Franklin County LifeWise Academy

Host Donna Klein welcomes Kendal Wilkinson, the new Franklin County director for LifeWise Academy. Together, they explain what LifeWise is, how release-time religious instruction works, and what the Franklin County community can do to help the program get started.

Kendal shares how the program is designed to work alongside public schools, describes a LifeWise launch she witnessed in another county, and reflects on the personal journey that led her to this role.

Key topics

• Introducing Kendal Wilkinson and LifeWise Academy — Kendal shares her new role and introduces the LifeWise movement.
• How release-time instruction works — The discussion covers instruction during the school day, parental consent, off-campus locations, and private funding.
• Program logistics — Students may travel to a church, library, community center, fire department, or other host site during a non-core class period.
• Working with schools and families — Donna and Kendal describe LifeWise as a community collaboration intended to fit school schedules.
• Biblical teaching and character development — They discuss the curriculum’s Bible stories, memory verses, and emphasis on character and purpose.
• Kendal’s path to the role — Kendal talks about faith, surrender, life changes, and the relationships that led her to the position.
• A firsthand look at a LifeWise launch — She recounts seeing students welcomed, receiving Bibles, and taking part in a new program.
• What Franklin County needs — Kendal discusses building awareness, student interest, volunteers, board participation, and funding.
• Community movie night — The episode mentions a planned screening of Off School Property and an opportunity for people to learn more.

Timestamps

00:00 — Donna introduces Kendal and Franklin County LifeWise

01:18 — What LifeWise is and how release-time instruction works

02:17 — The three legal guidelines: funding, consent, and off-campus instruction

03:15 — One hour a week and the community-based model

04:13 — Why this matters for families who do not attend church

05:19 — Identity, purpose, and being defined by something bigger

06:19 — Supporting students alongside their education

07:36 — Why children are hungry for truth and hope

08:37 — Kendal’s testimony: calling, surrender, and God’s timing

11:23 — Moving to Louisburg and leaving a long-term job

12:52 — Relationships that led to the Franklin County director role

14:26 — Wanting hands-on experience with the program

16:31 — What a launch day looks like and how host sites work

18:01 — Children receive Bibles and begin in Genesis

19:16 — Curriculum, memory verses, and learning through videos

20:11 — Growth, shuttles, buses, and expanding student interest

21:39 — Trust raising, donations, and funding the mission

22:30 — Background checks and training for adults

23:28 — Building the board and seeking community support

24:21 — Pre-enrollment, giving, and why awareness matters

25:50 — Goal to launch the first Franklin County school

26:49 — How the community can pray and help

27:18 — Staying focused on the mission amid opposition

28:44 — Movie night and community next steps

29:10 — Off School Property movie-night details

30:09 — Closing remarks and thanks

Ways to support the effort

• Pre-enroll a student if your family is interested.
• Consider giving to support the program.
• Explore volunteering or serving on the board.
• Share information about LifeWise in Franklin County.
• Pray for the launch, funding, volunteers, and community support.