The LANDers is an after-school program for kids in Denham Springs who come from underserved areas of the parish. Children (ages 5-15) in The LANDers program receive tutoring and homework help. We also focus on developing character skills and teaching children how to live off of the land.

The LANDers after-school program is for elementary and junior high kids in Denham Springs that might be going home to a house where their parents or guardians are still at work. These kids deserve after-school care and guidance like all kids do. To that end, in addition to tutoring and helping kids with their homework, we teach them to plant and grow seeds, to build a chicken coop and to collect eggs, to sell produce at a farmer’s market, and to love the land: The LANDers.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.”
~ Psalm 37:3

What if every child knew they mattered?
What if every child had hope to grow on?
Children matter.
Each one is a unique gift from God.
Formed by God.
Known by God.
Even before they were born.
It breaks His heart when children
have to take care of children.
So, He birthed the LANDers —
a place where children can be children.
Nurtured by adults who love them. Tutored. Fed.
Taught how to live Christ-like lives.
How You Can Support The LANDers
- Enroll a child in The LANDers
- Donate to The LANDers
- Provide a scholarship for a child
- Teach our precious LANDers a life lesson
- Pray for The LANDers
- Consider implementing a LANDers program in your church
If you would like to help these amazing children or enroll your own child(ren) into The LANDers, please contact us.

The LANDers co-directors are Shin Shupe and Alisa Mercier. They both love their community and the incredible kids involved in The LANDers.
Part of Kindness Keepers Ministries
Kindness Keepers is a community non-profit organization in Denham Springs that oversees four local missions birthed at Luke that focus on improving the lives of children and their families. The LANDers is one of these four missions.
You can keep up with everything happening with The LANDers by following them on their Facebook page: The LANDers of Kindness Keepers