From Idea to Impact: Powered by the
Root to Fruit™ Framework
In early 2024, a bold question took root at The Mark Montclair:
Could we launch a Freedom School in Montclair—one that is culturally affirming, uplifts young readers, and supports families throughout the summer?
The answer was yes—with the right leadership, systems, team, and community behind it. Here’s how I helped bring that vision to life as the fractional Executive Director.
The Fruit Of Our Work 🍎
72%
Scholars maintained or improved their reading level.
100%
Parents expressed satisfaction with the program.
$200k
Funding secured for a two-year operational period.
Leadership: Holding the Vision & Charting the Course
From the outset, a clear purpose guided every decision. I stepped in not just to manage logistics, but to lead with alignment, accountability, and focus. My priorities:
- Cast a compelling vision grounded in the CDF Freedom Schools model and adapted to the needs of Montclair families.
- Secured over $200,000 in funding during our first year, providing two years of sustainability before the first day of programming.
- Created the program’s governing structure, clarified decision rights, and built a reporting cadence that helped the church board steward the program effectively.
- Facilitated alignment between church leadership, Freedom School national standards, and funder priorities.
Leadership wasn’t about doing everything—it was about empowering the church to carry the mission forward with structure and strategy.
Operations: Building the System Beneath the Surface
Even the best vision falls apart without the right backbone. I brought in the tools and systems to ensure everything ran smoothly—before, during, and after the program.
- Designed the registration and enrollment process, including intake forms and family onboarding.
- Establish internal systems for daily operations, attendance tracking, grant reporting, and compliance.
- Managed the budget and cash flow, aligning grant requirements with actual needs.
- Led the implementation of data tracking and evaluation, allowing us to measure growth and report outcomes.
In just one season, we moved from a blank slate to a fully functioning Freedom School infrastructure, with everything documented and replicable.
Team Culture: Hiring for Heart, Leading with Trust
Our staff didn’t just clock in—they showed up with purpose. That culture didn’t happen by accident. I built it with intention:
- Recruited, trained, and supervised a team of 7 staff and 10+ volunteers.
- Created a pre-service training plan rooted in youth development, literacy support, and trauma-informed practices.
- Established a rhythm of team check-ins, reflection sessions, and coaching moments.
- Fostered a work environment where team members felt seen, supported, and prepared to lead with love.
By centering mission and modeling care, we created a culture that helped both staff and scholars thrive.
Strategic Partnerships: Growing Together for Greater Impact
Freedom School @ The Mark wasn’t built alone. We stood on the strength of our community, and we cultivated those relationships with care.
- Collaborated with the Children’s Defense Fund for curriculum and training.
- Engaged government, local funders, and community organizations to bring meals, field trips, and supplies to the program.
- Built a communication strategy that kept church members, parents, and donors informed and inspired.
Every partnership was grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to children’s growth.
Results That Matter
- 72% of scholars maintained or improved their reading levels, reversing summer learning loss.
- 100% of families reported they would recommend the program.
- $200k raised to fund the program for the first two years.
- The program has become a centerpiece of The Mark’s community ministry.
Let’s Build Your Vision
This is what it looks like when a community dream is matched with strategic leadership and strong systems. If your organization is sitting on a big idea but unsure how to bring it to life, let’s talk.
Together, we can move your mission from Root to Fruit™.
