Communities in Schools helps the whole child

Terry Olliver sees firsthand the positive impact Communities in Schools has on the students he works with at DeQueen Elementary School in Port Arthur. “Honestly, I can really see how this affects students. They build a relationship with me and I build relationships with them,” Olliver said. “Yes ma’am I see the change. They care more; they know someone cares about them. They know they might not have what they need but they know someone at school cares about them that they can count on to help them.” Olliver said Communities in School Southeast Texas provides whole group sessions that serve all of the students. For example, they might have an agency come in and talk about bullying or hygiene. There are also small group or individual sessions targeting a student’s direct need.

And all of this takes place while the student is at school while not missing any classes. “We also can help with homework and build a relationship with parents to further know the students’ needs,” he said. Communities in Schools is also there to help the school as well; teachers, counselors, assistant principal etc. “We are like a village,” he said. “I’m just here to be a helper they can rely on from the kids to the staff.” Communities in School Southeast Texas was one of 13 non-profit organizations which were recipients of the inaugural Port Arthur News Season of Giving powered by Port Arthur LNG. Adrienne Lott, media and communications specialist for Port Arthur independent School District, told of a number of activities done by the non-profit, from bringing in a dentist to teach oral hygiene and providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to bringing in Girl Scouts to work with girls at PE at least once a month.