Adventure Place: Nurturing Children Through Ministry and Care
Nestled in Uniontown, OH, Adventure Place is more than just a childcare facility; it is a vital outreach ministry of Advent Lutheran Church dedicated to serving families within the community and beyond. Under the leadership of Sara Kantorik, Director, Adventure Place has grown significantly. What started as a small before-and-after-school program, “Latch Key,” for 12 children in 1987, has evolved into a year-round care center nurturing infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
With a mission to provide quality care and a loving environment, Adventure Place now serves around 75 children daily. Operating Monday through Friday, 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, the program has become an integral part of the community. You can learn more about this incredible ministry on their website or Facebook page.
How ELEA Supported Adventure Place During Uncertain Times
One of the most significant recent challenges for Adventure Place—as for many others—was the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohio, where the program is based, was one of the earliest and hardest-hit states. Sara reflected on how quickly the ELEA stepped in to offer support.
“When COVID started progressing, Ohio was one of the first most affected states. Before I even knew that it was getting ‘that’ bad, Cory [ELEA Executive Director] was on the phone to us to see how the ELEA could help. She continued to serve as support through resources and just being a shoulder to lean on in the most uncertain of times.”
In those moments of uncertainty, the assurance of support and solidarity made a difference. ELEA’s resources and guidance proved invaluable in navigating the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Leadership
As Adventure Place moves forward, exciting plans are on the horizon. Sara shared, “We are in the process of doing all that needs to be done to build on and expand Adventure Place!” This expansion project comes at a time of transition as the ministry prepares for the upcoming retirement of its current pastor. Sara has been asked to serve on the call committee, a new role for her as she helps to find the next pastor for Advent Lutheran Church.
With so much change ahead, the support of ELEA will once again be critical.
“The ELEA will be called upon a lot as we expand, to gather resources, ideas, and suggestions. I’m very excited to work on this project knowing I have all the ELEA behind me. I have never served on a call committee before, let alone looked for a new pastor. As the director of the school, my concerns and inquiries are different from the congregation’s, and I will look to the ELEA for guidance navigating this process.”
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
In addition to its deep connection to ELEA, Adventure Place has seen its leaders recognized in special ways. Sara proudly noted that she and her pastor, Bob Cheyney, were the first pastor-director team from the same congregation to win the prestigious “Director of the Year” and “Most Distinguished Pastor of the Year” awards from the ELEA.
This accomplishment speaks to the heart and dedication of Adventure Place‘s leadership and the meaningful relationship the ministry has with the ELEA. Together, they continue to serve, lead, and support families with love and grace.
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