Summer Update

It has been a busy few months for the ChASM Project, and I want to update you on everything that has taken place behind the scenes.

First, we had our USA250-themed Spring Fling on May 1st. Everyone present had a great time celebrating America, learning more about the ChASM Project, and raising money to help us renovate our new building and welcome our first cohort of boys.

Throughout May, June, July, and August, several volunteers helped us renovate our location. With their help, we have worked on safety, structural, and cosmetic renovations to create a warm and welcoming environment where boys can thrive.

During that same time, we were able to furnish parts of the building with office furniture, student desks, a refrigerator, a microwave, some shelving, a projector stand, an accessible ramp, and our first bus. We certainly have much for which to be thankful!

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We were also busy beyond the schoolhouse this summer. I graduated with my Ph.D. in Education (Organizational Leadership) from Liberty University in May. Then, in July, I went to Washington, DC immediately after the 250th Independence Day celebrations. This trip served as an important time of reflection about the kind of future we as Americans are building for future generations, and how the ChASM Project will contribute to that. Closer to home, I was able to speak at a local school board meeting, consult with a couple of Christian schools, and I now serve on the advisory board for one of those schools.

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In July, the ChASM Project started its new administrative year, which brought some leadership transitions. We are grateful for the work of Dr. Jenice Thompson, whose term on our Board of Directors has come to a close, and welcome Summer Adderley in her place. Pat King, Jon Ledbetter, Dr. Randy Matthews, and Hiram Vargas all continue to serve. We are also very thankful for our Advance Party, who meets weekly to intercede on behalf of the ChASM Project. Their faithfulness is producing consistent fruit, and several of them were able to meet at our new location in person to consecrate it in prayer

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While the summer has been busy, the fall is shaping up to be even busier. Over the past few days, we have passed our building code, fire, and environmental health inspections, had our change of occupancy request approved, and submitted our Notice of Intent to operate a school with the state. The state's approval will unlock the next chapter for the ChASM Project.

In the meantime, you can help us prepare for that chapter by helping us find the boys for our first cohort. If you know of a young man who needs a better path forward, please help us connect with his family. It is one of the best ways you can help.



I look forward to sharing more details with you next month. You can get more frequent updates by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. Also, be on the lookout for information about Auctoberfest, our annual fall auction, which will be coming soon. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support.

In Christ,

Matt Garris, Ph.D.

Founder & President

The ChASM Project

PS - The ChASM Project relies on the generosity of individual believers to help fulfill our God-given mission. We are an approved 501(c)(3) organization. Together, we can bridge the chasm and help boys on the path to destruction fulfill God's glorious purposes for their lives as husbands, fathers, and leaders.