(262) 898-7250
A ministry of St. Leo the Great Parish

A Free Afterschool Program Built for Racine

A ministry of St. Leo the Great Parish, serving students in grades 4-12 since 2009.
Enroll Your Student

Racine kids needed more than babysitting between school and dinner.

The hours after the bell are when grades slip, screens take over, and the gap between Racine students and their goals widens. John 23 opened in 2009 to close that gap. The mission has not changed: free homework help, 1:1 tutoring, Read to Succeed, Math Basics, daily enrichment, and a meal once a week, all built around what each kid needs.
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Student story

James's Story

James has been coming to John 23 longer than any current student, staff member, or volunteer. He started in elementary school. He still walks himself from school to the center every afternoon.
When he started, James was multiple grade levels behind in reading and math. He was also the kid the younger ones at the center watched. He reminded them to stay focused, to be respectful, to keep working. He was cool without being disrespectful to adults. That kind of presence does not show up on a Renaissance Star report.
Read His Full Story
John 23 gave me hope for my son. I didn't have the resources to help him with math, and when I overheard 'tutoring' at a school resource fair, my ears perked up. My son has been attending John 23 for the past year, and I have seen his growth. John 23 is highly appreciated.
James's Mom

A Ministry of St. Leo the Great Parish

Catholic in identity, open to every family in Racine.

We are rooted in the values of the Catholic Church and named for Pope John XXIII, but we do not require any family to share that faith to enroll. Our programs are open to every Racine student in grades 4-12.
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Meet Our Staff

Darci Green

Executive Director
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Julie Kamphaus

Program Manager
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Allison Clarke

Office & Student Engagement Coordinator
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Sammy Kalski

Communications & Special Projects Manager
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Sophie Tibbals

Tutor
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Angelica Baker

Program Coordinator
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Worried About Your Kid's Afternoons?

You are not alone. You have John 23.
Enroll Your Student

Sophie Tibbals

Tutor
Hello! My name is Sophie. I have years experience working with early education through college aged students. I’m newer to Racine and happy to be so close to the lake. I love taking care of my cats and plants at home. I spend my free time outdoors, starting a new project, or looking for thrift treasures. I look forward to connecting and working with the staff and students at John 23!

Angelica Baker

Program Coordinator
Angelica is excited to join the team at John 23 Educational Center and support the center’s mission of serving local students. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Southern California and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Marquette University. Originally from Oregon, Angelica has always had a love for travel and learning about diverse cultures, which shapes her inclusive and engaging approach to working with students. During her time in Los Angeles, she gained valuable experience working with youth in the LA Unified School District, where she supported students with homework and guided them through college preparatory work. She looks forward to building connections with students and families and contributing to the supportive community at John 23 Educational Center.
angelica_baker@john23center.org

Sammy Kalski

Communications & Special Projects Manager
As a storyteller by nature, Sammy Kalski crafts material that furthers John 23's mission to empower students through education. Sammy received a Bachelor of Arts in English, with an emphasis in writing, from Wisconsin Lutheran College. Previously, she contributed health and wellness articles to Advocate Aurora's health enews. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drafting a fantasy novel, running a book-themed Instagram account, bullet journaling, and singing along to Taylor Swift. Sammy lives in Oak Creek, Wisconsin with her husband and their two cats, Thor and Sylvie.

Allison Clarke

Outreach Coordinator
Allison Clarke has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, with an emphasis on Mental Health and Community. She is a Racine native, and has always had a passion for helping others. Although her background is mainly in the nonprofit sector, she recently worked with both elementary and middle school students in some of the Racine Unified schools, teaching social and emotional learning skills in the Extended Learning Program. Allison is excited to be joining the team at John 23, and is looking forward to building new relationships in the community.
allison_clarke@john23center.org

Julie Kamphaus

Program Manager
Julie Kamphaus is excited to join the John 23 Education Center as the Program Manager to serve the community of Racine and help students grow towards their future. Julie looks forward to bringing her servant-hearted passion and experience into this role to serve the community.
julie_Kamphaus@john23center.org

Darci Green

Executive Director
Darci Green brings to the center years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, most recently for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Racine and Kenosha Counties. Darci earned her bachelor's degree in Communications and a master's in Public Administration with a nonprofit emphasis from Grand Canyon University. Darci will be working with the center's staff to create bold new strategies to continue John 23 Center's work of meeting the educational needs of students in the Racine area. Her heart is passionate about the success of children and young people.
darci_green@john23center.org