In Portland, Oregon, Healing Hope Adventist Church has been connecting with their local school for several years. In 2024, they decided to make supporting the Glenfair Elementary community their official mission.
Over the years, Healing Hope Church has supported the community in a variety of ways. They've served popsicles in the parking lot and pizza at family nights; donated classroom goods, snacks and clothes for emergencies; and adopted families at Christmastime.
Romey Carta, Healing Hope Church secretary, shared that she has grown a fond friendship with the secretary of the adopted public school. “She will contact me and she'll say, 'There's a need right now for something,'” said Carta. “I put the request out there — in the bulletin and newsletter — and it magically appears!”
According to Carta, Healing Hope Church is made up of 25–30 active members, while the elementary school hosts nearly 500 students. “This is the thing that's bringing life into this church,” said Carta. “We can’t do a lot of things, but God has enabled us to do this. He put us next door for a reason.”
Violeta Bilan, Healing Hope district pastor, said, “I think creating spaces where children can mingle and learn how to navigate life together and feel like they're one community would benefit all of us. I think it’s a gift.”
Healing Hope Church has been able to impact many students, staff and families through these acts of simple connection. “It's not about big projects or big programs, but small acts of kindness and grace with nothing attached,” shared Bilan. “It’s just to brighten their day.”
When asked for her advice on how churches might begin to connect with their own neighborhoods, Bilan said, “I would invite everyone to think of the ‘little things’ that your church may have fun doing that would benefit the communities around them. It may not need to be something big or have a large budget, just something your church can invest in — even simply buying a box of ice cream and sharing it with someone. It may be simple, but it's a powerful ministry.”
A teacher appreciation board with handwritten notes thanks educators for their dedication to the community’s children.
Over the years, Healing Hope Church has supported in a variety of ways.
The Wish Apple Tree in the church lobby shares teacher and classroom needs, giving church members the opportunity to purchase the items in time for school year use.
Healing Hope Church supports in several ways, including donating classroom goods, snacks, clothes for emergencies and even adopting families at Christmastime.
