● 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 recent developments has included learning from our community while we craft our new strategic plan. To better understand the needs of children and youth, 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 — which aligns with our afterschool program time (3:30-6:00pm).
Girls' Group Teamwork Activities
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 often 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.
Our NEW playground!
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 11–14. 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
11th-14th
COME ALONGSIDE US!
SPRING RECAP
This spring has been a season of growth and opportunity at RAISE28 Youth Center! Each week, we welcomed an average of 140 students through our after-school programs, music instruction, and martial arts classes, while also serving approximately 80 meals to local youth.
Students have been growing in their faith as our teen programs journeyed through the Gospel of John, learning about the life and ministry of Jesus. Our younger students explored the story of the early church and discovered practical ways to follow Jesus today.
Students enjoy warmer weather
with water balloons
We also celebrated a wonderful Easter event and welcomed guest speakers who taught on topics such as sharing the Gospel, train safety, and caring for God’s creation through animal stewardship.
As more young people visit RAISE28 for the first time, we are grateful for countless opportunities to build meaningful relationships, invest in their lives, and faithfully share the hope of the Gospel with the next generation.
Easter egg hunt attendees
Critters of Creation visit
RAISE28’s music program continues to grow! On May 9th, we celebrated our 10th Annual Piano Recital, featuring 25 students who shared the skills and confidence they have developed through their lessons. It was a wonderful event highlighting the hard work of our students and instructors.
2026 Spring Piano Recital
We are also excited to announce the completion of two brand new music studios! Located in the same location, these soundproof lesson spaces provide an improved learning environment, along with a comfortable waiting room for parents and families.
Openings are currently available for piano, guitar, and other instruments. To learn more, visit raise28.org/music/.
New Music Instruction Studios
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Worship Night
On Saturday, March 28th, we hosted our 3rd Annual Worship Night. This was the first time we held the event on a weekend.
We were grateful to partner with Victory Church, whose worship team led us in song, and with Pastor Alex, who shared his personal testimony and encouraged everyone in attendance. It was a blessing to welcome both new guests and those who have attended the past two years. We were all truly blessed!
We held our second annual Cornhole Tournament and BBQ Cook-Off Fundraiser on Saturday, May 16. Eighteen teams competed in two cornhole divisions—Competitive and Social—while seven smoker teams participated in the barbecue cook-off.
New this year was the addition of “Small Bites,” which featured a variety of creative smoker specialties, including mac and cheese, shotgun shells, barbecue chicken, and armadillo eggs. They were all very tasty!
Best of all, we sold out of food, which helped make the fundraiser a success.
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.”
Wendy 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.
Summer is almost here, and we are excited for all that God has in store at RAISE28! Students in all age groups (K–12th grade) will continue meeting at their regular program times throughout the summer.
Summer Schedule Highlights:
- Weekly Programs: Students in all age groups (K–12th grade) will continue meeting at their regular program times throughout the summer (see weekly schedule).
- June 8–14: Staff and volunteers will spend the week preparing for the summer season.
- Summer Block Party: Wednesday, June 17, from 4:00–8:00 PM
Students and families of all ages are invited to join us for the Summer Block Party for an evening of food, games, fun, and fellowship!
Our summer theme, “Full Send Life,” will focus on living the abundant life Jesus offers. As Jesus said in John 10:10 (NIV), “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Throughout the summer, students can look forward to exciting outings, including Longwood Gardens, pool parties, day trips, backpacking adventures, and more! We’ll spend plenty of time outdoors with hands-on activities, water games, and new open gym opportunities designed to give students even more space to connect, grow, compete, and build lasting friendships.
We can’t wait to spend the summer together!
A Word from the Director of Student Ministries
"What an incredible spring season at RAISE28! It has been a joy to watch students grow through music lessons, martial arts, and our after-school programs while welcoming many new faces along the way. Most of all, we are grateful for the opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel. As God continues to bring more young people through our doors, we are looking for volunteers who are eager to invest in the next generation, build meaningful relationships, and help point students to Jesus through both words and actions. Join us in making an eternal impact!"
-Keith Cullen
COME ALONGSIDE US!
