Bridges of Hope Project
By Jim Wambach | October 29, 2020
Empowering children and youth to build bridges to a better future
Over the years, you have empowered thousands of eager children and youth in our Oakland community who continue to struggle in school. You have seen how the technology gap, the achievement gap, and the resource gap hinders so many eager young learners. Through your generous support, so many children and youth have overcome those challenges to thrive in school and beyond.
You are invited to participate in the Bridges of Hope Project for our local children and youth during this extraordinary, challenging time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted the lives of so many families. I am reminded of Nakoa, one of our Path2Math students. Outgoing, personable, and a hard worker in school, he wants to learn and succeed. But, like an entire generation of school children, Nakoa’s been stuck at home, unable to see his friends, and sorely missing the structure and instruction from school.
His grandmother, Ms. Cheryl, was concerned that he would fall further and further behind. She was very happy to receive math worksheets and a Safeway gift card as part of our COVID-19 Family Relief Program you supported.
For many, it is difficult to see a bridge across. We need them to know, “You are not alone.”
“I was just so impressed that Children Rising followed up,” she explained to us. “I’d love to get Nakoa additional resources, but I’m so thankful.”
Your gifts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic have provided Nakoa additional learning resources so that he can retain what he has learned.
Fortunately for Nakoa, he will resume work with his tutor through our all-new, one-on-one online tutoring program, Path2Math Anywhere. Developed in tandem with Succeeding by Reading Anywhere, these programs will support our neighborhood schools and provide additional learning tools in the home for families.
However, there are so many families struggling month after month to overcome distance learning challenges, as well as food and job insecurity. For many, it is difficult to see a bridge across. We need them to know, “You are not alone.”
The ongoing support of a caring community is needed now more than ever.
Now that we have the ability to tutor a child online, your support will make it possible in the months and years ahead for many more volunteers across the entire Bay Area to extend a helping hand of support to Oakland families and their children.
The Bridges of Hope Project, a fundraiser that will run from October 26 – December 1st (Giving Tuesday), will provide opportunities for families to bridge the technology gap, the achievement gap, and the resource gap. Our goal is to raise $150,000 to empower many more children and youth to rise to their God-given potential. Your tax-deductible gift will be matched by funds already pledged by a group of donors, doubling your gift!
I am grateful for everything you have already done to realize…
- A city where every child feels loved and safe, and has reliable adults who model positive values.
- A city where every child can develop as a whole person, body, mind, and spirit.
- A city that is elevated, one precious child at a time.
With your support, we can build bridges to a better future, encouraging the children and their families, and inspiring hope during this difficult time.
For the Children,
