At The First Academy, Service Before Self is not just an idea, it is a core element of our mission statement and it’s at the heart of who we are as a school. With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Serving and volunteering offer vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community as a whole, but the benefits can be even greater.
- Serving connects our students to others
- Serving is good for the mind and body
- Serving brings fun and fulfillment to the lives of our students
Most importantly, serving also allows us to love others as Jesus does. One of the plainest expressions of love in Scripture is fellowship—sharing with others. One of the most valuable things we can share is ourselves: our time, our talents, our energies in serving others in the Body of Christ. During the holiday season and beyond, many of us begin to look for additional opportunities to serve those in need in the surrounding community. We invite you to review the list of local organizations below, which offer great options for our students and families to serve.
The Upper School is partnering with five local ministries this year as we celebrate our theme, Stronger Together. We also invite all families to learn more about these ministries.
A free Bible club led by dedicated Christian volunteers
Provides the following services: Pregnancy Counseling, Free Pregnancy Tests, Free Ultrasounds, Educational Classes, Baby Store, etc.
Mission – To serve and support urban youth and their families through programs in early childhood education, character development, athletics, health and wellness, and family empowerment.
A kindergarten through 8th-grade Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) focused school located on the Hope Center West Campus in the Washington Shores community of Orlando, Florida.
5. Orlando Union Rescue Mission
Since 1948, the Orlando Union Rescue Mission’s purpose is to bring the hungry, hurting, and homeless to a new life, new goals, and a new future in Christ.
In addition to our five partner ministries, here are some other organizations you may consider when researching the right place to serve for your family.
Clean the World – On Saturday, January 25, 2020, there is an opportunity for Middle School students to serve with Clean the World from 9:00am – 12:00pm. If you are interested in serving, please contact Susan Curtis, Middle School Parent Association Vice President, for more details.
UP Orlando
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
Clean the World
Give Kids the World
A Gift for Teaching
Matthew’s Hope
Salvation Army
Finally, if you are a Middle or Upper School student, you can access our Online Service Hours form using the link below.