STULTS ROAD ELEMENTARY
Stults Road Elementary School located on Stults Road is a Title I school in the Richardson School District characterized by a large percentage of minority students and those on the reduced or free lunch program. Approximately 800+ students attend Stults Road. Ascension has had a partnership with Stults Road Elementary since 2005. What began with some basic activities such as reading in the classroom is now a multifaceted ministry. Interested in learning more? Contact Audry Lee.
Annual Book Drive
For several years, Ascension’s goal has been to collect enough money each spring to buy a book for every student to take home. Many students have never had a book of their own. This makes a difference to the students and contributes to improved literacy and the connection between the school and our church. Interested in learning more? Contact Kathy Wendling
Pen Pal Program
Fourth graders are working on their writing skills and this ministry offers the opportunity to write a regular letter to one student 4-5 times per school year. Our members learn about the students and likewise. Interested in learning more? Contact Audry Lee
Additional Outreach at Stults
Our ministry at Stults has also included tutoring and mentoring, occasional food and gifts at the holidays, science fair judges, read-a-thons, and sponsoring students for a week at camp.
Training Provided: A one-two hour training session is necessary to participate in the mentoring program only. Contact the leader in charge for more information. All Stults ministries and opportunities to volunteer can be found at risd.voly.org.
SAM TASBY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sam Tasby Middle School (6th – 8th) is located in the Vickery Meadow area just south of Ascension. A large number of refugees, particularly from Asian countries live in the area and their needs are great. DISD contacted Ascension to help establish a food pantry on-site so that children could take food home on the weekends.
The pantry is now on site and Ascension through its own food pantry is purchasing food on a regular basis. As this ministry grows more opportunities will be forthcoming.
Volunteer Opportunities:
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Delivering food to Ascension's food pantry and Tasby generally the second Saturday of the month (3-4 cars are needed).
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Coordinate a “drive” for other needed supplies such as body soap, deodorant, winter coats, and other items as needed.
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Assist with Annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
Interested in learning more? Contact Beth and John Dexter and Hope Harbeck.
THE GATHERING AT THANKSGIVING SQUARE
The Gathering was founded with the mission of creating a spiritual home for those in the Dallas area who are homeless or have insecure housing. Simply put, a church whose purpose and reality is a ministry to, with, and for the homeless community that is always amongst us but seldom seen.
Endorsed and supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, what began in December 2012 with five parishioners has grown to an average of 80 people attending Mass and lunch each week.
Ascension provides lunch and participates in the worship service. Interested in learning more? Contact Jordan Hammons.
Texas Impact is an interfaith organization that helps coordinate and equip people of faith to engage with the legislative process in Texas. Advocacy with our elected representatives helps us live into our baptismal promises. Ascension is a member of Texas impact, some of our members have joined as individuals as well.
Diaper and formula drives have been part of our connection with this local organization. Lumin works to create learning environments that inspire children, grow healthy families, and transform lives in the Dallas community.