​Our Story

In 2007, Jen Schlosser was looking for a meaningful opportunity to have her family give to those who needed assistance over the holidays. Seeing a sign at Beech Acres to adopt a family, Jen decided it would be the perfect project for them and in seeing how impactful it was for her family, reached out to friends the following year to see if they wanted to adopt a family and in 2008 Jen's family and friends adopted 12 families. In 2010, Jen was asked to bring what is now known as "Shop & Share" to the families of Nagel. Also in 2010, Amy Miller came on board and served until 2023.

As the project grew, conversations began about family needs beyond the holiday season. The need for an official organization became clear and in June 2016 9United was established as a formal non-profit.

What was never meant to be much more than a few families helping those in need in their community has organically grown into an organization that allows the students and families in our schools to learn what real service looks and sounds like, with the added layer of there being no barrier to serve, regardless of social, economic, or academic abilities.

9United is committed to providing students, families and our community with opportunities to serve where they live, learn, work and play. 

Jen Schlosser

Jen Schlosser began serving the Forest Hills School District as a 5th grade teacher at Summit Elementary in 1994. When her daughter was born, she made a career shift and began to work from home, as a mom, as well as an educational consultant for North East Foundation for Children – teaching both the Forest Hills School teachers and others across the country, the power and process of Responsive Classroom - a school-wide initiative that teaches children social skills through the academics.  

​She has served in a variety of roles within the district and has a heart for service and specifically in showing children that authentic service leadership is about more than only one’s ability to give financially. She loves to help students and families realize that they can be a part of meaningful change when working as a combined group with a common goal.

​She and her husband Brian have a daughter and son, both Turpin graduates.