Community works together to educate those in need
Date: 1/26/2010
Jan. 27, 2010.By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor
WESTFIELD -- See a need, fill a need. That's just what the non-profit organization DOMUS Inc. and community partners did in 2008.
Two years ago they saw a substantial need for GED preparation and tutoring programs in Westfield. Less than two years later, Westfield Community Education (WCE) was formed and has since posted a 93 percent success rate for those who take the GED.
"The whole [point] is to get people back on their feet and to get them educated," Ann Lentini, executive director of DOMUS Inc., told Reminder Publications. "This is clearly a community effort."
Lentini noted many members of the community and Westfield organizations have stepped up to help WCE.
"We're doing everything we can to really help them," Barbara Trant, director of Volunteers in Westfield Public Schools, said. "The attendance rate has been really high [among students] and that's what keeps us going."
Trant noted students include those who've recently dropped out of high school and cannot go back because of work obligations and also those who are much older and don't feel comfortable returning to a daily high school.
"The folks that we serve are very bright, they're just missing those years of formal education," Ken White, dean of Community Services at Holyoke Community College and volunteer professor with WCE, said. "Almost 100 percent of them are at or below the poverty level. Without a high school diploma or high school equivelancy, folks are generally at the bottom of the list to be hired or rehired."
Catherine Tansey, school adjustment counselor at Westfield High School, noted WCE's GED prep courses are also very affordable for young students forced to leave school. She said she encourages students to remain in school for as long as possible; however, WCE provides students with another option for success.
Lentini explained the GED program is offered at minimal cost to students who are obligated to pay $35 to cover the expense of the textbook.
She noted $4,000 is needed to cover the teacher's salary for fiscal year 2011, however. WCE is running a fundraising campaign to cover the next cycle's teacher salary.
"Easthampton Savings Bank has already made a donation to the program, and we are very grateful to them and their support of this community," Lentini said. "Our only expense is instruction. Office support and supplies are provided by DOMUS and there are no administrative costs."
Trant noted the course has educated 79 people in three 14-week cycles.
Classes run in the spring and fall semesters, beginning in January and September, respectively. GED prep classes take place at the Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Pre-GED prep classes also meet at the Athenaeum on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
More information about special tutoring for can be obtained by calling WCE at 568-4494. To get on the waiting list for the next GED-prep or pre-GED prep cycle, call 562-0716.
Donations to WCE, a non-state supported adult education program, may be sent to Westfield Community Education, c/o DOMUS Inc., 4 School St., Westfield, MA 01086.
