon Vigil

Sharon Vigil
CEO, Communities in Schools of Texas

We know that when children are rooted in their culture, they’re more successful at school.

Sometimes we have to teach students how to trust adults.

People really see CIS as a generational tool to support families.

Our students are really managing adult-like problems on their little shoulders.

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