Full (S)Team Ahead

 I just flew out to Los Angeles last weekend to join our friends at Union Rescue Mission (URM.org) for their 135th anniversary celebration. It was an incredible time, and I made sure to give all the glory to God and my incredible teammates for the 20 years of life-transforming work we carried out together. What a blessing!

 

Today, I want to share that same gratitude right here at home with our fabulous team at Children and Family Urban Movement (CFUM.org). We just wrapped up an unforgettable week of “Full Steam Ahead” during Spring Break, serving 75 energetic, resilient, and brilliant CFUM kids. Our dedicated staff pulled together an amazing program full of childcare, educational activities, daily nutritious meals and snacks, and exciting field trips to the Science Center of Iowa, the Iowa Historical Museum, and Skateland.

 

Lunch Time at CFUM

A special shout-out to AJ Salinas and the team, who creatively stretched our resources to prepare kid-friendly, healthy lunches like walking tacos, pizza, macaroni & cheese, and sandwiches—saving significant funds while keeping everyone well-fed and happy. I had the joy of joining them for lunchtime and recess on the playground and those field trips, spending time with students I truly consider dear friends and my “adopted” grandkids.

 

When our frontline staff and kids are thriving and smiling, I’m the happiest papa around. We love these children deeply.

 

We’re incredibly proud of their growth—in behavior, development, discipline, and even physically. Some seem to shoot up taller right before our eyes! Their progress is remarkable.

 

Of course, challenges come too. At Skateland, our students—representing so many beautiful shades—faced bullying from a young white man who used the N-word and wrongly claimed they couldn’t read (a core focus of our program). It was a tense moment, but the Skateland leaders stepped in, addressed him and his parents, and held him accountable—something we don’t always see. Our kids responded with the grace, mercy, and patience we’ve been working so hard to cultivate in them. I’m so proud of how they handled it.

 

We are truly proud of our kids. None of this wonderful experience would be possible without your selfless generosity and support. Thank you—from the bottom of our hearts—for making it all happen. Your giving changes lives every single day.

 

With deep gratitude, 

Andy