A Community Promise
for Central Texas students
For people who understand that when children thrive, communities do too.
As Communities In Schools grows to reach more students, what comes next will take a stronger, more connected, and growing community of supporters.
Promise Circle brings people together to be part of something bigger than ourselves and expand what’s possible for students across Central Texas.
Join the Promise Circle
Give a Gift
Make a new membership gift today
Make a Pledge
Commit your support today and pay later
Apply a 2026 Gift
Apply existing or other planned 2026 gift
What Members Experience
Connect
Promise Circle Celebration (Backyard BBQ)
Coffee & Conversation with the CEO
Annual leadership dinner with Board
Learn
I SEE YOU student simulation
Virtual policy briefings
Guest speakers and educator conversations
Serve
Career fairs and student celebrations
School supply and clothing drives
Family-friendly volunteer opportunities
How Membership Works
Membership is based on your total annual giving to Communities In Schools of Central Texas. All gifts count.
Event sponsorships, campaign support, and individual contributions are included. Once your giving reaches a Promise Circle level, you can opt in to membership.
Memberships start at an annual giving level of $1,375, the cost for Communities In Schools to serve one student for a year.
You can become a Sustaining Member at any level with a three-year commitment, ensuring consistent support for students over time and unlocking potential matching support.
Member $1,375+
Membership benefits:
- Annual Promise Circle Celebration (Backyard BBQ)
- Group volunteer and service experiences
- Exclusive insider updates and impact communications
Member Plus $2,500+
All previous benefits, plus: Priority access to select experiences, including:
- Partner Appreciation Luncheon
- Mental Health Symposium
- I SEE YOU student simulation experience
Builder $5,000+
All previous benefits, plus:
- Coffee & Conversation with the CEO
Partner $10,000+
All previous benefits, plus:
- VIP receptions with guest speakers
- Virtual policy and research briefings with CIS leadership
Leader $25,000+
All previous benefits, plus:
- Annual Leadership Dinner with CIS Leadership Circle members and civic leaders
The CIS Leadership Circle is an invite-only group of past board chairs and select civic leaders.
The ROI of Supporting Students
Independent research from Harvard University and Cornell University shows that Communities In Schools improves attendance, increases graduation rates, and leads to stronger long-term socio-economic outcomes. When students are supported early and consistently, the impact extends beyond the classroom:
- Stronger schools
- A more prepared workforce
- Lower long-term public costs
Supporting students isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s one of the smartest investments a community can make.
Opportunities to Connect, Learn & Serve
Senior Celebration
June 04, 2026
Volunteer to help make it a memorable day for our graduates.
Interactive Student Simulation
Ongoing
Schedule this experience for your company or community group.
Ready for School
July – August 2026
Give, fundraise, or host a drive with your company or community group.
Co-Chairs: Laura and Kyndel Bennett
“We are chairing the Promise Circle launch to bring attention and resources to the work that Communities In Schools is doing with the kids in most need of help in the public schools of Central Texas. CIS is setting these kids on a path out of poverty with a high school diploma and a toolbox of skills to navigate the challenges in their lives.”
Promise Circle Founding Members
Leader
Betsy and Hughes Abell*
Laura and Kyndel Bennett*
Karen and Andy Esparza
Joan and David Evans
Edie Rogat and Cotter Cunningham*
.
Laurel and Dudley Simmons
Hannah Temple*
Jenna Martin and Tal Tversky*
Virginia and Steve Visser*
Partner
Martha Bowles and Scott Rainey
Gretchen and Les Canter
Lisa and Terry Galassini
.
Lisa and Mark Jennings*
The Smalling Family*
Kerry and Serge Ugarte*
Builder
Lora and Casey Ferguson*
Denny Hamill*
Sarah and John Harrod*
Sonya Spielberg and David Holody
Karen and Philip Ingram
.
Barbara and Bart Knaggs
Cynthia and Sanford Levinson*
Steve Brister and Carmine Salvucci*
Susan and Reid Wittliff*
Harry Zimmerman*
Member Plus
Emily and Ryan Ayers*
Cameron Brown*
Edna and George Butts*
Cindy and Jim DeCosmo*
Asher and Mark Flynn*
.
Melanie and Peter Mullan
Marcia and Barry Silverberg*
Suki Steinhauser*
Sharon Vigil*
Member
Samantha and Celso Baez
Deborah and Tom Beck*
Gabriella Briceño
Georgette Reeves and Chris Cervini
Katy and Jeff Civins
Beth and Erik Cohen
Chase Cusack
Rebecca de Haro
Carol and Sandy Dochen
Roberto Espinosa
Briana and Brad Fluke
Felicia and Eric Garcia
Wendy and Steve Griessen
.
Michele and Peter Guzman*
Grace Holland*
Nicole and Brian Julian
Tom and Shelly Lang*
Kendall and Michael Law
Leigh and Jonathan Levy
Cindy McCann*
Dr. Jacob Reach*
Karyn and Devin Scott*
Nicole Treviño*
Karen Treviño*
Javier Valdez
Dr. Gloria Williams
*Indicates Sustaining Promise Circle members committed to three years of support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Promise Circle membership work?
Do I need to make a separate gift to join?
No. Promise Circle membership is not a separate fee or required donation. It reflects your overall support of Communities In Schools.
Many donors choose to make their gift directly through Promise Circle, but all eligible giving counts toward membership.
What counts toward my membership?
All contributions to Communities In Schools of Central Texas count, including event sponsorships, campaign support, and individual gifts.
What happens after I join?
Once you join Promise Circle, you’ll be part of a growing community of people showing up for students across Central Texas.
You’ll receive updates on the impact of your support and invitations to connect, learn, and serve—through campus visits, conversations with school leaders, and events that bring our community together.
Can I make a multi-year commitment?
Yes. Members can become Sustaining Members at any level by making a three-year commitment, helping ensure consistent support for students over time and unlocking potential matching opportunities.
Is Promise Circle a campaign?
No. Promise Circle is an ongoing community of supporters, not a one-time campaign. You can join at any time throughout the year.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please contact Leadership Giving Manager Hallie Gully by email hgully@ciscentraltexas.org or by phone at (940) 395-5198
If you have Promise Circle questions please contact Leadership Giving Manager Hallie Gully at
hgully@ciscentraltexas.org or (940) 395-5198.