After-School SERVE

Columbia City »»»

What Should I Expect at SERVE?

After School SERVE (SERVE) is a volunteer program designed for students in grades 9-12, emphasizing the development of job skills, resume building, and community service. Participants will not only assist younger students but also serve as role models, all while enjoying a fun and engaging environment! Running concurrently with the After School Central program for middle school students, SERVE provides high schoolers with the chance to help coordinate daily activities, apply their skills within the facility, and enhance their resumes for future opportunities.

How Do I Sign Up?

The SERVE program is exclusively for high school students and requires an application before participation. Students should complete the application form by clicking the “Apply” button below, while guardians must register their youth using the “Register” button. Please allow 48 hours for processing. Once registered, students can take Bus 33 directly to The Center, courtesy of Whitley County Consolidated Schools. Please note that transportation home is not provided; all SERVE students must be picked up by 6:15 p.m.

“Thriving Tuesdays” aim to engage students in dynamic learning experiences focused on character development. These sessions delve into essential skills, including social and emotional wellness, effective communication, and health and fitness.

  • 3:30-4:00 – Free time
  • 4:00-4:10 – Announcements
  • 4:10-4:30- Icebreaker
  • 4:30-5:00 – Character Development Activity
  • 5:00-5:15- Small Groups 
  • 5:15-5:50 – Free time
  • 5:50-6:00 – Clean up
  • 6:00 – Departure

“Talent Thursdays” aim to help students explore and develop their artistic, athletic, academic, and career potential. On Talent Thursdays, SERVE students will participate in a SERVE meeting focused on leadership characteristics and strategies, followed by 30 minutes of engaging activities such as art, sports, or college and career readiness workshops

  • 3:30-4:00 – Free time
  • 4:00-4:10 – Announcements
  • 4:10-4:45 – SERVE Meeting
  • 4:45-5:15- Activity time
  • 5:15-5:50 – Free time
  • 5:50-6:00 – Clean up 
  • 6:00 – Departure

Just Give Me The Details!

COST

Our programs are 100% FREE to local youth! We believe in eliminating all barriers to attendance, including cost!

LOCATION

201 W. Market Street, Columbia City, IN 46725

(Please use Door 1 @ corner of Chauncey and Market St.)

HOURS

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 PM to 6:15 PM
See schedule above for more info…

CONTACT

More questions? No problem!

Contact one of our SERVE-CC directors below…

Meet Our Staff

We have the best instructors

At The Center, we believe students need healthy role models. Learn more about our SERVE-CC staff below.

Kylee Gudeman
Kylee GudemanProgram Director
During the 2021-2022 school year, Kylee served as a volunteer for The Center’s After School Central-Columbia City program. Kylee formed deep connections with the middle school girls and found her passion for youth ministry. Kylee enjoys backpacking in the mountains. Life-giving activities for Kylee include spending quality time conversing with family and friends and backpacking in the mountains!
Liam Strong
Liam StrongCo-Director
During the 2023-2024 school year, Liam Strong joined The Center as Co-Director of Programming for Columbia City and Churubusco. Liam has a deep passion for working with youth, and he’s excited to build relationships and watch students grow. In his free time, Liam enjoys golfing, playing video games, and spending time with friends. Life-giving activities for Liam include connecting with others and being active on the golf course.

What Are They Saying?

The experience that The Center provides for my kids is not one that I could give them as a single parent.

Mary, Parent

At The Center, I had people who cared for me and rooted for me every day. It meant so much to me and I 100% believe I wouldn’t be who I am today without having the boundaries, respect, and expectations that I was given during that time.

Katie, Center Alumni
I come to The Center because it gets me away from my homelife and improves my mental health!
John, Student
The Center gave me a place to go and to have a warm meal when I know my mom would be working overtime and wouldn’t be able to cook for us.
Nick, Center Alumni
[My Daughter] does well in the program and even gets her homework done on time. She builds friendships and relationships with her peers that she may not have been able to do in school.

Rebekah, Parent
I come to The Center because sometimes I need help my parents can’t give me.
Madison, Student

The Center helped me develop skills that I’ve used on a daily basis in my life.

Kali, Center Alumni