St. James Episcopal Church

The people of St. James believe that the life of a child is significantly influenced by the relationships with those around them. An important human value is a sense of belonging and accomplishment and the ability to connect with peers and role models. These relationships can either be of a positive nature or of a negative nature. For example, the relationships teachers, grandparents, and mentors can have with children are often positive, increase a child's self-regard and can be life-lasting and affirming. The inverse is also true, however, as can be seen when a child affiliates with a street gang which may lead to bad choices involving criminal activity, which also has life-long impact.

As a people of faith who believe that we are all better off when our children are well-provided for, St. James implemented an innovative after-school program to address the needs of at-risk children. Through the use of our space, volunteers, and staff to foster a positive, nurturing after-school experience focused on music, art, homework assistance and the provision of a healthy, nutritious meal while providing positive role models.

The St. James After School Program provides arts enrichment and activities at no charge for fourth- and fifth-graders from under-privileged families. This year is our fourth year of the program, working with children from Jefferson and Lincoln Elementary Schools four days a week. The After School Program board recruited a new part-time director, Courtney Howard, and partners with organizations such as Community in the Schools, Arts Partners, and Roots & Shoots to provide educational experiences for the children.

Joining Courtney Howard are Jen Weiman and Nate Rau. All are WSU students with musical talent and a love of children. We appreciate all donations and especially need healthy snack items for the children: granola bars, juice, packaged fruit, crackers, peanut butter, nuts, oatmeal cookies, cheese sticks and other healthy goodies. We will collect snack items each Sunday. Thank you for your continued support.

We also welcome volunteers and donations. The After School Program does not rely on support from the church's general fund. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization separate from the church, though the program offers a path for all of us in this parish to reach out to the greater community.

For more information or to volunteer to help, please call Theresa Johnson, 207-9109.

Welcome the new After School Program directors -- Jen Weiman, Nate Rau, and Courtney Howard!

Art a la Carte, a fund-raiser for the St James After School program, promises to be an elegant evening of jazz, wine, and art for you to enjoy while your $$ help the After School Program. Call the church office at 683-5686 to reserve your tickets, but hurry, they're going fast.

Visit the After School Program Photo Gallery