United4Hope was formed in 2011 out of a collaboration between Operation Andrew Group and Metro Nashville Public Schools. At that time, representatives from Operation Andrew Group Trustees met with Dr. Jesse Register, MNPS director of schools, about the idea of connecting churches and public schools, and after several conversations, Dr. Register agreed to allow Operation Andrew Group staff to create school/church partnerships on a small, trial basis, ensuring that all parties adhered to the separation of church and state. Thus, United4Hope was born! The “hope” in United4Hope is an acronym which stands for “helping others in public education.”

The 2012 – 2013 school year was the first full year of school and church partnerships in Nashville, where five churches partnered with six schools to serve over 2,500 volunteer hours. In the 2013-2014 school year, school/church partnerships grew from six to nine. School/church partnerships have continued to grow and expand throughout the years, and currently, United4Hope supports 115 churches partnering with 71 schools in Davidson County, and 8 churches supporting 7 schools within the Franklin Special School District.

As we look forward to the future, the possibilities are ENDLESS! We are thankful for all the individuals that have helped pave the way for such robust school and church partnerships throughout Middle Tennessee, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for school and church partnerships all around our state and nation.

Original United4Hope school/church partnerships in Nashville:

• Bordeaux Enhanced Option Elementary & The Temple Church
• Buena Vista Enhanced Option Elementary & Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church
• Carter-Lawrence Magnet Elementary & Brentwood Baptist Church – Nashville Campus
• Cumberland Elementary & Mt. Nebo Baptist Church
• Glencliff Elementary & Christ Presbyterian Church
• Park Avenue Enhanced Option Elementary & Jackson Street Church of Christ
• Whitsitt Elementary & Forest Hills Baptist Church
• Wright Middle & New Song Woodbine