Last week, FaithWorks hosted a Back to School lunch for the Shidler Elementary teachers and staff. We had not been able to do this for the past two years due to Covid. It was refreshing to see teachers eager for the school year to begin. It has been a long time since our students have had a “real” school year.
Speaking of school, I want to give you an update on the current situation with Shidler Elementary and thank you for your prayers and support. I was able to meet with two of the OKCPS school board members, as well as Dr. McDaniel, OKCPS Superintendent. They came to our Center and listened to the history of our community and the progress that has been made over the years through our partners. I believe they left understanding the importance of Shidler Elementary to our community. Next week, the bond resolution will be presented to the OKCPS board for approval with hopes of having the bond issue on the November ballot.
I would like to remind you that FaithWorks is also trying to return to “normal” by bringing back the Power Hour tutoring program. We would love to have forty tutors engaging with forty Shidler students on Thursdays throughout the school year. This program has been a part of FaithWorks for eighteen years. Many Shidler students have been impacted by this reading/mentorship program. Power Hour will begin on Thursday, September 8 at the FaithWorks’ Community Center with required tutor training beginning at 2:15 p.m. and students arriving at 3:00 p.m. Applications are available online at faithworksokc.com/volunteer. You can also contact Natalie Stinchcomb, firstname.lastname@example.org for further information.
Wonderful things are happening at FaithWorks…due to twenty middle school and high school students needing transportation to church on Wednesdays and Sundays, FaithWorks is in need of a second twelve passenger van. Please be in prayer that funds will become available and that a safe, reliable van can be found. We are beyond excited about the interest and commitment of our students to our youth program. Great things have happened over the summer, and we are very excited to see what happens this fall with this group of young people.
Pray for a safe, smooth start for fall programs
Pray for our staff and our four new employees as they begin a new year
Pray for funding for additional staff and students
Pray for funding for increasing food costs
Pray for our children and youth- for their safety and desire to know God
Pray for Mr. Ayala, principal Shidler Elementary and his staff
Power Hour tutors
Childcare workers and food prep workers for our new community parenting classes
Funding for an additional van/additional staff/food costs
I am thankful for your continued partnership with us.