These contrasting, contradictory views could describe our present era. Most of us are living far better than we ever imagined. We have nice homes, plenty of food, a decent education and gainful employment.

At the same time our world is plagued by deep divisions and horrific violence, causing thousands of adults and children to flee from their homes in a desperate search for safe haven. Right here at home in the Bay Area, the gap between the haves and have-nots is ever-widening. Homeless encampments in the East Bay are becoming ubiquitous. While high-tech companies are growing and on the search for new hires, the achievement gap between poor and middle-class students persists.

Each of us has a choice. We can choose to wring our hands or we can use
them to reach out to our most vulnerable neighbors. Fifteen years ago Faith
Network was founded in answer to God’s call to “Seek the shalom of the city”
(Jeremiah 29:7). Shalom encompasses all of these things: peace, prosperity,
health, wholeness. We’re responding to God’s call by bringing caring adults and
community resources into the schools to address children’s unmet needs.
On behalf of Children Rising’s Board of Directors and Staff, we express deep
gratitude for our dedicated and generous volunteers, donors, partners and the
inspiring young people who are the reason for our existence.