Afterschool programs provide safe environments for youth to continue to learn and grow. School-age children and youth spend 80% of their waking hours outside of school, so how they spend that time can be formative for continuing not only their academic development—but also their social and emotional development. By strengthening their ability to be a part of and contribute to their communities, we are preparing them to champion opportunities for themselves and others for generations to come.

According to youth.gov:

• Attending high-quality afterschool programs and regular participation can lead to improved social and emotional competencies, including prosocial behavior, intrinsic motivation, better concentration efforts, and higher sense of self-worth.

• Attending afterschool programs leads to improvement in class participation, better adjustment as young people move to the next phase of schooling, increased school day attendance and participation, and reduced school dropout rates.

• Afterschool programs can also provide opportunities to develop early exposure to the labor market. Work-based learning programs with a focus on apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships with older youth between 16–19 leads to higher quality employment at age 29.

Three organizations providing these important opportunities to youth and families over the last 30 years include Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, Euell A. Wilson Center, and Harlan Christian Youth Center.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne

Rudy Mahara moved from Lafayette, Indiana to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1989. Upon his arrival, and realizing a Boys & Girls Club did not exist in Fort Wayne, he remembered how impactful the organization was in the Lafayette community and decided Fort Wayne would benefit from one. The first Boys & Girls Club in Fort Wayne opened in 1989.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne serves kids ages 6–18 from high-need areas, offering a safe and supportive environment to hundreds of children and teens at four locations. The programs include:

• Leadership training

• And more

• Homework and study assistance

• Health and fitness activities

• Nutritional education

“Every day we help kids who need us most at the critical times when they are most at risk. We help with their homework, their leadership skills, their choices, and most importantly, their character.” – Joe Jordan, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne

Euell A. Wilson Center

The Euell A. Wilson Center was founded in 1993 by Shirley Woods in honor of her son, Euell A. Wilson, a standout athlete at Bishop Dwenger High School who died unexpectedly at age nineteen.

The Center is open to its community after school every day of the week, with more than 10 programs for youth ages 6–18 to explore, including:

• Group activities

• Performing arts

• Field trips

• And more

• Homework and study assistance

• Spiritual enrichment

• Bible study and youth ministry

• Healthy eating classes

“The Center has impacted my and my children’s lives tremendously. They have helped us financially, physically, and mentally, bringing religion, respect, and manners into our home. It has instilled positivity, comfort, and peace into my children, which has caused them to get better grades in school.” – Parent of Euell A. Wilson Center Participant

Harlan Christian Youth Center

In 1988, Bob Garmater recognized the need for their community’s children to have a safe place to go after school that was within walking distance of their homes. A decade later, with support from community members and the South Scipio United Brethren Church, the community ministry became a reality.

Today, Harlan Christian Youth Center offers afterschool programs from grades K–12 in Harlan, Indiana and the surrounding communities. Afterschool activities are grouped by grade level, as well as a dedicated, all-ages program for individuals who require special education and those with disabilities. 

The afterschool programming includes:

• Cooking classes

• Physical activities and team games

• Field trips and camps

• And more

• Snacks and hangout time

• Homework and study assistance

• Bible study and worship song sessions

• Drug and suicide prevention awareness

“Our priority is always our members. Whether it’s homework assistance, teaching life skills, teamwork building, or another facet of our programming, we strive to lead them into adulthood on a level foundation.”  – Damian Koenemann and Debi Knoblauch, Harlan Christian Youth Center

Thank you Boys & Girls Clubs, Euell A. Wilson Center, and Harlan Christian Youth Center for uplifting Allen County children, youth, and families!