Swing for the kids 2024
Friday, August 23, 2024
Waynesville inn & Golf Club
Teams of 4 will play Friday, August 23rd for a chance to win prizes & raise money for our Haywood County youth! Click here to register!
About FUMC Waynesville’s After School Program
The First United Methodist Church of Waynesville’s Afterschool Program began in August of 2016 after the principal at Waynesville Middle School, members of law enforcement, and the Department of Social Services brought forth a need for safe, supervised after school care for middle school students. The absence of safe, supervised after school care left middle school students to wander the area without parameters. Conveniently located just up the street from Waynesville Middle School, our church had the perfect facility to host an after school program for middle school students.
After these community leaders expressed concern, the FUMC Afterschool Program opened its doors for students to have a safe place with supervision to be after school. We were able to use endowment funds to staff the program through its first year. This program is helpful for students and parents. Students can ride the bus or walk directly to the youth area at FUMC and stay until 5 o’clock when they are picked up by a parent or guardian. Once students arrive, they can choose to play games outside, watch movies, play video games, play board games, or work on homework. Students are supervised by 8-10 program staff. The staff engages the students by investing time and building relationships to support these students. Parents can be confident that their child is safe and supervised.
At the end of the 2023-2024 school year we were averaging 80-90 students per day. Our program continues to fill a need in the community and connect families with resources.
The 2023-2024 school year was another year of growth for the afterschool program. Through grant funding, we were able to hire a dedicated full-time staff member to offer structured program growth for our High School Afterschool Program. With our High School Program, we now have continual care for students as they leave middle school!
As excited as we are about the growth, we are constantly reminded about the impact of fulfilling our original mission, creating a safe environment for middle schoolers after school. The main mission of our afterschool program continues to be funded by Swing for the Kids.
We want to continue expanding our programming options, keep welcoming students, and partner with local organizations for the benefit of our students. Thank you for helping us keep our doors open.
We are constantly in need and looking for funding. If you would like to financially support the FUMC Afterschool Program, please click here.