Folsom's Hope

08/26/2026

Tomorrow's the day.

Thursday, August 27 at 11 AM, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church (Annex Building), 320 Montrose Dr, Folsom — our Mentor Information Meeting for anyone curious about the lunch-buddy program.

No experience needed. No sign-up required. Just come hear what an hour a week over lunch can turn into.

See you there?

08/14/2026

We have room for a few more people that want to make a meaningful impact in a student's life.

But I understand the idea of volunteering comes with questions, doubt or second guessing. You want to make sure you're capable (I assure you, you are) and that you won't let anyone down.

To overcome the uncertainty of being a mentor I'm hosting an information meeting to show you everything involved and answer any questions. Attending isn't a commitment to volunteer, just learn more.

If you are even on the fence about being a Lunch Buddy Mentor attending this is the right choice for you.

You'll learn exactly how just an hour a week can truly impact the development of these students.

08/12/2026

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom () for donating all these snacks for our students!

We kicked off our semester this week with a full cupboard.

08/10/2026

When life gives you heat... make a solar oven!

Or so they say 😆

Last week, Akorede led students through the process of making their own solar powered ovens. Turning the sunshine into a fun activity.

And if you make a solar powered oven what should you cook?

S'mores naturally 😋

08/07/2026

Thank you to the OV Rotary Club (Rotary Club of Orangevale) for inviting me to share about Folsom's Hope this morning.

I greatly appreciate the investment of time you all made in supporting our students.

It was a fun experience and breakfast was great! Thanks La Placita.

08/06/2026

Our customers were happy, the business was a success and the kids were encouraged.

One week ago today, students in our summer program hosted a lemonade stand. The result of a month long project using a business to learn math.

They compared prices for inventory, estimated profit margins, set product prices, measured overhead and launched it all.

The result - A full afternoon of happy customers (Including Folsom Police Department above) over $100 profit raised for Folsom's Hope and enough extra profit for each student to take home some cash themselves.

It was a fun way to teach, learn and connect. Thank you to all that braved the heat to visit us.

08/06/2026

The River Cats Foundation presented Folsom's Hope with a check for $10,000!!

This gift goes directly toward our after-school programs.

Grants like these are a celebration of how our entire community chooses to support programs that help our kids flourish.

Thank you, River Cats Foundation. We're grateful to have you in our corner.

08/04/2026

Jerome had an idea: load up a group of our elementary STARS boys and a few of their parents, and take them to Six Flags.

We put it to you, and within days, nine donors made it real.

This is the kind of day that doesn't show up in a report, but it matters just as much as anything else we do. Kids need adults like Jerome willing to load up a van and make a regular Tuesday into a great day.

Thank you to Jerome for leading it, and to the nine of you who funded it!

07/26/2026

Three kids just spent a month learning math the fun way: by starting a business.

Our "Count Me In" summer math club students have been building a real business plan from scratch. They chose what to sell, compared grocery store expenses, set their own prices and projected their own profit.

👉 This Thursday, July 30, from 1 to 3 PM in front of Mt. Olive Church, they're opening for business. 🎉

Who's ready to be their first customer?

06/26/2026

Short video clip from my recent interview with Jeff Holden on the Nonprofit Podcast Network. It's a great way to learn more about Folsom's Hope and share the story with others.

🎥 Video clip - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iS8fXyYPals

🎙️Full Episode here - https://www.nonprofpod.com/folsoms-hope-how-one-mom-built-an-18-year-movement-for-kids-who-needed-more/

Mike Smith

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