Children Rising Family Festival Celebrates Community

By Eric Steckel | September 3, 2026

A joyful new tradition marks a year of growth and connection.

Because of your support, children, families, tutors, and volunteers gathered to celebrate a year of growth and the start of summer.

This year, something new and joyful took root at Children Rising.

Our first Family Festival brought together children, families, tutors, staff, volunteers, and community partners at Snow Park to celebrate a year of growth and the start of summer. The festive afternoon was filled with food, games, laughter, and connection. Children enjoyed math and literacy activities, tutors were honored for their caring service, and parents connected with staff and tutors while seeing firsthand how Children Rising makes learning engaging and fun.

Because of your support, the festival offered a joyful picture of what you help make possible: children and families surrounded by a caring community that celebrates each child’s growth.

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.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

For Tai Dillard, FamilyBridge program director, bringing people together was at the heart of the festival.

“My hope was simple: to bring our entire Children Rising community together. Seeing everyone enjoying the activities, sharing a meal, listening to live music, and spending time together reminded me that building community is just as important as celebrating achievements.”

Samuel celebrates with one of the tutors who has encouraged him along the way. Your support helps make caring relationships like this possible.

You could see that spirit come to life in Samuel*. For three years, he has received reading and math tutoring. His journey has not always been easy, but his tutor, Andie Atwood, has seen how proud and enthusiastic he becomes when something clicks. “He has the desire. He wants to learn.”

At the festival, Samuel and his family celebrated alongside the tutors, staff, and volunteers who have encouraged him along the way.

In one joyful afternoon, the Circle of Care supporting Samuel’s growth came together to celebrate his perseverance—one of many stories of progress celebrated that day.

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!