Perspectives – Each of Us Has a Part
By Marshelle
September 4, 2026
Children thrive when families, schools, congregations, volunteers, and donors join together in their care.
“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”—Ecclesiastes 4:12
This ancient wisdom offers a fitting picture of Children Rising—and of the Oakland community partnerships that have shaped us from the beginning.
Children Rising is strengthened by Oakland community partnerships that bring families, tutors, schools, congregations, volunteers, and neighbors together.
More than 25 years ago, the superintendent of Oakland Unified School District issued a call to the faith community to help students struggling to reach their academic potential. Randy Roth answered by asking school leaders a simple but profound question: “What do you need from us? We are here to serve.” From that spirit of service, Faith Network of the East Bay—now Children Rising—was born, establishing a model of Oakland community partnerships that still guides us today.
“Partnership is not simply something we do. It is who we are.”
Since joining Children Rising this year, I discovered that partnership is not simply something we do. It is who we are.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
As the school year came to a close, I met with each of our school principals and site coordinators, joined by members of our program leadership team. I asked two questions: “How did we do this year?” and “How can we serve you even better next year?”
Their responses reminded me that the Oakland community partnerships at the heart of Children Rising are rooted in listening, collaboration, and service.
At the Children Rising Family Festival, Oakland community partnerships came to life through children, families, volunteers, and supporters celebrating together.
Whether it is a teacher and tutor helping a child become a confident reader, families gathering with volunteers and community partners at our Family Festival, or churches, businesses, and neighbors joining together to strengthen a school, every success begins with people choosing to work together.
No one person, organization, or school can meet every need of a child. Each of us brings something different to the work. A tutor offers steady encouragement. A parent carries learning home. A teacher provides insight. A congregation strengthens a school. And your generosity helps make these connections possible.
“Community partnerships are rooted in listening, collaboration, and service.”
Together, these contributions create a powerful Circle of Care, surrounding children and families with the encouragement, opportunity, and support they need to thrive.
Because when we work together, children rise.
Could your church, community of faith, or community organization become part of a school’s Circle of Care? We would be grateful for an introduction.
I want to connect my church or community group with an Oakland school!
I want to tutor a child in who needs help now!
I want to fund Children Rising tutoring and family engagement programs!
