Accessibility & The Community Lighthouse Project
Keeping the light on—for every family, in every season, no matter the storm.
Our Response to Hurricane Helene
The Community Lighthouse Project was born as a response to Hurricane Helene & has evolved into the foundational pillar of Accessibility through the MCCLC Community Resilience Initiative. The project was created to ensure that every child, family, and community member in Madison County has access to the support they need—regardless of financial standing. Madison County Community Learning Centers 501c3 in conjunction with our K-8 Woodson Branch Nature School became the support system for the children in our area, and serves as a year-round hub for accessible education, wellness, nourishment, and community care.
Resilience in Action:
After Hurricane Helene’s floods and landslides devastated Marshall, Hot Springs, and nearby mountain communities, we didn’t wait for outside help. We turned to each other. Madison County Community Learning Centers and Woodson Branch K-8 became more than a campus and a school—it became a lighthouse, offering light, stability, and support in a time of great need. We rallied around our children first, engaging them in hands-on recovery efforts, showing them the power of community-led action, and grounding them in purpose and hope.
Today, MCCLC continues to ensure accesibility of resources available to all, including :
Tuition Assistance & Financial Support: We offer scholarships and grant-funded relief to make educational programs and emergency needs accessible for any family, at any time.
Donation-Based K–8 Education: Every child deserves access to nature-immersive, whole-child learning—no matter their background.
Affordable After-School & Enrichment Programs: Designed with working families in mind, and accessible on a sliding scale.
Seasonal Camps: Low-cost or donation-based offerings to keep kids learning, moving, and connected all year long.
Adult Workshops & Community Skill-Building: Learn, share, and heal together with regenerative practices, herbal medicine, mindfulness, and local food sovereignty education.
Event & Gathering Space: Our facilities are open for community use—offering a place for celebration, connection, and support.
Fresh Produce & Hot Meals: Our gardens and kitchens nourish the body as much as the heart. All available by donation.
Herbal Remedies & Wellness Supplies: Access to trusted, handmade, natural medicine—pay what you can.
100+
Children & Famillies Served in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
200+
Bowls of Soup provided at no cost at our Appalachian Harvest Festival
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Children Served in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
There are MANY ways to get involved!
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Maybe you want to support local youth. Maybe you believe in hands-on learning and outdoor education. Or maybe you simply want to invest in the future of Madison County. Whatever your reason, your generosity helps MCCLC provide nature-based learning, leadership programs, and community resources that create lasting impact.
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Come see what makes MCCLC special. Nestled in the mountains of Madison County, our campus is home to nature-based classrooms, community gardens, and spaces built for curiosity and connection. Whether you're a prospective family, a community partner, or just passing through, there's nothing like experiencing the magic in person. We’d love to show you around.
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Looking for a space that feels alive with possibility? From workshops and birthday parties to community gatherings and retreats, our campus offers a unique setting rooted in nature, creativity, and connection. If you’re dreaming up something meaningful, we’re here to help you bring it to life.
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Volunteering at MCCLC is a meaningful way to support local children, families, and community programs. Whether you’re helping in classrooms, working on the farm, or sharing your unique skills, your time makes a real difference. Join us and become part of the village that helps our community grow and thrive.
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Invest in something that matters. As a business or individual sponsor, your support helps fund scholarships, expand programming, and keep our community thriving. Sponsorship is more than a donation—it’s a way to align your values with impact that lasts.
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We believe collaboration is how communities thrive. Whether you're an educator, nonprofit, local business, or creative visionary, partnering with MCCLC opens the door to shared resources, aligned missions, and deeper community impact. Let’s build something beautiful together.
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