Blessing Schools

Education is a key initiative in Perimeter’s community outreach. Pollye Pope, director of Community Outreach, highlights the critical need of this work: “In Atlanta, nearly two-thirds of third graders are not reading at grade level. This impacts a child’s future and the health of our communities,” she said. “The Church is one of the most trusted institutions to help close the literacy gap by mobilizing members to support youth development.”

Pollye also shared that many teachers and administrators are facing increasing discouragement, especially in the wake of the pandemic. “We want to come alongside educators, encouraging them in their God-given calling to invest in the next generation.”

Perimeter supports schools in practical and relational ways. For over a decade, we’ve partnered with Kids Hope USA, with 52 of our members mentoring students across seven schools in Gwinnett, Forsyth, and Fulton counties.

Each year, our Bless Our Schools campaign provides school supplies, hygiene items, and food to support schools and nonprofit partners that offer tutoring and after-school care. We also collaborate with eight nonprofit partners focused on youth development.

At Beaver Ridge Elementary, a Title 1 school without a PTA, Perimeter members help fill gaps—blessing teachers during appreciation weeks and back-to-school kickoffs. They also host family events, such as Thanksgiving Feasts and Spring Flings, to foster connection between parents and the school.

Many of our City Impact Teams also serve local schools. One team delivers snacks and coffee carts to teachers on digital learning days, offering prayer boxes for teachers to share requests, while another recently sponsored a coat drive.

“Our desire is to see holistic growth and transformation in the youth we serve,” said Pollye. “We want to help them love learning and thrive in the education system.”

To get involved in blessing our schools, visit perimeter.org/CommunityOutreach.