A Lakeland church as taken on an elementary school as a community outreach program.
- Lakeland church partners with Highland City Elementary School
- Pastor Ryan Stiverson calls it a way to meet the needs of the school and community
- TBA Church
This is the third year TBA Church has run an after school program near the church and helped teachers with supplies.
TBA Church purchased a home next to Highland City Elementary School and calls it the Highland City Hub. Volunteers provide tutoring and help with homework on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
“And Highland City is in our backyard," said Pastor Ryan Stiverson. "We thought we already had some connections with the school. What better way to connect with the school and meet needs? Needs of the community.”
The Church also donates hundreds of church member donated toys to the school for needy children. At the beginning of the school year it also provides school supplies for needy students.
"They really truly partner with us," said principal Amy Weingarth about the church. "At the beginning of the school year TBA Church comes in and they share supplies with our teachers. They also bring lunch for us so it’s a great morale booster at the beginning of the year for our teachers."
Church volunteers seem to really enjoy the relationship with the school and its students.
“These kids have brought be so much joy," said high school student Zackary Beach who volunteers. "I mean I can’t be happier without these kids.”
“There’s a reward in just serving, you know," Stiverson said. "And being with the kids."