Every week people walk through our doors wanting something very simple:
A chance to move forward!
Our classrooms and hallways are filled with learning, conversation, and laughter. Tutoring, mentoring, classes, and discussions fill our days.
We are sharing just a few highlights with you in this newsletter. But if we could sit down together over a cup of coffee or tea, the conversation would be about stories of the everyday happenings at Hope Street—the blessings, the answered prayers, the laughter, and the friendships that form along the way.
No single person or event makes Hope Street what it is. It is the combination of our students, wonderful volunteer instructors, board members, donors, community partners, and friends who each bring something special to this ministry.
One of our blessings, is watching people move forward! We are grateful for students and community members who volunteer with us, and then celebrate when they find a job or a new opportunity. Praise God! Off they go, making room for the next person to step in. Our lives are certainly never dull, and we remain curious and expectant to see what God has planned next.
Be Blessed,
River City Hope Street Team
Literacy Texas
The statewide literacy coalition 2026
Attending the Literacy Texas Conference was an inspiring experience, gathering hundreds of educators from across the state who share a passion for adult and family literacy.
Being in a room filled with people committed to equipping learners reminded me how vital this work is and how deeply it impacts families and communities.
Literacy Texas serves as a statewide support system, connecting programs with training, resources, advocacy, and a network of leaders who believe in the power of education.
HOPE STREET INSTRUCTORS
Kendra and Karen came to River City Hope Street with a spirit of joy and peace. We welcome you both and thank you so much for your sweet presence. Our students are fortunate to have you here.
We are welcoming several new instructors for both TRADES and ESL classes. The instructors planning and semester updates session in July was productive and encouraging. We are always looking for new ideas to instruct and create a welcome learning environment for our
students and instructors.
Kendra McElhanon serves as the Lead instructor for Conversation Classes.
She is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where English learners can grow in confidence, build meaningful relationships, and feel at home in their community.
Kendra holds a Master of Arts in Intercultural Communication and previously held certification in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Bilingual Education. She enjoys designing engaging, participatory lessons that help students develop practical communication skills.
Karen Callender, Level 2A ESL instructor, has an undergraduate degree in English and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and taught middle school and high school English.
She and her family moved to Texas in 2011, and she is so happy to be a part of the Lone Star State.
She has two very different part-time jobs: high school substitute teacher and pet sitter.
TRADES -Fall classes are in full swing. Trades are under way for the NCCER core construction and Plumbing 1 course. The 23 trades students are diligently working towards
completing their coursework while gaining practical, hands-on skills and industry-recognized training.
President Dee Thomas and Linda Starnes presented the certificates to trades students Brayden Wetzel and Deborahlynn Rucker, recipients of scholarships from The Rotary Club of Cedar Park.
Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their futures.
Your support reflects the kind of love, dignity, and hope we strive to share with every student who walks through our doors.
We are deeply thankful for the Rotary Club’s commitment to lifting others up.
Our NCCER Core students had the wonderful privilege of receiving OSHA‑10 safety training under the tutelage of Johnny Kurten.
Thank you so much for your kindness, your generosity, and the way you pour into others through the love of Christ.
Your commitment to safety and to shaping the next generation of trades professionals is a true blessing to our students and our community.
José Zamora, Pro-Veterans Plumbing, shared his story with our class today, reminding us how God uses everyday moments to encourage and strengthen our students.
Financial Wisdom for the Trades: A Conversation
with Andrew Dyba, Primerica
Andrew Dyba with Primerica has become a familiar and valued presence in our Trades classes. He faithfully gives his time to share practical financial wisdom with our students, but what makes his visits especially meaningful is the genuine interest he takes in each person. Andrew is kind, approachable, and always willing to answer questions and help our students think about their financial future. We are grateful for the knowledge he shares, and even more grateful for the way he invests in people.
When you work with adults entering new careers, what basic financial concepts do you find are most often missing?
The biggest gap I see is that many people know how to earn money but have never been taught how to manage it. Most adults were never taught how credit works, how compound interest can either help or hurt them, or the importance of paying themselves first.
I also find that many people don't understand the difference between assets and liabilities. A paycheck alone doesn't build wealth. Wealth is built by consistently acquiring assets that grow in value or generate income over time.
Finally, many people don't have a financial plan. They know what they earn each month, but they don't know where it's going or whether it's helping them reach their goals.
Which budgeting or saving habits have the biggest impact on people who are just beginning their financial journey?
The most powerful habit is paying yourself first. Instead of saving whatever is left over at the end of the month, automatically transfer a portion of every paycheck into savings before spending anything else.
The second habit is giving every dollar a job. A simple budget doesn't restrict your freedom—it gives you control. When people tell their money where to go instead of wondering where it went, financial stress decreases dramatically.
Finally, build an emergency fund. Even saving $25 or $50 a week creates a financial cushion that prevents unexpected expenses from turning into credit card debt.
ESL and citizenship started August 18 and a 100+ students are eagerly improving on their English. Across
our classrooms, students are building practical English skills, growing in confidence, and encouraging one another as they learn to communicate more effectively at home, at work and in the community.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
A DAY IN YOUR LIFE
Conversational English invites individuals to come in and share with our students what a typical day looks like in their work or daily life. It’s a short interview-style visit, no longer than an hour, offered on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings.
This experience helps our students practice real‑world listening and speaking skills while learning more about the community around them.
Thank you for your involvement in enriching our students’ learning and supporting their growth.
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
When you GIVE MONTHLY, you help sustain the heart of River City Hope Street — the classrooms, the instructors, the volunteers, and the daily ministry work that makes transformation possible.
Your partnership equips adults with English skills, trades training, community, and Christ‑centered encouragement.
Every monthly gift, at any level, strengthens the foundation that allows our students to learn, grow, and build new futures with dignity and hope.
$25/month— provides classroom supplies/tools a student needs — notebooks, pens, curriculum packets, and the materials that support their learning journey.
$50/month — supports one ESL student’s curriculum and weekly learning resources.
$100/month — Ministry Support, Training & Instruction, Operational Stability, Volunteer Support
Hospitality is an important part of our ministry at River City Hope Street. Providing snacks and lunches for our students is one simple way we create a welcoming and caring environment.
Food has a wonderful way of crossing language and cultural boundaries. Sharing a meal or offering a snack can communicate kindness, welcome, and care.
Would you like to be part of our hospitality ministry by providing snacks, a meal, or helping in another way?
Contact us at info@riverityhope.org to learn how you can participate.
Upcoming Event
TRADES FALL GRADUATION CELEBRATION & FUNDRAISER
Saturday, November 21, 2026
There is a place for you here …
We need more ESL class aides and skilled trades instructors.
More than 100 ESL students would welcome an extra person in the classroom to practice conversation, answer questions, offer encouragement, and simply learn alongside them.
And our trades students are ready for the next opportunity. We hope to offer NCCER Electrical Level 1 in Spring 2027, but we need qualified instructors willing to share their skills and experience.
Perhaps the person God has in mind is someone reading this newsletter, or someone you know.
