(The Center Square)—Federal officials sent a letter to California ordering it remove all “gender ideology references” from the state’s federally-funded sexual education program for at-risk youth between the ages of 10 and 19 — which is separate from the general K-12 program.
“We are aware that this curricula and other program materials were previously approved by ACF,” wrote the federal Administration for Children and Families. “However, the prior administration erred in allowing PREP grants to be used to teach students gender ideology because that approval exceeded the agency’s authority to administer the program consistent with the authorizing legislation as enacted by Congress.”
While state data shows the program has been effective in promoting “condom knowledge,” federal officials flagged several course materials, such as lessons for middle-schoolers about transgender identification, for removal.
This state program, called PREP — which shares a name with the prominent HIV prevention drug — “provides comprehensive sexual health education to adolescents via effective, evidence-based program models,” and “focuses on how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.”
High-risk youth who receive instruction through the program include those who “reside, attend school or receive reproductive health services in a high-need geographic area,” are homeless, in continuation school, in foster care, emancipated, in the juvenile justice or probation system, identify as LGBTQ, receive mental health or substance abuse treatment, have special needs, live in “migrant farmworker families,” or are a female up until age 21 who is expecting or parenting.
Program data shows that “youth condom knowledge” for program participants rose from 33.6% for males and 22% for females rose to 74.4% and 70.2% respectively. But it’s unclear if much of this increase could have been to the young age of the participants and the resulting lack of prior exposure.
According to the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the state was first informed of the removal request through Fox News, not official channels.
“We are reviewing the letter, which we were first made aware of via Fox News, not HHS. To be clear: This is NOT California’s K-12 sex education curriculum,” said Newsom spokesperson Elana Ross to the Center Square. “The California Personal Responsibility Education Program (CA PREP), which receives barely $6 million in federal funding, provides comprehensive sexual health education to adolescents via an effective, evidence-based program model.”
The letter from ACF made eight specific removal requests after reviewing PREP material for exceeding PREP’s authorizing statute.
Included in the removal requests are two materials for middle schoolers, four for middle schoolers, and two general lessons.
The “Teen Talk Middle School” curriculum document, for example, says, “If someone’s sex assigned at birth does not match with their gender identity, or how they feel inside, they might identify as ‘transgender.’ For example: if someone is born with female body parts, hormones, and DNA, and inside they feel like a man.”
The “Teen Talk High School” curriculum document then defines multiple forms of gender transitioning, defining social transitioning as “telling others about their gender identity, changing their name, asking others to address them using a new name and/or gender pronouns, and changing their gender expression to better reflect their identity.” It defines medical transitioning as “altering their body by going through hormone therapy (using testosterone or estrogen) or having gender-affirming surgeries. Common surgeries include top surgery (adding or removing breast tissue) and bottom surgery (transforming the genitals).”
Notably, these medical transitions are covered as a benefit under taxpayer-funded Medi-Cal. At least 2,084 California children received gender reassignment procedures from 2019 through 2023.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.