Lakehills Community Center Secures Grant to Expand Youth Programs
The Lakehills Community Center is set to broaden and enrich its offerings for Bandera County families, thanks to a recent grant award.
The center received a “Family Support and Youth Development” grant worth $10,000 from The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
“We appreciate the opportunity to compete and be selected to receive this grant to enhance our family and youth support programs. This is the first time Lakehills Community Center has participated in The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country grant process. The grant will ensure all participants have a realistic, hands-on experience during family activity night,” said Board Member Susan Junker.
Currently held about ten times annually, the Activity Night will now significantly expand for the 2024 program, providing participants with a toolbox and tools earned through multiple sessions.
The expanded program will introduce engaging topics such as model rockets, hydraulics, wooden trucks, drones, lasers, magnetic levitation, flight, and DC motors—geared toward stimulating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) interest within the local community.
Furthermore, this grant will facilitate the expansion of the program into a different age group, a significant development considering past activities were privately funded.
The Lakehills Community Center Family Activity Night, led by Kelly Beedle, has gained significant popularity.
Beedle expressed gratitude to the Community Foundation of the Hill Country for this opportunity to expand youth services.
The grant will enable the Community Center to diversify its offerings, engaging middle school and high school-aged students for their valuable input on program development.
The aim is to design programs based on their preferences while continuing to enrich offerings for elementary-aged students and residents.
As an all-volunteer organization, the Lakehills Community Center thrives on the dedication of its Board and staff, all of whom contribute their time and talents. The center organizes various family events, supported by community volunteers, including celebrations for Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas.
For a comprehensive event calendar and more information, visit the Community Center Website at www.lakehillscommunitycenter. org or their Facebook page. If you’re keen on contributing as a volunteer, your talents are highly valued. Contact them at (830)460-0400 or visit the VOLUNTEER section on their website for further details.