About Us · 22 Years in North Texas · 33 Years of Ministry & Children's Education

We come alongside families.

Afterschool America isn't childcare and it isn't a program you enroll in and forget. It's a community built around a simple belief: every kid deserves somewhere great to go, and every parent deserves people in their corner.

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Jeff surrounded by a crowd of laughing kids at an outdoor event

Our Mission

To come alongside families by creating welcoming places where every child can belong, discover their God-given potential, build meaningful relationships, and grow into who they were created to be.

Our Vision

A future where every child has access to a community that believes in them, every parent has support in raising them, and every young person has the opportunity to thrive — regardless of their background, income, or where they go to school.

The Afterschool America Method

Belong. Discover. Grow. Thrive.

Four things every kid needs — and one commitment wrapped around all of them.

Belong

Before a child can really grow, they need to know they're wanted here. We build places where kids are known by name, welcomed, and connected to friends and caring adults.

Discover

Kids often don't know what they love until someone opens the door. Sports, art, STEAM, music, cooking, leadership, entrepreneurship, the outdoors, service — room to try, fail, succeed and find out.

Grow

Discovery becomes development: confidence, character, responsibility, communication, problem-solving, independence, healthy relationships — and an understanding that their life has value and purpose.

Thrive

The goal was never a fun afternoon. It's healthier, more confident, more capable young people — and kids thrive when their families are supported.

Around all four: support the family.

We're not replacing parents — we're standing with them. Margin in the week, confidence in where their kids are, a community of other families, and help creating a great childhood they don't have to build entirely alone.

Two volunteers and a student at a craft table full of supplies at the co-op

Two children blowing a dandelion together in a sunlit park

A white church steeple against a blue Texas sky, framed by red crepe myrtle blooms

Jeff and Paula, founders of Afterschool America, standing together in front of a floral arch and wooden cross

Jeff & Paula, founders of Afterschool America.

Our Story

Two people. 33 years in ministry and children's education. A whole lot of kids.

Afterschool America grew out of the conviction of two people, Jeff and Paula, who together have spent 33 years in ministry and children's education. They started by simply spending time with kids who needed somewhere to go after the last bell rang.

They learned quickly that caring for kids means caring for families. Over those decades, communities changed, education changed, and families changed. What never changed is what children need: belonging, relationships, opportunity, and adults who believe in them.

That's why the organization is growing — across North Texas, starting in Wise County, and reaching homeschool families as intentionally as afterschool families. A child doesn't stop needing community because their classroom happens to be at home.

The ASA Resale Shop in Granbury and our Whatnot live shows help fund the work, turning donated goods into classes, supplies and field trips for kids.

What We Believe

Five ideas we build everything on.

Belonging

Every child deserves somewhere they are known and wanted.

Opportunity

Income, school choice or ZIP code shouldn't decide what a child experiences.

Discovery

Kids need chances to uncover their interests, abilities and purpose.

Family Support

Raising kids shouldn't be a solo endeavor.

Potential

Every child carries value and God-given potential worth investing in.

We believe every child was created with value and purpose — and that parents deserve people in their corner as they raise them.

That conviction comes from our faith, and it's why the door is open to every family. Christian conviction, open arms: excellent enough to choose, accessible enough to include.

A registered Texas 501(c)(3).

Federal EIN 75-2836781 · Serving North Texas · All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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