about us
Making a difference for over 10 years
Broaden Horizons began in the summer of 2008 with the mission to create a community where Love, Education, and Transformation thrive. We believe that every child should experience the love of God, have access to extended learning experiences, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
In 2018, Broaden Horizons celebrated 10 years of ministry providing After-School programs and Summer Camps for students in impoverished communities in Ouachita Parish including Riverbend, Riser, Shady Grove, Swayze, Lenwil, and Boley Elementary Schools as well as Riser and Richwood Middle Schools. We also serve high school students each year who are selected to serve as Leaders-in-Training (LIT’s) during BH Summer Camp where they develop employable skills, spiritual growth, and lifelong friendships.
After-School Program
Our campus teams for After-School are made up of Campus Coordinators, certified teachers, and college-age mentors who all share the same heart to love, educate, and transform the students of our community. We provide snacks, academic help, a hot dinner, and various enrichment activities 4 days a week for our students. We also host several BH Family events throughout the year to include the caregivers and siblings of our students.
SUMMER CAMP
Our Summer Camp is led by the BH Summer Staff and Lead Team. Our staff consists of college-age mentors who engage and challenge students spiritually, emotionally, and socially for 40 hours a week for 6 weeks in the Summer. BH Summer Camp provides a holistic environment where students have fun while they learn valuable skills, build friendships, and grow spiritually.
Students “broaden their horizons” by visiting universities and touring local businesses and industries around Northeast Louisiana. They gain life skills such as financial literacy, healthy relationship development, as well as employable skills such as resume development, interview etiquette, and appropriate attire. Students experience a variety of performing and visual arts throughout the Summer which incorporates development of self-confidence, self-awareness, and creativity.
Each day of BH Summer Camp opens with worship and a life message followed by intentional small group discipleship discussion. At the end of each summer we invite families and friends of BH to join us for our Closing Celebration which includes a Summer recap, sharing of the Gospel, and baptisms.
Partnerships
Broaden Horizons enjoys a variety of partnerships including Ouachita Parish School System, community non-profits, local universities, businesses, and churches that all play a part in making Broaden Horizons possible. Over the years, Broaden Horizons has expanded by receiving funds from foundational grants and annual tax-deductible donations. We are so grateful for all our partnerships!
If you are interested in partnering with Broaden Horizons, click the “GIVE” tab above to find out more or email our office at broadenhorizons@firstwest.cc.