Our History
Homeschool Teen Serve (HTS) began in the fall of 2006 when three homeschooling moms from Omaha, Nebraska – Karen Matychuk, Elise Pavelka, and Phyllis Titus – followed God’s leading and began planning monthly service projects for homeschooled teens in their area. Additionally, they contacted the pastor of senior adults at their church and asked for names of elder citizens who might appreciate help with yard work and other household duties. They began contacting other homeschooling families and introducing them to their idea of organizing monthly service projects for teens, and by the time of the inaugural project in September of 2006, 27 students from 19 families had signed up.
The word spread throughout the homeschool community about this community service group for teens, and with each passing year, more families became excited about being involved. During the 2011-12 school year, 170 teens contributed over 4,200 hours of volunteer service in the greater Omaha area.
In March, 2012, the group which had been informally been referred to as “Teen Serve” became an officially recognized non-profit organization in the state of Nebraska, and changed its official name to Homeschool Teen Serve. Later that year, two new chapters opened in nearby Nebraska communities: one in Bellevue and another in the Louisville-Springfield area. There are currently four active chapters of HTS operating in the State of Nebraska: Lincoln, Louisville/Springfield, Omaha, and Papillion.
In September, 2014, HTS was awarded a Federal 501(c)3 group exemption by the Internal Revenue Service. All donations to HTS and its affiliate chapters are tax-deductible. If you’re interested in making a donation, click on the link below.
We’re excited about sharing the vision and joy of HTS with homeschoolers in other cities. If you’d like to receive information about opening a chapter in your area, or if you are interested in having a representative from HTS speak to your homeschool association or support group, click below.