After-school Program

The Harvest Hands After-school Program is a place where elementary, middle and high school age students can connect with positive role models and receive the additional support necessary for academic achievement and healthy spiritual development.  The Harvest Hands After-school Program, consistent with our philosophy for ministry, takes a wholistic approach to developing young men and women into responsible leaders.  We provide a healthy snack, opportunity for homework assistance, educational activities and tutoring, and opportunities to engage in the arts and recreational activities in a safe, Christian environment.

All volunteers that work with the Harvest Hands After-school Program have completed a background check, received volunteer training and make a commitment to working with youth on a consistent basis.

Harvest Hands values families, children and youth, and we believe that neighborhood revitalization begins with investing in the lives of kids.  We hope you will join us as we journey together to raise up a generation of new leaders from our neighborhood who lead the way for transformation in South Nashville.

Feel free to contact us if you would like more information or to learn how you can support or volunteer with the after-school program of Harvest Hands.

Middle & High School After-school & Summer Programs

Our after-school and summer programs are a deliberate effort to engage our older students spiritually and academically. It is also an effort to give students a space for safe, respectful social engagement. We have a daily time of spiritual development based around the story of God's movement in the world, the Bible. If students have assignments from school they are encouraged to further their academic goals by completing those assignments during the program.

In the absence of assignment from school students are asked to enrich themselves academically through activities in math, language arts, social studies and science appropriate to their grade and skill level. Students are also given a chance to earn a tangible reward for positive behavior through our "micro economy" of Harvest Bucks and the Harvest Hands store.

Students have the opportunity to become salaried members of the program by submitting an application and resume for review and acceptance by the Harvest Hands staff. Items placed in the store are suggested by the students and available for purchase based on performance within the program.

Program Counseling & Family Support Services

We have a staff member, Rebecca McCutchan, who is a licensed social worker who serves our children and families in multiple capacities. She is present at the Kindergarten through 4th grade after-school program daily to provide counseling services to children enrolled in the Harvest Hands program.  In an effort to encourage each child's emotional literacy, behavioral health, and spiritual well-being, she provides individual counseling to children as well as mediation services in a group setting.

Rebecca also works alongside parents, providing community resources and emotional support when needed. Monthly discussion groups provide a way for parents to form a community of support, while gaining valuable information on a variety of parenting topics and skills.  Advocating for families within the school system and among community agencies is another important aspect of her role.  In an effort to bridge the gap between home and school, she stays in close communication with our students' teachers and informs parents of academic or behavioral concerns.