Lakeside Church opens after-school program with Samantha Sampson, family and children’s ministry director, in Worthington

Worthington’s Lakeside Church is set to launch an after-school childcare program beginning September 11, offering a secure and welcoming environment for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. The initiative was sparked by a leadership conference held in October 2022, which encouraged creative thinking and community-focused solutions.
Family and Children’s Ministry Director Samantha Sampson, along with Reverend Wesley Kouba, will oversee the program, which relies on a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. The church has secured five staff members from its own community and anticipates up to 15 volunteers, including professionals such as social workers and stay-at-home mothers, as well as educators from District 518 and other schools in the area.
All volunteers are required to complete background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of the children. Kouba emphasized the ongoing need for additional volunteers to support the program’s growth and capacity. The facility is located inside the church at 1000 Linda Lane.
Arrangements have been made for bussing, allowing District 518 students to be dropped off daily at the south door of the church during the school year. While the program aligns with the District 518 calendar, it is open to children from various schools in the region, including those in Adrian and Round Lake-Brewster.
The after-school program will operate from 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parents can choose to enroll their child for the entire week or select specific days. The cost is $50 per child per week, with a $25 discount for each additional sibling enrolled simultaneously.
Two open houses are scheduled this week to provide parents with an opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about the program. The first open house will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, followed by another from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Refreshments will be offered at both events.
This effort underscores the church’s commitment to serving the community through practical acts of mercy and neighborly care.

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