● SPRING 2026 ●

A Message From Our Executive Director:

The winds of change are blowing at RAISE28, and exciting things are happening. Over the past several months, we have experienced meaningful community engagement, increased program attendance, and important facility improvements. One of the most significant developments has been the launch of our new strategic plan. To better understand the needs of children and youth in our community, we surveyed local youth influencers, including teachers, social workers, principals, youth pastors, and law enforcement leaders.

Two clear themes emerged from the survey:

1.) There is a growing need for mental health support among children and teens.

2.) The most critical time to provide support is between 3:00–6:00 PM — the exact timeframe when our programs are offered.

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Since January, we have also seen steady growth in attendance at our after-school programs. Teen participation has nearly doubled, and our Wednesday night Collide program for 3rd–6th grade students now welcomes more than 30 children each week. If you have not visited our facility recently, you may not have seen several exciting upgrades that have been completed, including:
  • ◇ Sound dampening improvements in the gym
  • ◇ Remodeling of the music room
  • ◇ A new playground behind the building
These improvements are already making a difference as we continue creating safe, welcoming, and engaging spaces for the young people we serve.

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Looking ahead to summer, we are planning exciting adventures both at RAISE28 and throughout our community, including special outings and day trips for students. Be sure to mark your calendars for our annual Block Party on Wednesday, June 17. In July, we are planning several teen day trips, and in August we will once again host our annual Backpack Giveaway from August 10–14. As always, we are deeply grateful for you — our stakeholders, supporters, and ministry partners. Your generosity makes this mission possible. RAISE28 exists because faithful people like you understand the importance of intentionally reaching local youth with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support!

— Mark Unger, Executive Director

BACKPACK DRIVE

Providing backpacks &
school supplies to local students

Collection:
 Accepting Donations Now!

Distribution:
 AUGUST
10th-14th

Click Here for more information

SPRING RECAP

This spring at RAISE28 was filled with meaningful moments and fresh momentum. Our after-school programs provided a safe place where students K – 12th grade could experience fun, mentorship, and spiritual encouragement. We also welcomed Keith Cullen as our Director of Student Ministries, bringing renewed vision and leadership to our mission. H

Students enjoy warmer weather
with water balloons

Highlights of the season included our Spring Music Recital, where students showcased their talent and dedication, and our Community Worship Night, which brought together believers from across the area for an evening of praise and prayer. Throughout it all, faithful community partners and volunteers continued to bless our students with weekly meals and encouragement. As we move from spring into summer, we remain committed to boldly raising up the next generation of disciples in Christ.

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Meet Wendy

Wendy Keeports
Volunteering Since 2024

Wendy Keeports has been serving with RAISE28 for two years, and her impact has been anything but small. Among her favorite memories are the Hope’s Haven Rescue and Mount Gretna events, both marked by wonderful turnouts and joyful community connection. Wendy shares that volunteering has personally renewed her faith in sharing the Gospel with those around her. To anyone considering volunteering, she offers this encouragement: “There is something for everyone, activities for ages 15 to 105. If you come with a willing heart, you will be blessed.”

She now joins the staff team as Student Ministries Coordinator!

Wendy will help lead and encourage students through mentorship and discipleship.

Her heart for young people and passion for community make her a valuable addition to the ministry.

____________________

Faith Bryant, our former Student Ministries Coordinator, now pursues her passion for the arts professionally while continuing to share Christ’s love through her incredible gift of painting. She currently resides in Harrisburg, where God has opened new opportunities for her to serve and encourage others within her community. Please join us in praying that the Lord would continue to guide and bless each step of her journey.

Thank you, Faith, for every moment that you faithfully poured into our students! Your kindness, creativity, and heart for ministry have left a lasting impact on so many lives.

As we head into summer, we want to say a few things about the first five months of 2025. Here, at RAISE28, we have been working hard to live out our mission: to reach local youth with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. That said, you are probably wondering, “what does that look like?” Well, we began the year seeking new ways to connect with kids: we offered an open gym night on Tuesday evenings; we combined our Collide Kids and the Jam Kids and allowed Kindergarteners with older siblings to be a part of this group as well. Overall, we have seen growth, both in numbers and in kids growing in their faith.

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Our mission at RAISE28 is to reach local youth with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Go into all the world and preach
the gospel to all creation.”
- Mark 16:15