Entries by Jamie Olson

90 Second Stories: Where’s Hope When Life’s Hard?

February 7, 2019in /by
Life is hard for our students. Sometimes unimaginably so. The stress of fatherlessness, homelessness, poverty and trauma mounts quickly for some.
That’s why the best thing we can do is to be present, and to teach our students how to grapple with life when it’s tough.
Click below to hear how “Mr. G” helps our students find strength in pain, and how they’ve helped him do the same:

The more hardship I see, the more grateful I become that God truly is a refuge for our staff and the families we serve, even in the most excruciating of times.
Thank you for praying for us, and providing an extra layer of support when times are tough.
In hope,
Russ Gregg
Co-Founder & Head of School



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7 simple ways you can help this Christmas!

December 12, 2018in /by

Dear Hope,

Each December, I’m overwhelmed by the kindness that pours into our Hope Academy community: presents for families, winter wear for students, generous year-end gifts. Proof that it’s more blessed to give than receive!

If you’re looking for ways to be blessed, and be a blessing this Christmas, here are 7 simple options:

1. Give a book

Each Christmas, every child at Hope receives a gift-wrapped set of books to take home and enjoy, to encourage literacy and foster a love of learning.

$25/book, $500/class.



LEARN MORE

2. Read a book

Come to our Christmas Book Giveaway Tuesday, December 18th to enjoy a brief program, then deliver and read books with students. One of the most joyful events of the year!



RSVP

3. Give a day

Each year, we trust the Lord to provide for the financial needs of our students — including someone to sponsor each day of Kindergarten!

$625 sponsors one day for one class.
119 days left!



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4. Pray for Hope

Please pray with us.

So often, we are reminded that only God can heal wounds, change hearts, unite families, strengthen the weary, heal the sick, open the floodgates of provision, and provide divine wisdom. We are daily in need of God’s grace.

5. Give a year

Almost every child at Hope Academy needs a financial Partner to be here — someone who will make a generous gift to help offset the cost per student.

19 students still need a Partner this school year ($3,625/half, $7,250/full).



LEARN MORE ABOUT PARTNERSHIP

6. Tell a friend

Spread the word!

If you’re like most of our supporters, you found out about Hope Academy through a friend. Share your favorite video on Facebook, invite a friend to a tour, or contact us to set up a visit.



TOUR



CONTACT US

7. Bless a teacher

Our teachers are the most selfless people I know, pouring themselves out on behalf of their students.

This Christmas, send a note of encouragement to a teacher, or email us about other ways to bless.



ENCOURAGE TEACHER



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In a season that can so easily by dominated by consumerism, may you experience the deep and lasting joy of giving this Christmas.

Thank you to everyone who is making hope happen!

With a grateful heart,

Russ Gregg
Co-Founder & Head of School

Giving Stock? Get Double Benefits.

Did you know that giving appreciated stock can save you money on taxes, and allow you to give more? Click to learn how.

If you’d like to give a gift through a stock transfer, contact Jim Stigman at 612-540-2016 or jimstigman@hopeschool.org.



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A good time for good news.

November 19, 2018in /by

Do you ever feel like bad news is increasing at an exponential rate?

Today, I want to share 7 happy headlines from Hope Academy that I think we can all celebrate (click here for the full report):

1. Breaking down barriers

Regardless of income, family composition, ethnicity, or zip code, Hope Academy is increasing access for low-income, urban youth to a remarkable, Christ-centered education.

2. Addressing the heart of the matter

At Hope Academy, we teach to the heart, as well as the head. “The thing I like best about Hope Academy is our teachers and how much they care about us,” said one student.

3. Transforming lives

“I”m not the same person I was two or three years ago, and that’s all because of God and because of my teachers,” shared Andrew (far right).

4. Strengthening urban families

“Coming from a Hispanic background with a single-parent home and a low-income family, there’s a lot of challenges that we face. I believe that God has totally flipped the story around; both my sister and I were awarded full-ride scholarships,” said Jose, Class of 2018.

5. Beating the odds

By God’s grace, we are seeing incredible results. In 2018, our students scored higher than ever on standardized tests in math and reading. 95% of seniors graduated on time, and 94% of all graduates have been accepted to 2- and 4-year colleges–many on full scholarships.

6. Grads giving back

One of our greatest joys is to see our graduates working for justice, economic opportunity, hope for the family, and joy in the community. Graduates are already leading and serving their communities, at Hope and abroad.

Praise God for his incredible faithfulness, and for each teacher, donor, volunteer, and prayer warrior who has made these things possible.

We are still trusting the Lord to provide supporters for 26 of our students this school year. Click to see how you can get in on the joy!

With a grateful heart,

Russ Gregg

Co-Founder & Head of School



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Want change?

September 4, 2018in /by

Right now, African American, Hispanic, and Native American children in Minneapolis have less than a 60% chance of graduating from high school on time. That makes my heart break. The good news is, we can all do something about that. But like all love, it will mean sacrifice. C.S. Lewis said: “There is no safe […]

We’ve never done this before

August 27, 2018in /by

Welcome to the start of a BIG year at Hope Academy. It’s a joyful day as we welcome nearly 500 students with big smiles and open arms — each child reminding me just how much God loves the youth of our city. It’s also a year unlike any we’ve seen. By God’s grace, we’re embarking on the […]

BUSING REMINDERS

August 24, 2018in , /by

Buses are run by the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). Call Janette at 612-540-2010 with late bus questions. Hope will send out a text if your child’s bus is running 30 minutes or more late.

Do Black Lives Matter in Education?

December 14, 2017in /by

YES – Black Lives Matter in Education. What does that mean to us at Hope Academy? Imagine only seeing your reflection in a dirty, broken, warped mirror your entire life. You would not have a true picture of your appearance. You may even believe that you have freckles on your face, when in fact, you […]

When Education is a Privilege not a Right

December 7, 2017in /by

Minnesota has a discouraging amount of food deserts, homelessness, and unemployment, but is also sadly close to leading the entire country in all areas of racial disparities. (more sources below) When housing, food, clothing, and mere survival are the daily struggle for a family, deciding on the best education for children -especially for families who […]