Invest in Children Campaign

In 2017, as LoveLight, Inc., a local nonprofit, enters its 22nd year, we have an exciting opportunity to greatly expand our services through the purchase, refurbishing, and equipping of an 8,813 square-foot building located on 5+ acres in Kent, Ohio. This facility will allow us, with your help, to create a model, nurturing, inter-generational early learning and child development center. STARCHILD is an acronym for Service, Teaching, Advocacy, and Research Center for Human Integration, Learning and Development, reflecting a broad vision extending beyond the immediate benefits of a nurturing, stimulating, and health-promoting environment for the low-income and other children who will be enrolled in the program.

The shelter and ample grounds of the property LoveLight is planning to buy offer many opportunities for the children to enjoy the fresh air and outdoor play so important for healthy development. The enclosed outdoor bed will be converted for use in “square foot” gardening. The “Golden Treasures” component of STARCHILD will provide interaction between senior citizens and children, enriching the lives of both. Our strong focus on supporting healthful child development will include not only such elements as nutritious food; gross and fine motor activities; language, creative, and expressive arts; science and math exploration, and identification and remediation of barriers to learning, but also other developmentally appropriate activities designed to establish a strong foundation for future success. As with other LoveLight initiatives, STARCHILD will not only benefit the participating children and their families as well as the local economy, but will also provide a wealth of opportunities for university and high school students to gain valuable experience related to their coursework.

When STARCHILD is not in session, we anticipate offering other community activities such as an entrepreneurial and empowerment program for teens and events for senior citizens.

The former bar in what has been the canteen area will be converted into an inviting space that the children can walk into and explore various science-related activities. In the evening and on weekends, the area will be available for small to medium gatherings and the bar can be used for serving fruit smoothies and other nutritious snacks. Imagine the possibilities for using this building:

For the STARCHILD children to engage in such activities as imaginative play, bouncing on rebounders (mini-trampolines), building with blocks, games, art, music, poetry, stories, drama, science, math, and social studies exploration;

For other LoveLight programs such as Tutoring PLUS, youth entrepreneur club, workshops; and

For community events, such as a health fair, senior socials, and chess tournament.

We are also asking that you share this information with friends, family, colleagues, and others who would like to make a positive difference. For more information regarding LoveLight, Inc., please visit our website at www.lovelightcares.org Thank You!