About Us
E7 Kids Cafe serves students in Lexington, KY.
At E7, we strive to inspire curiosity and cultivate creativity,
while providing a reliable safe space where children can eat, play, and learn.
At E7, we strive to inspire curiosity and cultivate creativity,
while providing a reliable safe space where children can eat, play, and learn.
Our History
Originally named East Seventh Street Center, the program was started in 1999 by Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church. It started solely as a children's feeding program, and was located at 240 East 7th Street. In 2004, it became the first Kid's Cafe established by God's Pantry in the city of Lexington, as well as a program of the nonprofit organization Repairers Lexington. In addition, it expanded services to include an After School Program prior to feeding dinner each evening. In 2013, the LEAP Summer Program was added to provide free summer care for students in the community. The program moved to New Day Church in 2014, and was renamed E7 Kids Cafe. In August 2021 , we moved to the Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church. The church provides classroom spaces for studying and learning, a large craft room for creativity, and a dining room for nutritious meals to be served after a long day of learning and play.
Today
Our cost-free Afterschool Program is open to all school age children. Referrals for our program come from the Fayette County school system based upon the child's test scores and environmental factors. Students who join us can enjoy homework help and one-on-one reading time with any one of our amazing mentors.
Our Afterschool Program also includes supervised indoor and outdoor play. Additionally, E7 students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on science experiments, get creative with a variety of art projects, and explore their community as we go on different field trips. Each child is given a free snack upon arrival, and served a free hot meal for dinner every evening.
During the summer, E7 Kids Cafe opens its doors to children aged 6 - 14 for LEAP Summer Camp: a no-cost, 8-week program which strives to ensure that kids in our community enjoy a safe and rewarding summer experience. Each week, LEAP participants enjoy supervised indoor and outdoor activities inspired by various educational themes including art, science, cooking, and sports. Additionally, E7 Kids Cafe takes weekly field trips during the summer to both local and out-of-town locations, including The Living Arts and Science Center, The Explorium, Urban Ninja Gym, and the Louisville Zoo and Newport Aquarium! And what summer camp would be complete without some fun in the sun and water?! E7's LEAP Summer Camp students also enjoy supervised trips to the pool twice a week, so our kids can be kids while school is out. Each child is served a free hot meal for lunch at noon, and given a free snack at the end of each day of camp.
Our Afterschool Program also includes supervised indoor and outdoor play. Additionally, E7 students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on science experiments, get creative with a variety of art projects, and explore their community as we go on different field trips. Each child is given a free snack upon arrival, and served a free hot meal for dinner every evening.
During the summer, E7 Kids Cafe opens its doors to children aged 6 - 14 for LEAP Summer Camp: a no-cost, 8-week program which strives to ensure that kids in our community enjoy a safe and rewarding summer experience. Each week, LEAP participants enjoy supervised indoor and outdoor activities inspired by various educational themes including art, science, cooking, and sports. Additionally, E7 Kids Cafe takes weekly field trips during the summer to both local and out-of-town locations, including The Living Arts and Science Center, The Explorium, Urban Ninja Gym, and the Louisville Zoo and Newport Aquarium! And what summer camp would be complete without some fun in the sun and water?! E7's LEAP Summer Camp students also enjoy supervised trips to the pool twice a week, so our kids can be kids while school is out. Each child is served a free hot meal for lunch at noon, and given a free snack at the end of each day of camp.
Testimony of a Parent
"Thank you for all the support and beautiful memories your team has given our family! I appreciate your dedication by diligently helping, my children with homework and encouraging them to be the best they could be. Four years of entertainment, education, extra curricular activities, Christmas gifts, books, friendships, behavioral lessons, and special opportunities as well. The best part was helping insure my four children's safety and giving them a safe haven after school and feeding them dinner, as well as the one on one attention. Each of them has fantastic stories of love and appreciation for each staff member. Thank you so much for "EVERYTHING"."