Recent studies indicate across north Texas 1 in 2 students are at risk of dropping out of school. So, what can be done to ensure that does not happen? Dr. Linsey Schafer of Communities in Schools of North Texas believes students need to be connected to caring adults and community resources.
The mission of Communities In Schools of North Texas is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Working in 62 schools across three counties, the CISNT evidence-based model connects students to caring adults and community resources to transform how they see and experience the world around them. By surrounding them with a network of trust they can turn to no matter where they are in their journey, CISNT empowers students to confront and overcome personal challenges and structural barriers—so they can take charge of the future they want for themselves, their communities and each other.
Through holistic services which address students’ physical, academic, social, emotional, and mental health barriers, CISNT positively impacts student success, with 99% of students staying in school and on track for graduation annually. From weekend food support to professional mental health counseling to college and career readiness and parent and family engagement, CISNT does whatever it takes to empower students to be successful in school and in life.
Dr. Linsey Schafer, DSW, LCSW, MSSW, is a nonprofit executive, educator, and community leader dedicated to building stronger communities by investing in children and families. She joined Communities In Schools of North Texas as Chief Advancement Officer in 2024, leading the organization’s fundraising, volunteer engagement, marketing and communications, donor relations, and community partnership strategies, helping expand the resources that support students across North Texas.
In addition to her work with Communities In Schools of North Texas, Linsey serves as an Adjunct Faculty member in the University of North Texas Department of Social Work, where she mentors future social workers through field education. An active civic leader, Linsey is a graduate of Leadership Denton Cohort 40, serves on the Steering Committee for Leadership Denton Cohort 42, and is a Denton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, where she was recognized as Ambassador of the Quarter in 2026. She served as Vice-Chair of the Denton WATCH Coalition (Wellness Alliance for Total Children’s Health) and is actively involved with the Denton Noon Kiwanis Club, the Denton County Behavioral Health Leadership Team, the National Association of Social Workers, and the Council on Social Work Education.
Whether she’s developing strategic partnerships, speaking to community organizations, or mentoring emerging leaders, Linsey believes lasting change happens through collective community impact, creating opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and thrive.
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