Against The Grain

Did you know that prison systems look at third grade test scores as a common factor when determining the number of beds that will be needed in 15 - 20 year projections? If a child is still behind by one reading level at the end of fourth grade, their chance of addictions, high school drop out, teen pregnancy, gang involvement and incarceration DOUBLES!!! 

AtG's Image Builders Program is a one-on-one tutoring program that is breaking the cradle to prison pipeline. The Image Builders volunteers are screened and trained before meeting with their student for the 30 minute weekly sessions and the students enrolled show an average increase of 125% in reading level compared to 47% by the rest of the class.

You can be part of the solution as a "Study Buddy" in the Image Builders Program or by supporting a volunteer. Email volunteer@atghope.org for more information about becoming a Study Buddy in the upcoming school year or click on the "Donate Now" button to help support this life-changing program. 

This year, AtG provided tutoring to 57 children through the Image Builders Study Buddy Program. These tutors are providing an incredible service to kids who are at-risk of academic failure and raising test scores. Without an education, these kids are garaunteed to continue negative cycles. Click on the link below to read the story of one of our incredible tutors and her child.

Study Buddies Form Lasting Bond

We have had the honor of training two groups of volunteers in Murfreesboro who will be providing The 180 Program to homeless women in their area. Sunday, we added 12 more volunteers to their number but they still need more. If you live, or know someone who lives, in Rutherford County and would like to volunteer and help provide this life-changing program, please email meredith@atghope.org for more information.

What do you get when you cross an adulterer, a murderer, a liar, a cheat, a thief, a prostitute and a little incest? Not one of our classes…Jesus. Those are all people in his lineage. We work with people every day that believe that they are worthless because of their choices and their lives are over, but we offer them hope. Hope for a future as someone who can turn their life around and make a significant impact on this world. We need your help, if you cannot join us while we teach, please consider becoming a partner and sending us as your representatives. Email - volunteer@atghope.org for volunteer opportunities or click the "Donate Now" button to invest in this work. 

The participants, Board of Directors and Staff would like to thank The Memorial Foundation and The Cora Foundation for supporting The 180 Program. Through their support the work locally and nationally will be able to continue and expand. Please join them in support of these service as we provide hope to our neighbors who are trading their troubled past for a brighter future.