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.

Follow Sharon Vigil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-vigil-60667012b/

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

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Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

For those experiencing homelessness in Austin, support can come from a variety of nonprofits and community programs. One such organization is Mobile Loaves & Fishes, the nonprofit founded by Alan Graham that has earned national recognition for Community First! Village, a master-planned community providing affordable, permanent housing for people coming out of chronic homelessness.

In this episode of the Changing Austin Podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Graham discusses how Community First! Village grew from a single R/V to a thriving community in East Austin. Now home to more than 420 residents, Community First! Village has become a national model for permanent supportive housing, with plans to ultimately serve 1,900 residents.

The conversation explores the enduring challenge of homelessness in Austin, addressing common misconceptions about the people served by Mobile Loaves & Fishes and other nonprofits. Graham also explains why homelessness is a solvable issue for cities like Austin and why communities should invest in long-term housing solutions that restore dignity, stability and connection.

Follow Alan Graham on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlfnow

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas

Dr. Kristi Kirk believes higher education should be accessible to everyone. As a first-generation college graduate, she has dedicated her career to helping students succeed, a mission that led her to become President and CEO of Concordia University Texas.

In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, powered by Amplify Credit Union, Dr. Kirk discusses how Concordia University Texas has evolved to meet the needs of Central Texas students and employers. A leader in adult education and online learning, the university continues to expand flexible programs that serve working professionals, part-time learners and traditional students.

The conversation explores Concordia's student-centered approach to supporting first-generation college students and learners from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Kirk also shares how the university's Northwest Austin campus, home to a 250-acre nature preserve, creates a unique environment that helps students learn, grow and thrive.

Follow Dr. Kristi Kirk on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristikirk1

Follow Stacy Armijo on Instagram and LinkedIn:

https://www.instagram.com/stacy.armijo https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyarmijo

About Changing Austin:

Changing Austin examines the people shaping one of America's fastest-growing regions. From reimagining business models to doubling down on nonprofit missions, Changing Austin shares real stories about Austin's unique past and promising future.

VISIT Changing Austin at www.changingaustin.com

• Subscribe on Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1a5623a8-9852-4a9b-948c-0f686aa14e4c/changing-austin
• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-austin/id1820951608
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gOBx6yCBEovj4IEb8LEhj?si=89088bb99af24177

Changing Austin is powered by Amplify Credit Union, Austin's home for fee-free commercial banking. #austin #austintexas