Dear Hope Horizon East Palo Alto Family,

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God is always faithful and 2022 is no exception. Thank you for the part each of you has played in God’s faithfulness to us.

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Together, we:

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• Put on our largest summer program bringing together over 115 elementary, middle and high school students in all areas of spiritual, academic, STEM, life skills and leadership development.

• Hosted 15 party-in-a-box events reaching over 175 people giving an experience that opened doors between East Palo Alto and surrounding communities.

• Increased partnerships to over 25 churches whose giving exceeded our target by 286% and who faithfully prayed, volunteered, mentored, encouraged, loved and served.

• Increased our annual budget by 23% to serve more students.

• Welcomed more than double the number of volunteers with over 12,000 hours of serving and loving the youth of East Palo Alto.

• Completed our rebrand in March to better communicate our mission to equip youth to grow spiritually, gain life skills and develop as leaders so they have hope and a future.

 

And God is not done yet. Take a peek at the doors God is opening:

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Melinda refused to read with her tutor, Esther, who gave grace, patiently suggested they do something other than read. Safe in that space, Melinda asked, “Would you like to know why I don’t want to read?” Esther nodded and turned to give her full attention. “When I read at school, in front of the other kids, they laugh and make fun of me. I hate reading.” “Would you like me to help you read?” asked Esther. This time, Melinda nodded and they began to read. Esther patiently took the time to help Melinda pronounce words, correcting gently and with love and without judgment or prejudice. And just this week, Melinda, smiling, happy, ran up to Esther. “You know what?” she beamed. “What?” responded Esther. “I love reading!”

 

Door opened – to hope and a future:

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Two high schoolers shared with me that they aren’t interested in religion due to negative experiences. Their pain is real and has left negativity. But every week, our high school spiritual leader meets with them and talks about Jesus. More importantly, he exemplifies a Savior that is loving, accepting, patient, forgiving and merciful. A Savior that listens, welcomes their questions and opinions. A Savior that makes space and room for their doubts and anger and all their emotions. They are meeting Jesus every week through him.

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Hope Horizon EPA is opening doors to hope – where each student is seen and known and told they are valuable and loved. We are opening doors to kindness, acceptance, forgiveness, safety, and the love of Jesus. And every day, students experience Jesus through our leaders, volunteers, students and entire team. Doors opened – to hope and a future.

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Thank you for the role each of you has played in opening doors to hope and a future.

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With gratitude,

Tiffany Hong, Executive Director