Congratulations to the 2023 Support Network Leader of the Year, Jennifer Mendes of Foundation Christian School. Jennifer is entering her final year of leadership after serving for the past eight years.
Jennifer was presented her award during the Luncheon at the CHEA’s Annual Leadership Conference in Downey on July 13, 2023.
Each year CHEA honors one leader from a Support Network Group who has made an indelible impact on the lives of the families served. Leaders are nominated by individuals within their group.
Many of the families from Foundation Christian School shared how hard she works, particularly as their group has grown exponentially over the last few years. Angela Abrahamson said, “She works tirelessly to support our many families. She’s a wonderful example of God’s love and grace while maintaining the structure and organization needed to run a group of our size.”
Monica Ybarra pointed out her willingness to serve, saying, “She … has a family of her own and still makes time to do all the administrator duties of our school … She does this job wholeheartedly as unto the Lord.”
After serving in a variety of roles in her years as a member of the leadership team, she is now taking more of an advisory role to help mentor the next generation of leaders in their new positions. “Jennifer has been vital during transitions in our support group’s leadership as administrators have moved out of state and graduated out of homeschool. She has helped and encouraged those stepping into these roles so that the group was able to continue without major issues, remain stable, and grow,” shared fellow leader, Sarah Martinez. “Her wisdom, leadership, and organizational skills have blessed the families at Foundation Christian School tremendously.”
Jennifer’s heart for homeschool families is evident by the numerous nominations that mentioned her character and heart for ministry.
“She has so much love and compassion for the families that have joined our school. She is very helpful and knows her homeschool stuff … She is always there for the new families that come in to our school with open arms ready to help and listen.” – Monica Ybarra
“She leads by her own godly example and has such a heart for ministry and service. She has continued to grow in this role over the years and has made our school a better place for our families.” – Danielle Huerta
“The Lord has given Jennifer a heart to help families who are new to homeschooling find the courage and confidence in God to fulfill their calling..” – Sarah Martinez
Not only is Jennifer passionate about helping families with homeschooling their children, she is an encouragement to them as she helps continually direct them to the One who called them to this path. Monica Ybarra explains, “She is a very God-fearing woman; she is always ready to step up and pray for anybody who needs prayer; she is quick to guide straight back to Jesus.”
Thank you to Foundation Christian School for nominating such a worthy recipient. We congratulate Jennifer and are honored to recognize her for the work she has done to serve the families in her group. We know she will be missed when she transitions into a new stage in her life after graduating her son at the end of the school year.