Broaden Horizons

08/21/2026

Welcome Carrie!!! Carrie will be a big part of making BH happen behind the scenes!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT | Meet Carrie Allen

We’re excited to welcome Carrie Allen as our new School-Based Ministries Administrator!

Carrie’s ministry journey began in 2017. After graduating from LSU with a degree in Elementary Education, she accepted a position at FBC Covington, where she served for just over three years before moving to West Monroe to be closer to family. After feeling the Lord calling her back to purpose-driven work, Carrie accepted the position at First West as our School-Based Ministries Administrator.

Carrie is one of seven children, with two of her siblings attending First West. She comes from a family devoted to the Lord and passionate about missions, including a sister and her family who are currently serving overseas. In her spare time, Carrie enjoys thrifting and podcasting with her twin sister.

Carrie is excited to join the First West team and looks forward to seeing what the Lord will do through this new opportunity.

Help us welcome Carrie to the First West staff family! 🙌

08/19/2026

Due to extreme heat sign-in will start at 2pm.

Meals and food boxes will be handed out immediately upon sign-in so that we do not have to congregate in the gym with its heat.

NOTE: We won’t be taking in used boxes. The clothes closet, dessert and toiletries areas will be closed this week. Please spread the word!!!

08/11/2026

It’s that time of year again! Use the link below or the QR code to sign your student up for the Broaden Horizons After-School Program!

The BH After-School Program is a unique and enriching experience for your student. Our program serves Riser Elementary, Lenwil Elementary, and Riser Middle and runs Monday through Thursday 3:00 to 5:45 PM. Students will experience the love of God and have access to extended learning experiences through enrichment activities, life, skills, homework help, STEM activities, Bible studies, and more! Snack and dinner will be provided each day. Each campus is staffed with a lead teacher, certified teachers, and college-aged mentors who all strive to see your student “Loved, Educated and Transformed” throughout the school year.

https://form.jotform.com/261034809177156

08/07/2026

Broaden Horizons is hiring college mentors for our after school program! We are a faith based ministry that offers a unique after school experience. Our program runs 25 weeks a year, Monday through Thursday, from 3:00 to 5:45 PM. By modeling for and mentoring students, every child experiences the love of God, has access to extended learning experiences, and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We do this by teaching biblical truths, which ultimately produce healthy relationship skills, strong character, and integrity, and an abundant life in Christ. Please use the link or QR code to fill out the interest form if you wish to be part of the BH team!

08/07/2026

Broaden Horizons is hiring teachers for our after school program! If you love working with students, getting creative with new learning experiences, and sharing the love of Jesus, then you could be a great fit for our BH team. Sign up here with the link or our QR code!

https://form.jotform.com/202115674680150

07/31/2026

Don’t forget! Freshly roasted, Good Tired coffee is ready for pick up at Seventh Square. ☕️😅

07/30/2026

BH Summer 2026 video: “Laughter, life skills, field trips, & team building!”

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/25/2026

His team surprised him w a Wacky Wednesday Brock’s Way Day!!

07/24/2026

Another opportunity to join our team!

Apply today!

07/24/2026

BH Summer 2026 is a wrap!!
Ending summer camp in worship to “The Ever-Present Great I Am… knowing God’s presence is my good…committing to tell of all You do” Celebration.

A Powerful week of testimonies from the team, met our newest BH worship leader & friend Hannah!
Our community partners this week included a visit to King Camp, haircuts via Trace Mayo and The District Salon and Barbershop, shopping at FW Thrift Store, etiquette w Mrs. Jill, lunch at The Warehouse, trip to the movies, dinner from Scott’s Seafood.
We are so grateful first and foremost for the blood of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit, next for FW’s 18 years of local missions investment through all of the school-based ministries. Thank you Rescue Community Church/Cedar Crest for hosting us, to our guest worship leaders from McClendon Baptist, BCM @ LaTech, plus our own FW leaders, and all of our church & community partners!
BH is the essence of Kingdom Work through Christian Community Development. “But as for me…” Ps 73:28

What about you… have you made God your safe place? Jesus saids, “I am The Way, Truth, and Life, no one comes to the Father (God) except through Me. John 14:6
If not, let’s talk!!

Our Hearts:
Father draw us close and teach us to
ABIDE…to depend on You.
That no one misses the grace of God- It is a choice, a decision, an invitation.
Father may we daily walk in our Christ Centered Purpose.

With hearts full and bodies tired ~
BH Summer Team 2026
Brock, Coach Mitchell, Maddie, Coley, Shelby, Isis, and Shawn.