CIS Licensed Partners: Creating Magic at Mabelvale
When Steven Young arrived at Mabelvale Middle School in Little Rock, Arkansas, he could feel a distinct energy on campus, a level of frustration and disconnect that affected both students and staff. The school climate was fractured, despite staff working to pull things together, and many students were focused on fighting rather than academics.
As the Communities In Schools® (CIS®) site coordinator at Mabelvale, Steven takes a whole child approach using Integrated Student Supports to build relationships and personal connections with families. Now in his third year as a site coordinator, Steven focuses on boosting morale among students and engaging staff in the whole child approach.
Mabelvale Middle School is part of CIS’ Licensed Partner program with Little Rock Public School District (LRSD). The district joined the CIS Network as a Licensed Partner in 2023 and has since expanded into 10 schools in the district, serving nearly 5,000 students.
At Little Rock School District we work to serve the whole student, family, and community. The impact of CIS working in our district will help build power for both our students and families.
Dr. Jermall Wright, Superintendent, Little Rock School District
Mabelvale Middle is the first middle school to be part of the LRSD CIS cohort with site coordinator Steven Young leading programming and supporting school-wide impact. The school has developed new programming focused on three areas: 1) behavior 2) attendance 3) grades.
One new program includes the creation of two new affinity groups that are making a huge impact. The Mighty Men of Mabelvale and Ladies of Mabelvale are focused on reaching and working with students facing challenges in their daily lives. A range of community partners also collaborate with the school to address students' specific needs.
Monthly Mabelvale Magic Makeovers
Before the Monthly Mabelvale Magic Makeovers were established, students would walk into the school with hoods and hats covering their hair. Steven learned that students were hiding because they felt insecure about their hair and grooming. Not every student has the time or funds to show up to school with the latest hair styles. Feeling embarrassed, students would cover their heads and disengage while in class.
Steven reached out to local barber colleges including the Legendary Institute, Washington Barber College, Arkansas College of Barbering and Hair Design, New Tyler Barber College, and other volunteer professional barbers to develop an ongoing partnership, and as a result, Monthly Mabelvale Makeovers was born.
Each month, five to ten barbers and hair stylists set up stations in the gym to cut students’ hair free of charge. This volunteer effort gives students the opportunity to connect with community members and embrace renewed confidence and enthusiasm to attend classes and be present. Community partners also provided food for the event. The power of this partnership is creating a lasting impact in Mabelvale.
The Legendary Institute also offers a summer mentoring program and barber training program available to high school students. One student participated in the program and now cuts hair for his fellow students.
Community Cafe Initiative
Steven and the staff at Mabelvale also wanted to focus on family-friendly engagement opportunities that bring the school and community together.
The Community Cafe is hosted four times a year, welcoming students and their families to enjoy food, fellowship and activities. The first community cafe welcomed more than 400 students and families, complete with student performances, and community resource groups specializing in health programs, youth engagement, and food access.
The local CIS team works with catering groups to serve wholesome and nutritious meals, providing an opportunity for families to eat together at a communal table. Mabelvale also offers essential supports for students such as a food pantry, clothing, and shoes.
The key for Steven is his partnership with the staff and the caring adults who are committed to supporting students. Being present and identifying what students and their families need can transform a school in less than a year. Sometimes it takes collaboration to meet the unique needs of students, and by engaging and connecting with communities, school-wide change is possible.
When you serve from the heart and are present in the work, you are changing lives.
Steven Young, Communities In Schools Site Coordinator
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