As we enter September, almost four weeks into the new school year, we want to say thank you to every one of our church partners for your continual efforts to show support to our partner schools.

We have heard dozens of stories of churches coming together with their school liaisons to make sure that faculty and students have their communities behind them entering the ’25-’26 school year.  

One example comes from Oak Valley Baptist Church, who found a simple yet powerful way to cheer on our educators. On July 30th, during in-service training, church coordinators Brenda Hughey and Sharon Mateer worked with their congregation to provide lunch for 17 Model Classroom Teachers. 
 
“Oak Valley Baptist Church is very proud to join United4Hope in supporting the FSD students and staff. Valuing our teachers is of upmost importance. We provided lunch and goody bags for the 17 FSD Model teachers. We hope to continue this valuable work.” - Brenda Hughey 
 
“I have such respect, gratitude and admiration for teachers. Their roles are so vital and yet the obstacles they face are growing in opposition to so often the rewards. If I can bring a smile, an affirmation or an encouragement to them then I am honored to do so. They deserve this and so much more!” - Sharon Mateer 
 
Likewise, in early August, Grace Church of the Nazarene provided a luncheon banquet and appreciations cards for staff at Stanford Montessori School.  

“We love Stanford Montessori and look forward to continual partnership with them this school year! Our church wants to continue to show them how much we appreciate them” – Jon Ary, Youth Pastor 

As you are looking for new ways to engage this year, we encourage you to continue to ask your United4Hope program manager and your school liaison. The Lord will continue to provide the opportunities so that we can all be united for hope.