HARC’s Lighthouse After-School Program has kicked off the 2025-26 school year with eight after-school “clubs” in 6 schools, filling 21 time slots. These programs will serve more than 300 children this marking period with educational, life skills and skills, and enrichment opportunities in partnership with Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) this marking period.
Clubs include Games, Astronomy, MC/Songwriting, Rope Warriors (jump rope), Gardening, Knitting, Livin’ It Up (social and emotional skills), and Chorus/Musical Theater. Cooking, Art, and World Changers Club (interfaith) will begin the next marking period. Programs take place in the school setting supported by a WCPS classroom aide. The schools also provide snacks and dinner for all the participants of the after-school program. Our dedicated HARC Program Leads develop the curriculum and guide the activities, creating an environment where learning is both engaging and fun. They serve as positive role models and are a wonderful connection between the schools and the wider community. We are truly grateful for their commitment and caring.
With several schools having waiting lists and/or overfilled clubs, and the increasing number of participating schools, has expanded this year, so the need for more programs is greater than ever. If you have an idea for a club and willingness to lead it, we want to hear from you! Program Leads are offered payment for their time, can choose the day(s), and only have to commit to one marking period at a time (about 6-8 weeks). We also need volunteers to help regularly in the classroom for a few of the clubs (Games and Rope Warriors especially). If interested, please contact Angela Yamashita, Program Coordinator, at yamashitaangela6@gmail.com or 801-520-4918. We are thankful for Angela’s leadership of this program!
This program is only possible because of the incredible vision and support of our community partners. We are thankful to the houses of worship who have invested their time, energy and hearts to start and sustain it: Zion Reformed UCC, John Wesley United Methodist Church, Otterbein United Methodist Church, Christ’s Reformed UCC, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our gratitude also goes to Kim Duncan, Community School Specialist Coordinator with WCPS, for encouraging us to partner with the schools (and to think bigger and bigger), and for walking alongside us in the process. Former Mayor Tekesha Martinez was an inspiration for this program, so we thank her for reminding us that houses of worship need to be a “lighthouse” for children, guiding the way, and lighting the community.
God has blessed this work tremendously, and with God’s favor, we will to continue to work to grow this program as a beacon of light for as many children as need it.
