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Did you know Mercer County has the largest caseload of abused and neglected children in the state? Sadly, we also rank fourth in juvenile delinquency. Over half of middle schoolers have tried smoking, and one-third have used marijuana. About 1/13 of adults in our community have less than a ninth grade education.

Currently, one in five adults in Mercer County lack a high school diploma. Average income is $14,000 less than the national average, and one in every five individuals lives below the poverty line (double the national average). Unless something is done, the children raised in this climate do not have a fair chance at success when they grow up.

What can be done? We don't claim to have a perfect fix for all the challenges our community faces, but we do want to be part of the solution. We exist to help children and teens grow physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. The programs you can read about below are each designed to target these domains. Even more importantly, they give kids the chance to interact with role models and mentors who teach healthy living, peaceful conflict resolution, good decision making, goal-oriented behavior, and more.

We have over 100 children enrolled in the after-school program. Children are tutored in different school subjects, frequently visit the Wade Center computer labs, enjoy physical activity in the gymnasium, and are fed a nutritious dinner each evening. The after-school program is one of the most successful outreaches Wade offers to area youth, but it is also one of the most expensive to fund. If you would like to know more about supporting the Wade Center's After-School Program visit our DONATE page.


CURRENT PROGRAMS AT WADE:

 



Our after-school program lasts until 8:00 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. Students get a great meal and then learn about sports, dance, music, art, computers and more! We offer homework help, and all this is free! But registration is required. For more information, see our AFTER-SCHOOL INFO CENTER.

  

 



During the summer, we offer weekly camps. The camps last from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (1 p.m. on Fridays). When not in the classroom, students play in the gym, on the athletic fields, or attend art classes, drama, and field trips. Breakfast and lunch provided daily. Learn more at the SUMMER CAMP INFO CENTER.

 

 



The school system makes sure all children have good breakfasts and lunches throughout the week. Wade provides a wonderful dinner during after-school. But what about the weekends? Our new backpack program sends students home on Thursdays with a backpack full of healthy food for the weekend!

  

 



Wade Student Ministries offers a worship service for high school students called "Wildfire" on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. Small groups for teenagers called Ignite Groups meet throughout the week as well. For more information on Wade Student Ministries, see their site at MYSPACE.COM/WILDFIREWV.

  

 



Wade offers a "Home Builders" class for parents each fall. Participants who attend at least six of the eight classes qualify to receive help with their Christmas shopping during the holiday season. If interested, call Tim Swingle at 304.323.3777 for more information, or see our FLYER.

 

 



A key element in spiritual growth is reaching out to others to show the love of God. The Wade Center provides a perfect place for out-of-town groups to do this, offering opportunities both in community improvement and relational ministry. For the details, visit our MISSIONS WEBSITE.

 

 



Thanks to a grant from the YouthWorks! Foundation, the Wade Center is helping those who need a second chance at employment. Employees provide needed services throughout our community and, in the process, develop a good job history, job skills, and references. If you'd like to help, see our FLYER.

 
 



One of our newest educational programs for adults, workshops@wade, is offered in the spring and fall each year. Classes cover a variety of topics from financial planning to healthy cooking. The workshops provide an abundance of information aimed at bettering lives. Check out our FLYER to learn more.

 

 



"Dorothy’s Door" Daycare provides care for babies six weeks to four years old. It is a safe, developmentally-appropriate environment that offers stimulating early care which promotes each child's development. Our goal is to help teen and working moms continue their educations and careers.

  

 



Wade offers a variety of sports camps for students who want to take their skills to the next level. Staffed by college athletes, these camps provide individual and group training in specific skills. For more information on upcoming camps, call 304.323.3777, and ask to speak with our athletic director.