A longtime partner as a pastor with International House of Prayer, Zack Nicholson serves both Hickman Mills and Grandview school partnerships. He recently launched a nonprofit, Minding the Gap, and was awarded for the impact that has already been made at Warford and Compass Elementary Schools, with hopes to expand Minding the Gap further in Hickman Mills and Grandview.

“As I began to build relationships with different community members, staff, and kids, my heart continued to get further drawn in. I also began to understand the need out there, especially with reading proficiency and wanting to address the achievement gap,” Pastor Nicholson explained. “Last summer we started working with two schools that we are involved in within Hickman Mills School District and by God’s grace, we are hoping to expand and grow.”

Minding the Gap serves to bridge gaps that often exist in children’s academic and emotional formation. “We strengthen children in their academic and emotional journey by teaching reading skills, by building self-esteem, and by promoting healthy connections to caring adults,” said Pastor Nicholson.

Dominique Roberson, Warford Family School Liaison and CFK Liaison, said, “Pastor Zack has been instrumental in putting over 20 mentors in our building to support our students weekly during school hours and has created Minding the Gap just for the purpose of providing tutoring to our students to meet the needs our staff is unable to.” She added, “He always remembers our teachers, cafeteria workers and custodians and supports us with attendance incentives and celebrating our staff year-round.”

Ron Truesdale, IHOPKC, also noted the wonderful support Pastor Nicholson has provided to both Hickman Mills and Grandview: “Zack & his wife never look for outside recognition, only to rally and activate troops when help is needed and asked for. He always says yes when I have asked for help with anything needed at Grandview High School as well. I cannot think of anyone more deserving!”