Habersham Christian Learning Center (HCLC) is a non-denominational, not-for-profit, community-based educational and spiritual service organization. According to Executive Director Sarah Harrison, “It’s mission is to provide life-style and character development courses for high school students through a released time for credit program; to provide guidance and assistance to HCLC students and involved family members with social/emotional/spiritual aspects of living; and to serve as a community resource or support for seminars, Bible studies, workshops, and/or youth activities as requested by the community.”
The program Habersham Christian Learning Center offers is somewhat unique in the state, and was modeled on a program begun in Gainesville, Georgia.
It is a teen education program with attention given to crisis intervention which is taught on site by experienced instructors. Harrison shares, “Through daily classroom education, teachers empower 100 students to make sound decisions while enabling them to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually by equipping them with Christian ethics, morals, and values.” The Center has been in operation since 1980 and works in conjunction with the Habersham School System.
Celebrating HCLC
After being unable to meet in person for several years because of COVID restrictions, Habersham Christian Learning Center was finally able to hold its annual meeting with sponsors and donors present. More than 100 people met at Clarkesville First United Methodist Church for the event.
Seth Hulsey, an HCLC teacher, blessed for the food that was provided by Bigg Daddy’s of Cornelia. The dinner sponsored by Tom and Connie Wilbanks in memory of Ms. Carol Epperson. Brownies by Faith donated desserts.
Music was presented by Ansley McAllister, Morgan Kastner, and Zach Shubert, before HCLC Staff member, Beth Knight shared about her appreciation for HCLC as a former student, employee, and mother of a former and future HCLC student.
Karli Greenfield from Truett McConnell University spoke about standing for truth and biblical integration in the classroom. Greenfield announced that Truett will be renaming their HCLC scholarship in memory of the late Sylvia Palmer. After Greenfield’s address, a video of interviews of HCLC students about hope for their generation was played. It can be viewed here.
Sarah Harrison shared how the Christian life brings hope to individuals and society. Harrison stated, “70-80% of HCLC students report being more likely to read the bible, pray, and attend church. In fact, research reveals that church attendance increases several markers of emotional and societal health.” Harrison asked attendees to hold on to hope in one of four ways: Pray, Serve, Tell, or Give. Lisa Nicholson concluded the program by thanking all of our supporters and sponsors.
Raffle results
One of the event’s premier moments was finding out who won the raffle. David Colston pulled raffle winners at the end of the evening Linda Harris won the Cabin Raffle, a two-night stay in Pidgeon Forge that was donated by Ernie and Saresa Garrett. Lisa Williams won the Fly Fishing Trip on the Soque River that was donated by Tom and Connie Wilbanks. A door prize was donated by ACG Solutions was also awarded.
Perhaps the biggest winner of the night was HCLC, as the raffle raised $3,160 as well as reached brand new participants and supporters. HCLC hopes these connections will continue to benefit the ministry of HCLC in the future.
Funding raised
The Annual Meeting is always a fundraiser and this year’s event raised $19,475 (including the $3,160 raised through the raffle). The annual funding goal is a total of $25,000. Since the Annual Meeting, money has continued to come in, raising that total of $23,775 to date. Donations can be received through April 30th.
The Annual Campaign funds go directly to help fund the program of HCLC. Fundraising is a necessary part of the work of HCLC. Since the Center receives no tax funds, it is dependent upon the support of the community to pay for the building, transportation, utilities, teachers and staff, and other expenses. HCLC serves 200 students each year, 100 each semester––every single school day.
Five or six years ago, HCLC was in dire need of funding. Fortunately, as the word got out into the community about what the program was doing, the Habersham community stepped up in a mighty way. Since then, more churches have committed to regular support and more individuals have signed on for monthly giving. Right now, HCLC is financially strong, but it stays that way only through the vigilant work of fundraising. Currently, HCLC has about 12 months of operating funds in the bank, requiring donations and new sources of revenue to make future plans.
How can you help?
The HCLC continues to be dependent upon community support. If you would like to financially support their work with teenagers, contact Sarah Harrison.
Sarah Harrison contributed content to this report.
