Epworth United Methodist Church partners with Hope Valley Elementary School to address the academic and nutritional needs of the children there. In addition to a large weekend backpack program, the church sponsors an after-school program for intensive homework help, with particular focus on literacy skills for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. The church transports students from the school to the church where they work with tutors, most of whom have been trained with the Augustine Literacy Program. This fall, the church is adding an ESL program for the parents of the students. Epworth UMC, a heart for ministry.