Gabriel’s House After School Program, was created to provide a safe and caring environment for At-Risk
elementary students (K-3rd), of all races. Our program offers activities conducive to healthy mental, physical,
and spiritual growth and promotes Christian unity and love within the Duncan community.
Gabriel’s House Inc. is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors, partnering with
Duncan Public Schools, Youth Services of Stephens County and the Christian community. Gabriel's House was founded in the spring
of 1998 and is funded by local churches, The United Way of Stephens County, grants, businesses, and individual donations.
Currently there is a Gabriel’s House program site near three elementary schools in Duncan. Each house
is owned, insured, maintained, and utilities provided by a local church.
Emerson Elementary - opened Fall 2000, sponsored by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Mark Twain Elementary - opened January
2002, sponsored jointly by St Paul’s United Methodist and First United Methodist ChurchWoodrow Wilson Elementary - opened
September 2002, sponsored jointly by St Paul’s United Methodist and First United Methodist Church
Gabriel’s House staff includes: a paid Administrative Director to manage the accounting and paper work,
snack purchase/distribution, and grant writing. A volunteer Program Director, a paid Site-Coordinator and Assistant Site-Coordinator
(screened by the O.S.B.I.) at each location.
Each Gabriel’s House is staffed with a paid Site-Coordinator, a paid Assistant Site-Coordinator, one
Americorp member and volunteers; including teenagers, retired persons, youth ministers, and youth groups.
Each site has space for only 12 students, therefore parents must fill out an application which is reviewed
closely by our Program Director who works closely with each elementary school’s principal, counselor, and teachers to
determine what children are at the highest level of need for our program.
The program is open each day of the school calendar from 3:30-6:00p.m. During that day the children are provided
with a nutritious snack, homework & literacy assistance, physical activities, arts and craft projects, wholesome movies
and computer learning games are all part of each afternoon schedule. Also, each day, the Character First Curriculum is taught
along with scripture verses, stories, prayer and activities that reinforce high moral standards and quality character development.
Throughout the month special activities may be planned by the Site-Coordinator. Also off-site activities have been scheduled.
Off-site activities include:
Simmons Center - Once a month the children from each site are transported to the Simmons Center to swim,
play basketball and play in Exploration Station.
Art Enrichment Program - On Monday, the children from each site (on a rotating basis) are transported to
a room provided by the First Presbyterian Church, where the children receive an hour of art instruction by Jennifer Steil.
Throughout the year the children will be exposed to various art mediums.
It is our goal to positively impact all the children we have enrolled in our program. We are continually
searching for ways to enrich the lives of the children we serve.
