New after school program to focus on the whole child

Trying to make after school care arrangements can be a real headache for parents with the school year quickly approaching. First Baptist Church in Gastonia is offering a new option for a faith-based program.

The new program will accommodate up to 35 kids from kindergarten to the fifth grade. Two busses will pick them up from Robinson, W.A. Bess, and Piedmont Community Charter elementary schools, and the Hawks Nest STEAM Academy.

The children will meet at the church's family ministry center, located behind the main sanctuary at 2650 Union Road, Gastonia. When they first come in, they'll have a few minutes of downtime.

"Kids will come in and relax, and unwind from the day," said Jamie Lewis, program director.

Lewis has also been running the church's new summer camp, and she's volunteered with First Baptist's child care ministry for years. During the day, she works as a teacher's assistant at a local elementary school.

"The uniqueness of each child is very much encouraged. They're very understood, and we'll treat them as individuals," she said.

From 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, retired teachers and other volunteers will come in and tutor children who need it.

A Bible verse will be assigned each week and at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, the Rev. Steven Fuller will come in and lead a devotional for the children.

"It's more about character development and learning how to grow into themselves," said Shannon Greene, who runs First Baptist's child care ministry.

It's that development, growth, and understanding that Lewis says makes their program stand out.

"(This program) is where children can grow together. We'll build on their strengths and on their weaknesses," said Lewis.

As with the summer camp, the church is taking on a holistic approach when it comes to taking care of the children.

"We have to nurture the whole child in mind, body, and spirit," said Greene.

That's done through the combination of educational support, faith development, and physical activity.

The program will follow Gaston County Schools' calendar and will be open during mandated teacher workdays.

Cost will be $75 a week, which will include snacks.

For more information, call 704-865-9419 or visit fbcgastonia.org.

Reach reporter Brandy Beard at bbeard@gastongazette.com or 704-869-1840.

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