One of the community programs supported by Hope Church is CASA (Children’s After School Achievement), which is an outreach program run by Hope College. CASA was started in 1987 at First United Methodist Church by community members who wanted to help minority children with academic support at the elementary level. In 1989, the program became an outreach of Hope College and moved to their campus where it remains today, providing at-risk children in grades 1 – 8 with the tools to succeed in school. Children are referred by their teachers and are given one-on-one tutoring during the school year. A summer program is also offered for grades 1 – 5 in which students receive individualized teaching and other personal enrichment opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information, their website is www.hope.edu/casa.
Doug Abell, Community Ministry Member
