05/20/2026
One of the sweetest parts of what happens each week through our ministry is getting to walk alongside incredible students like the Life Skills Class from North Decatur High School and their teacher, Ashley Sowders.
Early in the school year, Ashley shared that her students have a wide variety of abilities and wanted opportunities to grow in practical, job-based skills they can carry with them into the future. Since then, these incredible students have become such an important part of our team at The Branch Gathering Place + Coffee House.
They’ve swept and mopped floors, counted inventory, vacuumed rugs, prepared our event space for the many gatherings hosted each week, decorated cup sleeves, organized toys in The Little Branch, and they've done every task with joy, care, and pride. More than the work itself, they brought kindness, laughter, and encouragement into our building every time.
Today was their last day with us for the school year, and we are going to miss them so much this summer. They surprised us with beautiful pictures before they left, and it made our hearts so happy.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their story, and we’re cheering them on every step of the way. ❤️