Learning & Loving Education Center
Learning & Loving Education Center
Continued from page 15
“ I love the Center ; all the women are great ,” Yabumoto said . “ Every time I come back it makes me happy to see my library in use .”
In addition to literacy classes , the Center offers computer technology programs . Some of these are basic programs , “ From typing and learning how to keyboard , all the way up to intermediate Quickbooks ,” Hanson said .
Several of their women have husbands with small businesses , and learning Quickbooks allows them to act as bookkeepers for them .“ Hopefully these classes will prepare them for future employment ,” she said .
Supporting Families
Since many of the women who come in have small children , there is a small preschool and daycare onsite for children ages 22 months to five years . Any woman who is there taking classes can bring her children to be cared for during her studies , which Hanson said is a big help .
“ People always say [ we support ] women , but I focus on the fact that these are mothers . The unique thing about our Center is that mothers and young children can go to school together ,” Yinger said .
There is even a parenting class , offered in partnership with Rebekah Children ' s Services , free of charge , and a newlyadded citizenship preparation class .
They also try to keep a “ holistic program ,” that keeps the body and creativity in mind , Hanson said , offering Yoga classes , sewing classes , knitting and art .
Hanson is deeply inspired by the women who participate in their program . “ In spite of many difficulties and challenges , these women really want to better themselves , they want to learn English , to be part of the community , and they ’ re very giving .”
The center sees women from about age 20 to their late 70s , though the median age is “ around 40 ” Hanson said . “ Some of the older women are coming to learn the language . It ’ s difficult but they want to , and it ’ s rewarding to see how hard they work .”
“[ The women ], who come from so many countries , want what every mother wants for their kids ; which is a good education and a better life . The fact that we have an opportunity to provide that kind of service is , to me , the crux of what ’ s so good about what happens here ,” Yinger said .
Hanson estimates that they have touched some 3,000 women ’ s lives , and that ripples out much wider when you include the children ’ s and families ' lives , as well .
When Hanson has asked women what they like about the Center , “ They say ‘ It ’ s like another home to me . I ’ ve made friends here , everyone is kind to me .’” She believes that the women feel especially safe there .
These women are all “ very key in their families ,” Hanson added , and they all value education . “ I see a real shift in people [ when they come to the Center ]; these women care about their children and want them to succeed and be part of this country they ’ ve come to .”
Hanson firmly believes that the Center is creating “ a foundation ” of education for these women that they are keen to continue within their own families . She said that many of the children of the women who come to the Center go on to big colleges such as UCLA , UC Berkeley and Cal Poly . She said she likes to believe that the Center plays a part in their success .
A Question of Funding
Their biggest challenge is always funding . Hanson is amazed that they can make it all work , and they are always looking for new donor sources .
There is some anxiety over how the latest changes to the tax code will affect whether individual donors can continue to write off their donations , which she hopes won ’ t change their support , but she feels blessed by their solid volunteers , board of trustees , and the Sisters of the Presentation , themselves . “ They love the Center and put themselves out for that emotionally , professionally and financially .”
Ultimately Hanson believes the community that has supported them all these years will continue to support what they value . Yinger agreed , “ this kind of person-to-person , direct love transcends any kind of political , social , cultural stuff that surrounds us all the time .”
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JUNE / JULY 2018 gmhtoday . com
53