Linking Center Expansion
Expanding Today. Empowering Generations.
When People Helping People (PHP) opened the Linking Center doors for the first time in 2018, we had twenty-five elementary students attending the after-school program and twenty-five attending the summer program. In 2026 there are now 100 elementary students in the after-school program and 130 in the summer program.
In 2010 PHP & friends started hosting a Thursday evening community meal and Bible study for all ages which continues today! When the Linking Center was built it became the permanent space for this ministry. Over the years, just like the youth program, it has also grown and there is now a shortage of classrooms and cafeteria space.
In January of 2026 with the encouragement of area schools, PHP started a new after-school program dedicated to the middle school age group. With the size of our elementary program there was not room in the Linking Center for this program. Therefore, the middle schoolers are temporarily meeting in a small area in the oldest building on our campus.
Therefore, PHP needs to expand the Linking Center to accommodate the growing opportunities God is putting before us to love and serve this community!
Meeting the Needs
Gathering Spaces & Classrooms
To accommodate growing youth programs from Pre-K through 12th grade, we need 9–10 dedicated spaces for age-appropriate Bible lessons, conversations, and activities. This includes four additional classrooms, along with a large gathering space for 50–60 teenagers that provides room for teaching, games, and meaningful connection.
Craft Room & Quite Space
This space would provide room for multiple tables, ample countertop space, and cabinets for storing supplies. The goal is to create a calm, quiet environment where youth can focus, work, have conversations, and receive one-on-one support.
Bathrooms
We need at least two additional unisex bathrooms to better accommodate the needs of our growing programs. A dedicated bathroom for staff and volunteers would also provide added convenience and support for those serving on campus.
Cafeteria Expansion
The current cafeteria comfortably seats about 75 people, but our desired capacity would be 125–150. With an expanded space, we also dream of adding a coffee bar, creating a welcoming, multi-use gathering space where the community can meet in the mornings, enjoy a cup of coffee and a donut.
Enhanced Security
A more secure front entrance is needed for the Linking Center to improve safety and supervision during child pick-up. Locked doors between the program areas and the reception/pick-up area would create a safer, more controlled transition while allowing staff to better supervise children. This improvement could be accomplished within the current Linking Center footprint.
Office/Staff Workroom
A dedicated workroom is needed for staff and volunteers to prepare materials, organize supplies, and get ready for each day’s activities without disrupting program spaces.
Replacing Tables & Chairs
Our current tables and chairs are worn and need to be replaced. An expansion project would provide a natural opportunity to update this furniture and create a more functional, welcoming environment throughout the space.
Storage
Storage in the Linking Center is spread out through a few small closets and a shipping container that sits outside behind the Linking Center. Adding a dedicated storage room would create a temperature-controlled, centralized storage space for program materials, tables, chairs, maintenance supplies, and kitchen equipment. It would also create space for an additional classroom.
Thank you for helping making this growth possible!
Interest In Making This Dream come True?
- Give online
- Mail a check to PO Box 248, Pullman, MI 49450
- Give appreciated assets, stock, IRA distribution, or another strategic giving method – ask for Jeff: [email protected] or (269) 236-2001
Join Us
Our work couldn’t happen without the dedicated volunteers and donors who keep our programs running. Learn more about how you can get involved.