After-School Program Offers Safe and Engaging Environment for Questa Kids

After-school programs hold enormous potential for children in rural communities like Questa. High-quality after-school experiences can support social, emotional, and academic development and reduce risky behaviors by providing a safe and supportive environment. However, Questa families have very few options for affordable after-school care. So, a pastor with Living Word Ministries reached out to LOR with an idea: offer a free, one-day-a-week after-school program built around creative arts activities for kids ages 5-12.

Living Word Ministries used LOR’s support to promote the new program via the local newspaper and Facebook and fund the program’s first four months of art supplies, helping to connect more kids to a safe space outside of school and provide valuable exposure to arts-based activities. The initial launch was a boon: In the first few months, 26 kids signed up ranging from ages 4 through 13, with older students helping run the program. Kids are receiving instruction on character development, healthy conversations, voice lessons, and creative arts activities.