All of our Quality of Life programs are free to backside workers.
Art Class- Guitar Class
- Soccer
- Bowling
- Movie Nights
- Field Trips
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
- Bilingual Legal Clinics
The Learning Center strives to provide programming to the workers on the backside that gives them the opportunity to improve their quality of life. Whether this is by attending our Art Class or by participating in weekly Soccer games, we hope to provide the workers with a well-rounded experience.
Art Class
Our Art Class is taught by a retired Art teacher. Students have the opportunity to learn how to draw, paint, repoussé (aluminum foil), scratchboards and stain glass mosaics. There are other opportunities to work in clay and plaster sculpture.
Several years ago Lynn Ashton, Director of the Kentucky Derby Museum, and Jennifer Hoert, Director of the Learning Center, were so impressed with the artistic results of the students that they decided to have a backside art contest. From this endeavor, a large exhibit was planned at the Kentucky Derby Museum. This was called the Dream-Chaser exhibit and it was presented last year.
Art Class meets on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Guitar Class
Guitar class is taught by a volunteer and meets on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Class topics range from reading music to strumming. Students are encouraged to bring their own guitar to class, however, it is not required.
Soccer
Soccer is on Sundays at George Rogers Clark Park. Soccer Sundays start in May and usually end in October. Students who participate in at least one hour a week of programming are welcome to attend. Volunteers are always needed to drive the students.
We meet at the Chapel on the backside of Churchill Downs and leave for the park at 5:30 p.m. We usually return around 7:30 p.m. Sometimes we stop for ice cream.
Bowling
Bowling is on Sundays at Ten Pin Lanes on Shelbyville Road. Bowling usually takes place in November and lasts until Chuchill Closes. Students who participate in at least one hour a week of programming are welcome to attend. Volunteers are always needed to drive the students.
We meet at the Chapel on the backside of Churchill Downs at 5:45 p.m. and leave at 6 p.m. We usually return around 8:30 p.m.
Movie Nights
Every Friday at 5:30 p.m., the Learning Center shows a movie, either in Spanish or with Spanish subtitles. Free popcorn is provided and sodas can be purchased for $1.00. Students are encouraged to tell us which movies they would like to see.
Field Trips
The Learning Center takes the students on several field trips a year. This year we took the students on field trips to KY Kingdom, Atlantis Water Park, Louisville Zoo, KY State Fair, WorldFest, Kart Kountry, Actor's Theatre and many more!
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Trained volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns and file them for free, as part of the IRS' Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Bilingual (English/Spanish) assistance will be available during all of the sessions. Due to IRS Regulations, individuals who earned more than $40,000, had any international or military income during 2007, or that are required to complete Schedules C, D or E are not eligible for this free tax preparation service.
What you need to bring:
- A PHOTO ID (NO TAX RETURNS CAN BE FILED WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL ID CARD)
- Social Security/ITIN numbers for you and any dependents
- All W2 forms received from employers and any 1098 or 1099 forms received
- A blank check or deposit slip for faster direct deposit of refunds
- A list of payments made to child care facilities (with tax ID numbers and addresses)
- Proof of legal guardianship for dependents who are not one's children
- Divorce custody documents
- Any other tax-related documents received
We offer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) at the Learning Center at Churchill Downs and Trackside Louisville.
Bilingual Legal Clinics
Every June, the Learning Center gives backside workers the opportunity to talk to lawyers about Family Law and Immigration. Interpreters are provided.