Linking Center Expansion
Expanding Today. Empowering Generations.
When the Linking Center doors opened for the first time in 2018, we had twenty-five elementry 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 January of 2026 we started a new after-school program dedicated to the middle school age group. With the size of the elementary programs there is no room in the Linking Center for this program. The middle schoolers are temorarily meeting in a small area in the oldest building on our campus.
Lastly, People Helping People has been hosting a Thursday evening community meal and Bible study for all ages going all the way back to 2010. When we have all ages of students and adults, we have a shortage of classrooms and a cafeteria are to hold everyone.
Therefore, People Helping People needs to put an addition onto the Linking Center to accommodate the growth in programs and students being served.
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.
Storage
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.
Thank you for helping making this growth possible!
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.