CIS Partner to be Honored by HISD

CIS Houston brings more than services to the schools......it also brings a network of indespensible partners. One of these partners is the Taxis Fiesta Mentoring Program, which provides mentoring services at McReynolds Middle School. Below is a letter written to Juan Torres, CIS Field Supervisor, from Blanca Garza, CIS Project Manager at McReynolds Middle Schoo, about the Mentoring Program. CIS is proud to partners with such wonderful community organizations!

Dear Mr. Torres,

Taxis Fiesta Mentoring Program was selected to receive the North Region Community Partnership of the Year Award presented by Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) HISD's Strategic Partnership Department.

It has been a pleasure and a great experience working with the Taxis Fiesta Mentoring Program here at McReynolds. Since the beginning of the school year, we start to work with the program by selecting the participant students, planning the sessions, scheduling, planning field trips, serving lunch, and coordinating every meeting with the students. The program has been a total success and the mentors and coordinators are very happy with CIS help and participation. I personally feel double the accomplishment because I'm part of CIS and also a mentor of this program. I would like you to see what Mr. Harter (Taxis Fiesta owner and president of the mentoring program) wrote me back after I congratulate the mentors and program:

"I don't think there is anything more important than what cis does everyday in the schools. You have dedicated your life to helping these kids that need guidance. I am glad that as mentors we can be another voice for these kids to hear that they can be successful."

I certainly believe this is a great achievement not only for the mentoring program, but also for CIS participation, dedication, and commitment to students. The award ceremony will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at Arabia Shrine Center starting at 8:00 a.m.

Sincerely,

Blanca Garza
CIS Case Manager
McReynolds Middle School
Wheatley Feeder Pattern
HISD North Region
713-672-0402

CIS Houston says goodbye to a great friend and supporter

NONA JANE NATHAN MARKS passed away on February 27, 2007. Nonie was born in Houston, Texas, on June 24, 1930, a twin daughter of Gertrude and Seymour Nathan. She graduated from San Jacinto Senior High School and the University of Colorado, where she studied education. Nonie's professional and civic careers were expansive. She was a teacher in the Houston Independent School District for 13 years, after which she launched a successful business career as co-founder of Needle Nuts, Inc., a retail needlepoint materials distributor, which she ran for 20 years. Nonie's passion for service to others guided her civic endeavors. Nonie served on the board of trustees of The Hospice at the Texas Medical Center as a member, officer and co-chair. She was the founder of the Center for Hearing and Speech's Auxiliary; vice-president of the Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel; a member of the Foundation Board of Houston Eye Associates; and a volunteer at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Communities in Schools and End Hunger Network. Nonie loved the arts, and was an avid collector of paintings, prints and sculpture and a patron of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Symphony. Nonie's life revolved around her family. She was married to Richard E. Marks, principal of GEM Insurance Agencies, for 47 years until his death in 2001. Together, they raised two wonderful children, cultivated a community of friends and colleagues, and traveled the world. Nonie is survived by her daughter, Betsy Schreiber and husband, Edward; son Kenneth Marks and wife, Elena; grandchildren Jessica and Emily Schreiber and Andy, Elliot and Evan Marks; and her twin sister, Joanna Brofman and husband David Brofman. Nonie had many wonderful, lifelong friends with whom she shared her life. She was especially grateful for the love and care shown to her by Candy Blackwell, Yolanda Sam-Tillman and Doris Cash. Funeral services will be held at 3 pm on Wednesday, the 28th of February 2007 at Temple Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood with Rabbi David Lyon and Cantor Robert M. Gerber officiating. Interment will follow at Beth Israel Cemetery (Antoine). Donations can be made to TIRR Foundation, 4605 Post Oak Place, Suite 222, Houston, Texas, 77027.