It Takes a Village: Gratitude in Action with HOME WORKS!

Kathryn BraytonConnection, News

At HOME WORKS!, we know that it takes a village to raise a child. Our village is build upon the unwavering support of families, teachers, school leaders, students, and amazing volunteers – all working together to create brighter futures for kids. Thanks to YOU, we’re able to build and sustain this vital community.

As we wrapped up the year, we launched our “It Takes a Village: Gratitude in Action with HOME WORKS!” campaign to celebrate the powerful partnerships that fuel this work. Over the past couple of months, we’ve shared messages of gratitude from teachers, parents, students, and volunteers who are an integral part of our village. Here’s a look back at those heartfelt stories:

 

Voices of Gratitude 

We’ve compiled these beautiful gratitude messages from our HOME WORKS! community into one video. Each story is a testament to the power of connection, trust, and collaboration – values that YOU help bring to life. 

 

Want to hear from a specific HOME WORKS! Village Member? Choose from any of the videos below!

 

A Message of Gratitude from Assistant Principal Chantel Neal 

Fairview Primary and Intermediate School 

In this first video, Assistant Principal Chantel Neal from Fairview Primary and Intermediate School shares her gratitude for the partnerships HOME WORKS! builds between families, teachers, and students. Ms. Neal reminds us how crucial this work is in creating brighter futures for children, and she thanks YOU for being a vital part in this effort.

Gratitude from Volunteer Jermain Pettis 

Edward Jones Volunteer 

Jermaine Pettis, a dedicated volunteer from Edward Jones, reflects on his experience with HOME WORKS! and why he believes in the power of community. Jermaine’s time and effort are invaluable to our work, and reminds us how important our volunteers are to helping us unlock learning opportunities for students. Your support makes this work possible, and Jermaine’s story is a reminder of how much we can achieve TOGETHER!

A Thank You From our Student

Aspire Academy 

One of our amazing students from Aspire Academy shares how their Parent-Teacher Workshop has made learning both fun and meaningful. When students see their families and teachers working together, they feel supported, knowing they have a community backing them up every step of the way.

A Parent’s Gratitude from Aspire Academy 

Aspire Academy 

This parent shares their appreciation for the way Parent-Teacher Workshops have allowed them to bring learning into their home. The power of engaged parents is undeniable, and this story highlights how, when families are supported by teachers, students thrive in the classroom and beyond. YOUR support has made this collaboration possible, and together, we’re making a lasting impact on families’.

Satoria Littleton’s Village Experience 

Activity Coordinator and Parent, Jennings School District 

Satoria Littleton, both a proud mom of five and the Activity Coordinator for the Jennings School District, discusses how the HOME WORKS! program bridges the gap between home and school. Her firsthand experience as both a parent and educator demonstrates how deepening connections between families and teachers creates stronger support systems for students.

A Message of Gratitude from Teacher Brandi Belger 

First Grade Teacher, Fairview elementary 

Ms. Brandi Belger, a first-grade teacher at Fairview Elementary, speaks about the importance of building relationships with both students and their families. She shares how the trust and collaboration fostered by HOME WORKS! help make a meaningful difference in her students’ lives and why that connection matters every day in the classroom.

A Message of Gratitude from Teacher Jerrilynn Morris

Second-Grade Techer,  Aspire Academy 

Jerrilynn Morris, a second grade teacher at Aspire Academy, shares how HOME WORKS! has helped her strengthen relationships with students and parents. Her heartfelt message highlights the impact our program has had on her teaching, showing that with these connections, she can truly make a lasting difference in the lives of her students. YOUR support makes this work possible.

A Teacher’s Reflection from Ebony Jones 

Kindergarten Teacher, Fairview Primary and Intermediate 

Ebony Jones, a Kindergarten Teacher at Fairview Primary, reflects on how HOME WORKS! has helped build deep, personal relationships with her students and their families. She shares how these connections sometimes make her lose track of time during these home visits – truly amplifying the bond that has been built between home and school.

 

The Power of Gratitude and Connection 

We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you who has supported HOME WORKS!. Whether you’ve volunteered, donated, or simply shared your belief in our mission, YOU are a crucial part of our village. It’s through your generosity that we can continue fostering strong relationships between families and educators, creating the foundation for brighter futures for all children.

As we reflect on the stories we’ve shared, we are reminded of the incredible impact of this village – and how much more we can achieve when we work together. Thank you for being a part of this vital work. Together, we are building stronger communities, one connection at a time.

 

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