December 18, 2024
LifeWise Program Launches in Lake County Schools, Marking First Expansion into Florida
By Cindy Peterson
LifeWise Program Launches in Lake County Schools, Marking First Expansion into Florida
LifeWise Academy, a Bible-based character education program, has officially launched in Lake County, becoming the first program of its kind in Florida. The LifeWise Lost Lake program serves students in grades 3 through 5. The free program is offered weekly during lunch and recess to teach values like gratitude, respect, and community service.
“This is the first LifeWise program in Florida,” Program Director Gwen Chambers says. “Lake County has given us approval and we’ve started with one school to get things running smoothly. So far, the reception has been great.”
The program, which has expanded to more than 30 states since its inception in 2018, operates entirely through donations and fundraising. Each session combines a video presentation, a Scripture-based lesson, and hands-on activities designed to engage students in meaningful discussions.
“The first lesson was on gratitude because it’s such an easy concept to relate to—whether it’s at home or school,” Chambers says.
LifeWise emphasizes collaboration with the school district and requires parental consent for participation.
“Sessions take place off-campus, which we provide transportation, and students bring their lunch with them,” she says. “The district also requires an additional permission slip to ensure full compliance with legal requirements.”
LifeWise Lost Lake aims to expand its reach, with plans to launch at more schools in the coming years. “We’re looking to grow,” Chambers said. “Lake County is divided into three areas, and we want to bring LifeWise to more schools throughout the district.”
For parents and community members interested in the program, LifeWise offers online enrollment and opportunities to get involved at lifewise.org/lostlakefl.
“We’re here to inspire students and give them tools to thrive,” Chambers says. “Programs like this are important because we’ve seen an increase in social issues since religious education and character programs were removed. We hope to change that.”
For more information about LifeWise Academy, visit https://lifewise.org
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
