Chapter 12: Looking Ahead to the Future

"Though only God knows our future, we are certain of one thing—our steadfast commitment to Woodville, joined with them in mutual bonds of devotion and affection. We have all been richly changed."
- Liz Whitehurst, Writer, The Micah History Project

Broad Horizons

Through assisting in all aspects of learning at Woodville School, providing cultural and enrichment opportunities during the school year, and offering numerous summer camp experiences (364 day and residential camping experiences in summer, 2009), we are broadening students’ horizons and opening them to future growth and possibility. We will continue with these many efforts.

Foundation of Trust

Through the years, we have developed a foundation of trust between St. Paul’s Church and Woodville students, teachers, administration and parents, and have become an active member of the Woodville neighborhood community. We strive to always keep lines of communication open and to evaluate together what we are doing, how we are doing and where we are going next. A pressing goal continues to be drawing in students’ parents more effectively.

Positive Partnership

Inspired by our partnership and the positive changes at Woodville, City-Wide Micah has grown to include 1,300 volunteers from over 105 faith communities have created partnerships with 24 other Richmond elementary schools. Dr. Yvonne Brandon, RPS superintendent, has recognized the work of city-wide Micah as a factor in the dramatic rise in test scores and overall school improvement. City-wide Micah, staffed by Mary Hetzel and Kieko Timmons, is based with Ben Campbell at Richmond Hill. Shirley Diggs and Buford Scott co-chair City-Wide Micah, which continues to strive to create and encourage new partnerships in our city.

Changed Lives

We have seen wonderful successes in academic achievement and in individual students’ lives. Teachers and administrators have felt supported and appreciated through our advocacy. Volunteers’ lives have been touched through the relationships they’ve formed. St. Paul’s community has been broadened and strengthened through working together. None of us are the same as before our relationship began. Though only God knows our future, we are certain of one thing—our steadfast commitment to Woodville, joined with them in mutual bonds of devotion and affection. We have all been richly changed.

National Model

LISTEN NOW: Clover Willis, School Counselor "The Micah Initiative has been the model to revolutionize the support of children, families, and the Richmond community based on having so many volunteers to promote long-term partnerships for Richmond Public Schools. We have seen an increase of trust amongst all people, great relationships, student achievement soaring, and more enrichment activities added to develop the whole child. And that's why the partnerhsip has served as a model for the city of Richmond, the state of Virginia, and the United States of America."

LISTEN NOW: Buford Scott, Founding Volunteer "To me the greatest accomplishments have been the build up of trust between the people from the faith communities and the people from the elementary schools. I think that has made a huge difference in education in the city of Richmond. And then the results: when you listen to the teachers, when you listen to the principals talk about what a difference having volunteers in their schools has made, that is very exciting and something that’s being done here in Richmond – and I’m not sure anywhere else in the country. We should be very proud of our accomplishments."