The Hope4Community Network, a church collaborative community development initiative under the MVLF umbrella, is focused on fostering collective impact, community-led service. A key factor in the program's success is the presence of local serving leaders—champions who bring together faith leaders, unify their shared purpose, and engage other city leaders who are committed to doing good for their communities.
The Hope4Community Fund, created through the partnership, is designed to empower local leaders to collaboratively address health-related challenges and create sustainable, community-driven solutions. This fund is partially supported by Kettering Health’s community health improvement plan. Together, this partnership is set to create a profound impact across the Miami Valley, demonstrating God's love through meaningful change in the lives of individuals and entire communities.
2024 Hope4Christmas Stores
In a joint initiative partially sponsored by Kettering Health, Hope4Kettering and Hope4Centerville organized a Hope4Christmas Store to help families who were struggling to afford presents for their children. This event offered deeply discounted or free gifts, ensuring that families in need could experience the joy of Christmas.
The store served over 1,000 children, providing toys, new jackets, socks, underwear, Bibles, and other essential resources. This initiative, made possible by the collaboration of 16 partner organizations, had a total economic impact of more than $166,000.
Even after the event ended, its positive influence continued. A donation of 350 toys was made to Dayton Public Schools, and 100 jackets were given to the refugee community in Springfield.
Hope4Miamisburg also hosted a Hope4Christmas Shop which served 600 kids, including 540 from Miamisburg City Schools and 60 from other groups such as foster homes and recovery homes. Additionally, they supported over 200 families, with 189 of those being Miamisburg families and the rest from surrounding communities.
Reading Allies
Reading Allies is an innovative literacy program that helps below grade-level readers in first, second, and third grade rise to grade-level standards through tailored, in-depth community tutoring.
Hope4WestCarrollton was able to implement a pilot Reading Allies program in their school district thanks to the CareSource Foundation and Kettering Health’s community health improvement plan. Twelve first-grade students were served during the fall 2024 semester, all identified as below grade level, with most testing at an emerging kindergarten level. Over nine weeks, these students showed impressive progress: a 239.58% increase in their book level and 137.5% growth in phonics skills. Ten of the 12 students advanced from an emerging kindergarten reading level to a first-grade level after just nine hours of intervention. There are 24 students receiving program support during the spring semester 2025.
LifeWise Academy
LifeWise Academy is an educational program that provides Bible education for public school students during school hours under released time laws. The LifeWise Academy aims to reach unchurched public school students with the gospel, teaching character traits like generosity and gratitude through Bible lessons.
The LifeWise Academy program began as a pilot with Hope4Miamisburg at Kinder Elementary, with The Journey Community Church generously providing classroom space. Initially, the goal was to serve 22% of the grade level, but within eight weeks, the program successfully reached 25% of the target group.
In addition to the strong start, the school administration observed the program and, impressed by its impact, agreed to expand it to other grade levels after Christmas 2024. Enrollment for 4th and 5th grades began in January 2025. Over the course of the program’s launch, LifeWise has built connections with local churches across denominations, with volunteers dedicating 480 hours to serving the students. The program has had tangible success stories, including students bringing their families to church and increasing community involvement, showcasing the potential for wider transformation in Miamisburg.
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Acknowledgement
The Miami Valley Leadership Foundation board, staff, and Hope4Community Network leadership are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with Kettering Health in this transformative work.
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