About L.C.C.H.A.

A Retrospective Look at The Litchfield County Christian Homeschool Association by Barbara Marsh
 
     The association was created in 1992 when several homeschool moms in the area noted a need for information and support for families that were just starting out on the homeschooling adventure.
     Three ladies opened their homes to meet with other homeschoolers to discuss curriculum, teaching, and everything related to the task of homeschooling. These women, Marlene Hewett, Sharon Bryant and Kristie Casciani were the founders of what later became The Northwest Connecticut Homeschool Association. As the group grew too large for living rooms, they later met at the First Congregational Church of Torrington. In the course of the next four years or so, Marlene and Sharon both moved out of state due to family job situations.
    Kristie carried on with those moms willing to serve in organizational and leadership roles. Vivian Nole compiled and distributed , at her own expense, a directory of the families in the association. This was invaluable in helping moms set up classes, contact others for information on curriculum and for generally getting plugged into the homeschooling community. For a while, the association hosted a yearly recognition service at Friendship Baptist Church on Litchfield Road. At this service, each child was recognized for his school year's achievements. Even if the child was three years old, a certificate was presented.
     In 1991 there was considerable activity on the legal front concerning homeschooling in Connecticut. Several area support groups worked closely with T.E.A.C.H. (The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers) to establish a good relationship with legislators and get some homeschool friendly statutes on the books. This work by previous homeschoolers is the main reason that Connecticut is one of the least restrictive states in which to homeschool.
     The first issue of "The Northwestern Bulletin" was published in August of 1997. Lynn Patnaude published this on her home computer, accepting information and submissions from members and gleaning noteworthy items from newspapers and other places. She also wrote a monthly feature, "The Scripture Corner." The cost of this undertaking was paid for with member's subscriptions. It usually broke even. Vivian and Lynne published this each month during the school year, skipping June & July.
     There was special section in the newsletter called "Higher Ground" which was specifically designed for teens, by teens, in 1999.  Keren Casciani did the coordination, compiling, researching and some writing/editing under the watchful eye of her mom.  Michalah Casciani took over the job the next year when Keren went off to college.
     Starting in September of 2000, Barbara Marsh took over the editing duties of "The Northwest Bulletin."  Later that year, the newsletter was also made available on the Internet. The paper newsletter was also published and available for a while. But, even after increasing the subscription price, this became too costly and the newsletter became available only on the web, but at no cost to members.
     As homeschooling took off in Connecticut, many other support groups sprang up. The decision was made to change the association's name to "The Litchfield County Christian Homeschool Association" in September of 1999. It was hoped this would better define the group and eliminate confusion with other groups having "Northwest Connecticut" as a part of their names.
     As the original organizers continued to homeschool their families, time marched on. Many of these children are now in high school or college, some are married and some are even having children of their own. The focus of the families from the original leadership is heading in other directions now.
     In order to meet the needs of the LCCHA members, it is time to hand the reins of leadership over to the next group of willing Moms & Dads. There may be a slight bump in the road as this transition takes place, but as Paul said in his letter to Titus, "the older women must teach what is good to the younger women." (Titus 2:3)  

LCCHA Today

     Since 2005 Steve and Lisa Nolan have been serving the northwest corner of CT by building, hosting and maintaining the LCCHA website.  Through the domain we have established a self-maintaining email distribution list that is keeping over 100 families in touch. The Web hosting is a gift from the Nolan family to the homeschooling community, so that LCCHA's services can remain free of charge. All LCCHA members are welcome and encouraged to organize homeschool classes, fieldtrips and programs for circulation on the distribution list. LCCHA today is what members make of it.

Statement of Faith

While there is a variety of Christian denominations represented among LCCHA's members, there are foundational beliefs we share in common, including:

We believe in one God as having eternally existed as three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
We believe in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, as God incarnate, being fully God and fully man, yet without sin.
We believe that salvation is offered as a free gift, and is attained only through personal faith in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ alone, and not through works of man.
We believe that all men are sinners and are in desperate need of God's saving grace through Jesus Christ.
We believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God; that it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We believe the Bible is the final authority on all matters.
We believe that children are a gift of God to their parents, whose responsibility it is to train them in a manner pleasing to Him.