In her initial brainstorming session with Rock of Ages Lutheran coordinator Ken Lutz and pastor Jared Natsis, Taylor Stratton Elementary liaison Sharill Jones mentioned that the school had just elected a new student council. “I think it would be neat if the student council officers had some matching attire,” Sharill mentioned. Little did she know that Ken has an apparel business! He got right to work, and the rest is history!

Ken designed and donated matching jackets for the student council officers. “Yes, they certainly look professional,” Sharill says, of the officers in their attire. “The jackets give them a sense of pride. When you look good, you feel good and you often do good as well.” Rock of Ages has continued to develop their relationship with Taylor Stratton, serving as lunch and reading buddies, participating in school programming, and even hosting a partner meeting.

In my role at United4Hope, I often get questions about what a United4Hope church/school partnership entails. The answer is whatever the church and school can dream! I am consistently struck by the creativity at work in United4Hope partnerships. We are thankful for Rock of Ages’ attendant care of Taylor Stratton.

~ Meredith Ball, United4Hope Program Manager

*Children’s images are shared with the permission of their parents.