The story of Lago Vista Neighbor is a story of how God turned a simple “yes” into a flourishing community. What began as a small tutoring effort by local teachers has grown into a multi-faceted, incarnational ministry that calls the Lago Vista community “home.”
2010: Humble Beginnings
It started with a gap. In the spring of 2010, Laney Howard and a group of fellow teachers noticed their students from the Lago Vista mobile home park were falling behind. They began meeting one afternoon a week in the park’s clubhouse to offer “Homework Help.” Within a year, this small gathering blossomed into an enrichment program, sparking a vision for something deeper.
2011–2012: Moving In (The Incarnational Shift)
When the clubhouse was no longer available for meetings, the ministry reached a turning point. Through the support of Faith Church in Loveland, the ministry purchased its first program trailer.
More importantly, the ministry became incarnational. In 2012, Laney and Duncan Howard moved into the park to live among the families they served. This “life-on-life” model allowed the ministry to expand beyond academics into Bible clubs, youth leadership teams, and summer camps, growing deep relationships with neighbors.
2014–2016: Room to Grow
As participation grew, so did the need for space. In a remarkable display of community partnership, the Thompson School District provided two modular buildings. Renovated by many volunteers and supported by a grant from Colorado Trust, these modulars became the “hub” of the neighborhood programs—places of learning, laughter, and spiritual growth.
2017–Present: Building for the Future
In 2017, the ministry was officially named Lago Vista Neighbor and registered with the State of Colorado. What started as one teacher’s prayer is now supported by over 10 area churches and numerous local businesses.
Today, under the leadership of our Board of Directors and Executive Director Seth Rickard, we continue to bridge the gap between academic success and a deep walk with Christ. While our staff and facilities have grown, our heart remains the same: to develop youth and support our community.