250+ Workforce Applications, 20 Seats, 7 Graduates: Discover Church Celebrates Milestone and Maryland Citation

250+ Workforce Applications, 20 Seats, 7 Graduates: Discover Church Celebrates Milestone and Maryland Citation

BROOKLYN PARK, MD, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — BROOKLYN PARK, Md. — November 7, 2026 — Discover Church is approaching its second anniversary with a milestone beyond Sunday worship: the first seven graduates of its Discover Hope workforce development initiative, an official Maryland General Assembly citation and demand for training far greater than its opening class could accommodate.

Discover Hope received an official Maryland General Assembly citation dated November 1, 2026, bearing the signatures of Senator Clarence K. Lam and Delegate Simmons. It recognized the initiative’s “commitment to workforce development and empowering individuals through skills training and certification.”

Founded in November 2024 by Pastors Nate and Katrina Brown, Discover Church created Discover Hope to connect community members with practical skills and career opportunities. According to the initiative, more than 250 applications were received for workforce programming, while its inaugural course offered just 20 seats.

MEETING A DOCUMENTED NEED

U.S. Census Bureau estimates for 2020–2024 show a median household income of $87,989 in Brooklyn Park, compared with $124,911 across Anne Arundel County. Estimated poverty rates are 8.3% and 6.6%, respectively. The county’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment also identifies transportation challenges in Brooklyn Park, underscoring the importance of accessible, neighborhood-based services.

“Discover Church is not just about providing spiritual resources, but practical resources too,” said Pastor Nate Brown. “When Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two fish, He had more people than food. Yet He showed us to see the need and feed the need with what we have. Through Discover Hope, we are using every resource and partnership possible to be the hands and feet of Jesus, helping people spiritually while creating real opportunities for growth and economic independence.”

FIRST CLASS, FIRST GRADUATES

The eight-week inaugural course ran September 13 through November 1, 2026. William R. Savage of William R. Savage & Associates taught Therapeutic Aggression Control Techniques (TACT2), covering crisis intervention, de-escalation and behavior-management skills relevant to educational and care settings. Seven participants completed the course and received certificates at the November 1 graduation.

“Take what you learned today and put it into practice. Trust your training and be confident in your abilities,” Savage told the graduates. “I’m really proud of each one of you, and I hope you’re just as proud of yourselves.”

MARYLAND RECOGNITION

Delegate Gary Simmons attended the inaugural ceremony, telling graduates, “It’s not about just a job. It’s about the rest of your life.” He added, “I really appreciate what Discover Hope is doing for our community because it’s about community.”

Bekki Leonard, Vice President of Program Strategy & Operations at Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation, encouraged graduates: “Success is however you define it.” She added, “This is a step in you building your own success, however you define it.”

Chick-fil-A Glen Burnie provided gift cards to congratulate the first class.

THREE-YEAR INVESTMENT AND NEXT STEPS

Discover Hope’s three-year workforce initiative is supported by the Anne Arundel County Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission (CRRC), with grant administration by Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. (ACDS). The commission identifies ZIP code 21225 among its priority areas for community investment.

The initiative’s training catalog includes TACT2, ServSafe Food Handler, Plumbing 101 and Job Readiness, with Medical Billing planned. Discover Hope has also launched a Girls Leadership and Development Program at Brooklyn Park Middle School.

Discover Hope is seeking employers, philanthropic partners and supporters to help expand course access and connect graduates with career opportunities. Learn more about Discover Hope workforce development. Those wishing to contribute can donate to Discover Hope through the church’s designated giving page.

ABOUT DISCOVER CHURCH AND DISCOVER HOPE

Founded in 2024 and led by Pastors Nate and Katrina Brown, Discover Church serves Brooklyn Park, Maryland. Its Discover Hope initiative focuses on workforce development, youth leadership and community partnerships.

Media Contact: Discover Church / Discover Hope
Phone: 202-222-5041
Email: info@discovermychurch.org

Anna Brown
DISCOVER CHURCH
info@discovermychurch.org
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Discover Hope Celebrates First Workforce Graduates & Maryland State Recognition | Brooklyn Park, MD

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