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WEIRTON - The Weirton Christian Center will welcome the community to learn more about its programs during an open house Thursday.
Scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the center, located at 117 Ivy St., the open house is part of Lights On Afterschool, celebrating the achievements of afterschool programs across the country, and drawing attention to the services such programs provide for children without available supervision weekday afternoons.
It is one of 8,000 such events set to take place this month.
The Weirton Christian Center’s open house will include an information session, beginning at 5 p.m., featuring a performance by the Signs of Hope group and local officials.
A discussion will be held on the importance of afterschool programs and the support they provide both to youth and parents. Through the Weirton Christian Center’s afterschool program, local youth have access to homework assistance, tutoring, Bible lessons and so much more.
"The Christian Center served 217 children and their families in 2025, and we wish we had more room to serve more," said Kim Weaver, executive director of the Weirton Christian Center. "The time after school is a critical time, and we are glad we can be there to hear about their day, help with homework, provide a healthy dinner and snack, much needed recreation and lessons that teach Christian Character. Our Project Journey Leadership Program helps our middle school and high school students learn life skills, responsibility, accountability, and how to work. We also help them prepare for after graduation. Stop by and meet our staff members who mentor our children daily, and see why the program is so important to the children we serve."
According to a 2025 household survey, nearly seven million youth are currently enrolled in afterschool programs in the United States, but another 22.6 million would attend if such a program was available to them.
The Christian Center was founded in 1917 as part of a Baptist ministry. It became a focal point for social events, recreation, classes and more as new residents came to the area looking for employment at Weirton Steel.
Founded by Olive Lord, a Baptist missionary sent to Weirton, the Weirton Christian Center originally would hold activities in homes in north Weirton, including three buildings on Avenue D, donated by Weirton Steel.
The center would provide immunizations, citizenship and English classes. People were able to play various sports at the center with a basketball leagues, skating and swimming.
Additionally, people could take lessons for dance, art, cooking, woodworking and other skills.
A gymnasium was built by 1922, eventually expanding to include a health clinic, kindergarten classes and an outdoor swimming pool, along with satellite locations throughout the community.
It would move to Elm Street in 1979, where the organization remained until its current Ivy Street location was opened in 2018.
To learn more about the Weirton Christian Center at www.WeirtonChristianCenter.com, or call 304-748-2353.