Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Chapelwood United Methodist Church: A Good Neighbor making a difference

January 18, 2026 5:00 AM

For nearly three decades, Chapelwood United Methodist Church has been serving as a Good Neighbor to Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD). Over the years, the leadership and congregation have played a pivotal role in shaping student success.

“Serving has always been in our DNA,” said Suzanne Harter, director of serving ministries at Chapelwood. “We’ve always been a missional church, and when we realized children attending SBISD schools could use a little extra support, we answered the call.”

Understanding the significance of changing the trajectory of just one student’s life, the church created several small initiatives that have blossomed into collaborative partnerships, spanning three generations of SBISD students.

One of these programs is the church’s Students with Amazing Potential (SWAP) program. Held monthly for students attending Spring Oaks Middle School (SOMS), SWAP brings students to Chapelwood’s Fairhaven campus for creative writing, art, and movement-based activities tied to monthly themes.

During its longstanding partnership with the district, the church has seen former students grow into confident adults, some of whom return to volunteer and share the impact the program has on their lives.

“Through the SWAP program, middle schoolers discover new strengths and opportunities for their future,” said Suzanne. “Some of them tell us they wouldn’t have continued with their high school education if it weren’t for our congregation working with them in these impactful ways.”

Chapelwood also supported the district's launch of the Reading Buddy program at Spring Branch Elementary (SBE). Each week, trained volunteers from the church work one-on-one with second graders to improve their reading skills. The results have been overwhelmingly positive.

“Spanish is the primary language for many of the students in the program, so they are just starting to work on mastering the English language. Having a consistent adult reading buddy has accelerated not only their literacy skills, but also builds confidence and connection,” said Suzanne.

Through programs like SWAP and Reading Buddies, the church helps develop the Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate in students. This directly supports the district’s T-2-4 Vision.

But beyond the academic programs, Chapelwood supports students and families in SBISD in meeting basic needs.

For example, its Year Round Manna program offers rental assistance to help SBISD students stay housed within the district, directly influencing their ability to learn and succeed. The church also operates a local food pantry to ensure students facing food insecurity have enough to eat.

As for the future, Chapelwood plans to continue strengthening and expanding its current partnership to reach more students, support more families, and deepen its collaboration with SBISD.

“We want to continue to serve as an example of what it means to be a Good Neighbor,” said Suzanne. “Our goal is to see all SBISD students become productive, thriving adults.”

Join us in celebrating Chapelwood United Methodist Church for being a true Good Neighbor to Spring Branch ISD!