We believe it is important to be investing in the lives of children both in our church and in our community. Because of this, we have partnered with two public elementary schools to come alongside teachers and parents to support, pray for and encourage students. We try to be sensitive to each school's individual needs. Currently we have a backpack food program providing children easy-to-prepare food for their weekends when they might otherwise go hungry. We also have many committed volunteers serving as mentors and tutors to students, taking time each week to be positive role models, encouragers and friends to at-risk kids. Other volunteers serve behind the scenes in the libraries, in classrooms assisting teachers, helping with science fairs, or are part of our encouragement team that prepares notes and gifts for every staff member at the schools we serve.
Mentorship Opportunities
Mentoring with Amachi
Be a role model and mentor for a student from Tates Creek or Warner Elementary. When a caring adult takes the time to invest in the life of a an at-risk child, the effects can last a lifetime. Through our partnership with Amachi of Central Kentucky, you have the opportunity to build a friendship with a child and impact the rest of their life by engaging in positive activities like going out for ice cream, watching a baseball game, etc.
A mentor training session will be Thursday, September 29th, 6:30 – 8:30pm in Building F, room 116A at Southland. (Please RSVP)
The commitment for mentors is four hours a month for at least one year; but they're flexible to work with your schedule. Amachi will also provide training and support and there are also other opportunities to provide event-specific or administrative volunteer support.
Contact the Amachi Mentor Recruiter, Miles Phelps, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Tutoring and After School Programs
The Academy After School Program
Work with at-risk elementary students from Breckenridge Elementary (Woodhill area) on academics and enrichment activities in large and small groups as well as one-on-one. This partnership between Southland, Crossroads Christian Church, and Urban Impact provides a great opportunity to serve alongside other adults as you help kids develop leadership skills and grow spiritually!
Volunteers are asked to commit to serving Monday and/or Thursday afternoons at Crossroads Christian Church from 3 – 5:30pm for one school year.
An orientation meeting will be Thursday, September 8th at 6:30pm at Crossroads Christian Church in Room 106.
Contact the Academy at Crossroads team at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Tutoring at Tates Creek Elementary
Work one-on-one with a student to help them improve academically and reach their potential. A small time investment can have a long-term impact in a child's life. Teachers will guide you on areas the child needs assistance and we can match you to a student based on your interest in either reading or math.
The commitment is 1/2 hour to 1 hour each week during the school day for one school year.
Contact the Tutoring volunteer leader, Martha Coughenour, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Encouragement Teams
Teachers and Staff Encouragement
Help encourage the teachers and staff that work tirelessly throughout the year to serve students. A group of volunteers meets monthly on Saturday mornings at Southland to prepare projects, crafts and notes to encourage the teachers and staff at 2 of our partner schools (Warner & Tates Creek Elementary).
The first meeting will be Saturday, September 17th at 10am in Building E, Room 115.
Contact the Encouragement team leader, Julie Cossette, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information. All ages of volunteers welcome!
Classroom Volunteers
Serving at Warner Elementary
Volunteers can work one-on-one with kids, serve in a classroom assisting groups of kids or even help teachers with administrative tasks. We can match you to an opportunity based on your interest and the needs of the school.
The commitment is 1/2 hour to 1 hour each week during the school day for one school year.
Contact the Warner volunteer leader, Kathy Yeary, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Backpack Team
Backpack Buddies
This is a simple yet meaningful way to encourage a student who receives food backpacks at either Warner or Tates Creek Elementary by writing them encouragement notes.
The commitment is to write one child for one school year; at least 1 note per month.
Contact the Backpack food program leader, Diana Helton, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to participate.
Food program
We collect food donations weekly to provide hundreds of elementary students in need with food on the weekends so they don’t go hungry.
We meet for sorting & packing weekly on Thursdays at 7pm in Building M.
Additional volunteers are also needed for delivery and pickup throughout the week; all ages are welcome!
Contact the Backpack food program leader, Diana Helton, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Food Items
You can drop off donations to the following locations:
- In bins outside Building E Worship Center before/after services
- In the dropoff room in Building M between 8am-8pm daily
- Please remember: No glass, cans, family-sized items or perishables.
The following items are always needed:
- Fruit cups
- Applesauce cups
- Vegetable cups
- Individual microwaveable meals
- Individual mac n' cheese packets or cups
- Instant oatmeal
- Granola bars
- Pudding cups
- Shelf stable individual milk or soymilk boxes
- Precooked rice cups/packets
- Instant soups
- Raisins
- Peanut butter/cheese crackers