Kids Quest has quietly become a vibrant hub of support, enrichment, and faith for elementary students in Ellwood City.
Far more than just religious education, Kids Quest bridges academics, recreation, and spiritual formation across generations.
“This is an effort involving many churches and families in our district,” said founding board member Sean Brubaker.
Over the past few years, its programs have grown, its volunteers rallied, and its impact begun to ripple across neighborhoods—providing a space where children feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.
“We have been around for five years now and have had as many as 80 students enrolled at one time,” Brubaker said.
And the program is always open to new kids. Sign your child up to participate here.
At its core, Kids Quest is shaped by a clear mission: to introduce children to Jesus in a loving, age-appropriate way.
Because Kids Quest believes in meeting children where they are, the program is curated to be developmentally appropriate, engaging, and grounded in relational connection. Children not only receive opportunities to build friendships, develop trust with mentors, and explore faith in a safe, encouraging environment through its Released Time program. Under Pennsylvania law, parents and guardians may excuse their child one hour per week from public school for religious education. Kids Quest leverages that provision to host Bible classes for 3rd to 6th graders from the Perry and Hartman elementary schools.
How it works: every other Thursday during the school year, from 1 to 2 PM, Kids Quest holds Bible instruction sessions. Students from Perry attend classes at First Church of God on Mercer Road, while Hartman students meet at Calvin Presbyterian Church on Crescent Avenue. Transportation is provided: Perry students ride on Ellwood City Transit school buses, and Hartman students walk accompanied by adult volunteers. Best of all, the service is offered free of charge, thanks to donations and community support.
For many children, this hour is not merely a religious class — it is an inviting space to ask questions and build relationships with caring adult mentors.
The program recently announced that it acquired a new director, Eric Milnes. Milnes has been married to his wife, Macenzie, for seven years. They have a 2-year-old daughter and baby on the way. Milnes grew up in the church. His parents Tom and Barb Milnes live in Ellwood City and his father is a pastor at Ellport Community Church.
“I led a youth group there seven or eight years ago and grew up in the church,” Milnes said. “I also had many internships at churches.”
Milnes currently worships and works at Calvin Presbyterian Church in the youth and children’s programs.
“I have been going to Calvin for a little over two years and when the director of youth ministry left, I applied for the position and got it.”
He began his role with Kids Quest in September. Currently he is working to get things organized, streamline the process, and working on public relations and advertising. In addition, he is working to build relationships with the kids in the program.
“I am really trying to connect with the kids we are working with,” he said. “I want to get to know the kids and see what their needs are.”
Milnes said he has loved the job so far.
“I felt led to apply for this position. Once I was hired, I hit the ground running and getting recruiting underway.”
Milnes feels like he was meant to lead in faith. Although he attended college planning to embark on a different journey, he was compelled to return to serving an alternative purpose.
“I have a graphic design degree but ended up going back into ministries. That’s where my heart is.”
Kids Quest is weaving a quiet legacy: children who feel seen, challenged, and equipped; a community that rallies around its youngest members; and a foundation for future generations to walk in confidence.
Be the first to comment on "Faith in the School Day: Local Program Offers Released Time Bible Classes"