Madison County Community Foundation

Your generosity provides academic coaching, individualized care, and stability for the youth of Madison County.

Anderson First Church of the Nazarene has consistently worked to uplift its community, especially its youth, for well over a century. The people of the church have exercised an active commitment to reach outside of the walls of the building and make a lasting impact.

The Bridge Tutoring Initiative was recently launched as part of the mission of the church and the student department. Bridge Tutoring provides individualized attention for middle and high school students. Joseph Claus, AFC’s passionate Youth Pastor, states that the recruitment and execution of the program was nearly flawless. He attributes this to the dedication of the program director, Dianna Stankiewicz, and partnerships that AFC has with local schools and the homeschooling community.

A Community Impact Grant from the Madison County Community Foundation

 provided funds to recruit top-notch tutors and mentors who are passionate about making a difference.

Every Wednesday, the community center buzzes with activity—educational sessions, chapel services, tutoring, and enriching mid-week activities that nurture both minds and spirits.

Claus shares a poignant restoration story that epitomizes the impact of this initiative.

He recounts the journey of a young student who had bounced between schools, struggling academically and socially due to unstable home circumstances. This student found refuge in AFC's Bridge Tutoring initiative, where personalized attention and mentorship provided not just academic support, but also emotional and spiritual guidance.

"He’s my number one poster boy in my mind right now,” Claus shares. “If the Bridge Tutoring did nothing, it did something for him.”

Reflecting on the grant application process, Rev. Claus expresses gratitude for the Foundation's support. "Grants through the Madison County Community Foundation are easy and intuitive," he notes. "Easy to process, easy to understand, not a lot of hoops to jump through, and very clear communication.”

As AFC expands its programming this fall—introducing ESL classes, arts studios, and more—they invite passionate individuals to join their cause. Whether through donations, volunteering time, or sharing expertise, there are countless ways to contribute to AFC's transformative work in the community.

To learn more about Anderson First Church of the Nazarene and their youth initiatives, visit Anderson First Church or follow them on Facebook.

Every gift, large and small, contributes to the mission of Madison County Community Foundation to increase the quality of life for the citizens of Madison County. Consider giving to the Impact Madison Fund to help us continue to meet emerging local needs. All donations to this fund will be tripled. Your generosity truly does plant gardens, develop skills, and revitalize neighborhoods—one community at a time.