United by Hope Unfolded: Episode One

As part of our new year‑long series, United by Hope, I have the privilege of visiting a different nonprofit each month to learn about their mission, meet the people behind the work, and share their impact with our community. It is my first time leading on‑camera interviews, so if you watched the video version of this visit, you may have noticed the unmistakable posture of someone trying very hard to remember what to do with their hands. This blog serves as the calmer, behind‑the‑scenes companion, where I can reflect on the experience and highlight the incredible work being done by the organizations we feature.

When I arrived at Academy4 for our first episode, I was immediately struck by the warmth of the environment. The staff greeted me with genuine kindness, making me feel as if I had stepped into a community rather than a workplace. Then I met Mrs. Kelly Snapp, the Academy4 team member I had the honor of interviewing for this episode of United by Hope. She embodies the heart of Academy4 with her professionalism, energy, and deep understanding of every detail that keeps the program running.

One of the most memorable parts of the tour was, surprisingly, the storage room. It was filled with T‑shirts, games, and supplies, all neatly stacked and ready for the next mentoring session. Every student and volunteer receives a shirt, creating a sense of unity and belonging from the moment they walk in. The shelves were lined with board games and materials that had been labeled by volunteers from local churches, including my own. Seeing those labels tucked between stacks of supplies emphasized how much of this work is powered by community.

As I learned more about Academy4, I was struck by the clarity and purpose of their mission. Their work centers on empowering fourth graders, a group they describe as being at a pivotal developmental stage. According to their website, fourth graders are old enough to begin setting goals and practicing leadership skills, yet young enough to remain open, curious, and deeply influenced by positive adult role models. Academy4 partners with Title I schools to provide monthly mentoring sessions that combine leadership lessons, hands‑on activities, and one‑on‑one connection. Each session lasts ninety minutes, but the impact extends far beyond that hour and a half. Academy4 reports measurable improvements in attendance, confidence, discipline, and academic engagement among participating students. Their leadership curriculum helps students recognize their strengths, build healthy relationships, and develop the skills they need to thrive in middle school and beyond.

During my conversation with Mrs. Snapp, she spoke about the moments that give her hope. She mentioned seeing students return in later years. While I do not know the exact number, it is clear that enough students come back to create a full circle moment, one that justifies and strengthens the programs Academy4 has built for older students. Such as Leaders 5, which allows fifth graders to return and assist younger students, reinforcing the leadership skills they learned the year before. High school students can participate in A4 Mentoring and A4 Family, programs that allow them to stay engaged, support younger students, and strengthen community ties. Some students even go on to earn scholarships through the A4 Scholarship program, which recognizes commitment, leadership, and service. These programs create a pathway for continued growth and involvement, thus turning a single year of mentorship into a multi‑year cycle of leadership development.

For those wondering how to support Academy4, there are several meaningful ways to get involved. Volunteering is one of the most impactful. No prior experience is required, only a willingness to show up consistently, be positive, and invest ninety minutes one Friday a month in a child’s growth. Donations also play an important role, if available to you. And spreading the word is equally valuable because awareness helps connect more volunteers, families, and schools to their work. All of these opportunities are available on their website.

As we wrapped up filming, I felt incredibly grateful, not only for the interview but for the chance to witness firsthand how Academy4 operates. Thank you to Mrs. Kelly Snapp and the entire Academy4 team for welcoming me, sharing your passion, and allowing me to see the heart behind your work. It was an honor to learn from you.

This is just the beginning of United by Hope, and I am excited to continue this journey throughout the year. If you have not already, you can watch the video version of this visit on our Hope 4 All YouTube channel and then return here for the deeper dive.

Thank you for reading, thank you for supporting local nonprofits, and I look forward to bringing you along for next month’s adventure. Stay tuned for Episode 2 of United by Hope.

Hope4All YouTube Channel: Hope 4 All YouTube - YouTube

Academy4 Website: Academy 4

Academy4 Donations: Giving - A4 Giving Page Template