Big Ideas for Student Success

by Karol Wilson

Jeff Morris thinks big. Maybe because of the time spent under the big skies of Big Spring, Texas. Whatever the reason, this big thinker is convinced of big and bright futures for thousands of youngsters through the Communities In Schools program.

Mr. Morris is the President and CEO of ALON USA. Mr. Morris joined the company in August of 2000 after ALON Israel Oil Co. Ltd. purchased the pipeline and refining operations of FINA. Prior to joining ALON USA, he worked at FINA in various capacities, including managing the company’s refinery in Big Spring, where he got his start in community involvement. “We were the largest employer in the area, and naturally, we were expected to be involved in civic and charitable activities,” says Morris. “I almost overextended myself, but I felt it was so important, from a business and personal perspective, to be involved with organizations like the United Way and Big Spring’s Chamber of Commerce.”

Upon arriving at FINA’s corporate offices in Dallas, Jeff asked the company’s community affairs department to identify opportunities for involvement that emphasized youth and education. And that’s how he became involved with Communities In Schools Dallas.

Part of a national network, Communities In Schools Dallas Region, Inc. is an innovative public/private partnership committed to helping at-risk students stay in school and achieve academic and life success. It has served students in the Dallas area for more than two decades, providing on-campus academic support, training, prevention and early-intervention services to thousands of students and their families. The program’s success is remarkable. In 2004-2005, CISDR students achieved a 100 percent stay-in-school rate; 86 percent improved in academics, behavior, and/or attendance; and 90.4 percent of eligible seniors graduated.

“School counselors can only do so much, and Communities In Schools makes sure that no student is left behind,” Jeff says. Once a child is referred to the program, CIS staff and volunteers work with the child, whatever the issue – from a child who needs shoes, to a youngster who needs dental care, to a student who is being abused at home.

“Big or small, whatever it takes, we do,” says Jeff, who is on the organization’s Board of Directors. “I really like the Communities In Schools model, and when implemented, it’s proved to be very successful. The future becomes much brighter for thousands of young people because of CIS.”

Communities In Schools’ own future is equally bright, thanks to Jeff Morris. He has championed the creation of the Communities In Schools Dallas Endowment, funded by ALON USA with an initial gift of $1 million. The Endowment will provide a stream of income to support CIS Dallas Region and help ensure that it will continue to provide year-round, on-campus academic support and social services to at-risk children for years to come.

“The Endowment increases the ‘menu’ of opportunities for giving,” says Jeff. “Many nonprofits don’t have planned giving programs like we do, and many run on year-to-year budgeting. We believe that sustainability through the Endowment is key and gives us the confidence to go forward.”

Jeff encourages his employees to be involved in the community, and ALON supports arts, education, and children’s programs both in the United States and Israel. In the north Texas area, ALON employees support not only Communities In Schools Dallas, but also the American Heart Association, the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, and the Dallas Center for the Humanities. ALON often sponsors high school students for the Center’s various lectures, including a recent one on the life and message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jeff is also proud of his work and support of the Trinity River Corridor project. The initiative concerns approximately 10,000 acres of the Trinity River and addresses a number of regional concerns, including flood protection, environmental management, recreation, transportation, and community/economic development. “The project has great potential for the area, “ Jeff says. “It will transform and truly connect our community. We’re part of a neighborhood, and we have a responsibility to help and take care of our neighbors.”

His actions are living proof of that belief and his efforts show that his big dreams usually become reality - big time. For more information on Communities In Schools Dallas Region or the Endowment Program, please call 214.827.0955 or visit www.cisdallas. org.