On Wednesday, July 29th the DC Adult and Family Literacy Coalition (DC-AFLC) met to celebrate its efforts and victories over the past year and to begin planning its next steps. This was the third annual ‘Big Tent Meeting.’

The DC-AFLC is an alliance of adult learners, educators, advocates, public and private program providers, foundations, and individuals from the District to promote more effective adult education. There are three committees: the Steering Committee, Policy Committee, and Best Practices Committee. Each committee meets throughout the year to prioritize and work on different adult and family literacy issues in the District.

Special guests at the meeting who were honored included DC Councilmembers Charles Allen, David Grosso, and Elissa Silverman.

Councilmember Charles Allen helped raise awareness for adult low literacy through his “Books from Birth” initiative.  Including information about adult education services in each book is an important way of connecting DC residents to the services they need.

“This is a testament to the work you’ve done to really help make sure that you’re advocating and helping arm us, and frankly, convince us, at times, of what’s the right thing to do. I really appreciate the work that you do,” said Councilmember Charles Allen.

Councilmember Charles Allen

Councilmember David Grosso serves on the Career Pathways Task Force. During the OSSE Budget Oversight hearing, Councilmember Grosso helped the DC-AFLC secure a room, so that learners had a place to practice their testimony and enjoy a snack.

Councilmember Grosso spoke in regards to future plans, saying, “The Committee on Education will be holding a hearing on the state diploma question, on how we can move forward with that effort. We’d like the State Board to be engaged to the fully extent, but in the long run, we’re not going to wait around.”

Councilmember David Grosso

Councilmember Elissa Silverman originally introduced the amendment creating the Career Pathways Innovation Fund. She has been a champion for adult education for a number of years. For this, she was awarded the “literacy ninja of the year award.”

“I’ve been to many meetings where advocates get together and want to build power at the Wilson Building, make change, and have a positive impact, and they’re not meeting three years later, being larger with a number of wins. Congratulations to all of you,” said Councilmember Elissa Silverman.

Councilmember Elissa Silverman

For more information about the DC-AFLC, please contact:

Riley Grime

DC Adult Education & Family Literacy Coalition (DC-AFLC)

rgrime@southeastministrydc.org

For information regarding donating to Southeast Ministry, our programs, or volunteering, please visit. www.southeastministrydc.org, or call 202-562-2636.

We also invite you to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and follow our Twitter feed, as well as our Instagram page.

*Please click image above to play video.

Darick Jones is closer than ever to receiving his GED. After spending the last year as a SEM program participant, Darick is just a few points shy of earning his GED.

“Southeast Ministry built my confidence up, I’m closer to getting my GED now then, say, a year ago.”

When asked what his favorite aspect of Southeast Ministry is, Darick had the following to say, “believe it or not, math class with Ms. Riley, it seems like with Ms. Riley it’s real easy to catch on to math. I enjoy math, versus when I was a freshman in high school, I ran away from math.”

“As long as you come and you’re open to getting your GED, you have the will to come to class everyday, Southeast Ministry is where it’s at.”

For information regarding donating to Southeast Ministry, our programs, or volunteering, please visit. www.southeastministrydc.org, or call 202-562-2636.

We also invite you to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and follow our Twitter feed, as well as our Instagram page.

*Please click image above to play video.

Nina Smith wants everyone to know that “you can be successful.”

Nina was a SEM participant from 2010-2012. “I took the GED class, job readiness, and Byte Back classes – PC for beginners, and Microsoft Office Track. My most memorable experience was speaking in front of the DC Council about a TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) bill that was being passed. It made me realize that regardless of what your situation is, or what you’re going through, you’re somebody.”

Nina has used all that she has learned at Southeast Ministry and earned a managerial position at the Mariott Marquis in Northwest, DC. “No matter what it is, if you put your mind and heart and put the work into it, you can be successful.”

Nina’s success has also positively affected her daughter, who recently has been awarded a $54,000 scholarship to the Hill School, a highly selective preparatory boarding school for boys and girls located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

“My advice is, come to Southeast Ministry and get everything that they’re offering. Eventually you will be able to move on to the next step, go to college or get a job. Southeast Ministry took me from the bottom all the way to the top.”

For information regarding donating to Southeast Ministry, our programs, or volunteering, please visit. www.southeastministrydc.org, or call 202-562-2636.

We also invite you to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and follow our Twitter feed, as well as our Instagram page.

Interested in a position at the new Walmart on Riggs Rd NE ?

(church across from new Walmart )

Take the first step toward a construction career! Apply to Building Futures, a 6-week pre-apprenticeship that prepares you to be more competitive in the construction field.

In an effort to increase enrollment of Ward 7-8 residents, Skyland Workforce Center is partnering with Building Futures to offer their entrance test right here in Ward 8! To apply for the August cohort, call Building Futures by this Thursday, July 16, at (202) 974-8224. Mention Skyland Workforce Center to be scheduled to test here at 2509 Good Hope Road SE.

For more details, please click the flyer link and contact Building Futures.

BUILDING FUTURES Skyland Flyer August 2015

We are very excited to share that India Clegg, a Southeast Ministry program participant, has recently received her diploma! After participating in SEM and completing our GED preparation course, India was ready to enroll in the Ballou STAY High School National External Diploma Program (NEDP).

The NEDP provides a unique way for adults to earn a high school diploma. The NEDP allows adults to demonstrate their high school level skills by applying their life and work experiences in real life contexts. NEDP programs have entrance criteria equivalent to about the 8^th grade level.

“India worked very hard, she was always on top of whatever we had her doing, she was such a good student, such a hard worker.” said Riley Grime, a SEM GED instructor. “After a year, she had what she needed to go to Ballou STAY and join their NEDP program. She is getting her diploma, and Southeast Ministry is very proud of her. She is in the process of applying to college, which is really exciting.”

For information regarding donating to Southeast Ministry, our programs, or volunteering, please visit. www.southeastministrydc.org, or call 202-562-2636.

We also invite you to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and follow our Twitter feed, as well as our Instagram page.

*Please click image above to play video.

Carl Jackson has been an active member of the Southeast Ministry family for the past two years. Carl, who has the reputation of having a consistent, positive demeanor, usually responds, “I’m blessed,” when asked how he is doing. Aside from why Carl usually feels this way, he now has another reason to feel as though he is blessed.

Carl has recently completed the dialysis technician program at the University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC). “I feel that Carl has worked very hard  to get his life together, and has made good and positive use of the assistance  we have extended to him,” said Mr. Paul Ruffins, SEM’s Director of Workforce Academics.

The dialysis technician program at UDC-CC is a 120-hour program that prepares learners for employment in a hemodialysis unit. This career pathway covers intricate subjects such as normal and abnormal renal anatomy and physiology, and the principles of dialysis. Carl most certainly worked very hard to complete the program.

When asked how he began the program, Carl stated, “I joined the program 3 months ago because I lost my job. I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I was skeptical at first because I have been through so many programs receiving certifications. As I met the instructors, they gained my confidence by showing interest in who I am.”

Upon completing the dialysis technician program, Carl earned a position as a volunteer for Medstar at Georgetown University Hospital, however he needed $37.10 for a background check before he could begin working. “If he is accepted, this could lead to a real $50,000 a year job,” said Mr. Ruffins.

With SEM’s help, Carl was able to get the necessary money to complete his background check. SEM’s Executive Director, Valarie Ashley expressed, “everyone loves Carl, he is definitely a hard worker. Over the past few years we have helped Carl get steel-toed boots for one job, and helped with his uniform costs for another. He is always upbeat and a great example for everyone in our building. If one does not have $37.10 for a background check, does that mean they lose the opportunity?”

For information regarding donating to Southeast Ministry, our programs, or volunteering, please visit. www.southeastministrydc.org, or call 202-562-2636.

We also invite you to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and follow our Twitter feed, as well as our Instagram page.

This spring, SEM is hosting an intern from the Institute of Philanthropy and Voluntary Service, Christiana Ilufoye. Our staff took some time out to ask Christiana about her experience at SEM thus far.

What did you know about non-profits and about Southeast Ministry?

“Prior to my position as an intern in a non-profit organization, my knowledge of what a non-profit is was very limited. I initially thought that non-profit organizations mostly help the homeless and feed the poor by giving food during the holiday. Even then, I still had a very limited idea of what working for or running an organization really entails. I didn’t know that non-profit organizations needed to continuously look and apply for grants that will bring funds in and stabilize the organization. I thought that majority of their funds came from donation from people.

Initially, I knew little about Southeast Ministry. However, after researching the organization, I was pleased with the information I received from their website. I was even more pleased with the organization’s mission and plans in helping the community progress by providing education. Southeast Ministry not only plans to educate the community, but they also plan to prepare their participants with needed credentials and skills to get respectable jobs. At Southeast Ministry there’s an open door policy, which means that they are willing to help anyone in spite of their age, race, gender, and etc. Their motto, “Open door, Open Hearts, Open Minds” is another great factor that contributes to their unique and innovative mission in truly helping the community get to a better place. Furthermore, their overall goal is to help the community; however, they focus more on the individuals who makes up the community and are willing to sacrifice some of their time to reclaim the education opportunities they missed out on.”

What were your internship expectations?

“Learning about my internship placement at Southeast Ministry I honestly did not know what to expect. However, as a psychology major I was looking forward to understanding what the non-profit organization culture was all about. I was eager to interact with some of the participants who are committed to the programs Southeast Ministry provides. Interaction between different groups and cultures has always fascinated me.”

What have you learned?

“I have learned several things during my time here at Southeast Ministry. First and foremost, non-profits are not companies, nor should ever be identify as companies, but they are organizations trying to better the lives of many people one goal at a time. I learned that those who work behind the scenes of non-profit organizations are just as important as those who work directly on the mission. For instance, the staff who work in the administrative department work just as hard and are just as important as any volunteers or staff member working on the “front line” of the organization. In a non-profit organization, one does not treat their clients, donors, or sponsors as one would do in the business world. Everyone at Southeast Ministry is treated like family. Even the participants would have little chats with their teachers and other participants on how their day or week was like without any fear of being shut down. Apart from the do’s and don’ts that I was able to learn from my supervisor; I was also privileged to have a one-on-one interview with the Executive Director, Valarie Ashley, which was an honor because of how busy and time consuming her schedule is. Sitting in some of the classes given to participants allowed me to learn more on how Southeast Ministry is changing the lives of individuals.”

How will this experience help you moving forward?

“Having this experience has already started helping me in my future plans and goals. During my short time here, I already find myself thinking deeply on what I want to do next after my graduation from college; also, how I can truly help my community become better. It might sound cliché to say I want to be able to help my community, but seeing how the teachers at Southeast Ministry devote their time and knowledge to such a cause that helps people around them become better people has sparked a sense of responsibility for me in my own community.”

What do you like most about Southeast Ministry?

“There are several things to like about Southeast Ministry that might not be seen or noticed at first glance. The students’ eagerness, determination, and patience to learn at their varying ages is a lot to admire. Many of Southeast Ministry participants understand the second chance that have been given to them at no cost to them and they show their appreciation to the organization by coming at scheduled dates and times, being prepared for tasks given to them, and mostly by sharing their experiences at Southeast Ministry to the people in the community. Without a doubt I enjoy my small conversations with the staff members because they are educative, informative, and welcoming kinds of conversations. Not once did any of the staff members make me feel like I was an outsider, which makes my time at Southeast Ministry more enjoyable.”

For information regarding donating to Southeast Ministry, our programs, or volunteering, please visit. www.southeastministrydc.org, or call 202-562-2636.

We also invite you to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and follow our Twitter feed, as well as our Instagram page.

On April 30, on behalf of Southeast Ministry and the DC Adult and Family Literacy Coalition (DC-AFLC), one of our instructors, Riley Grime, and our Executive Director, Valarie Ashley, testified before the DC City Council Committee on Education at its budget oversight hearing.

“95 percent of the adult learners who are currently enrolled t Southeast Ministry entered our program as adult basic education students, meaning that they tested at or below an 8th grade functioning level. Of that 95 percent, about two-thirds tested below a 5th grade level,” said Ms. Grime.

“The vast majority of our learners come to us with two goals: to gain a high school credential, and to gain the skills necessary to begin a new or better career in order to support themselves and their families. Both of these goals are attainable for our learners, but require a considerable amount of time and effort to achieve,” she continued. “Adult learners at Southeast Ministry know what is at stake as they work towards achieving their goals. They support each other in their educational process, just as members of the DC-AFLC support each other in their work to strengthen adult and family literacy policies for the city.”

In regards to the motivation of adult learners, Mrs. Ashley spoke about a recent incident, “On Tuesday, May 6, 2014, a few minutes after 9 a.m., gunmen opened fire on a group in front of our building. A learner in our class was hit by shell casings. I remember being deeply moved. The next day when I asked how she was doing, she answered, ‘I can’t let anything stop me from getting my education.'”

Valarie went on to say, “literacy is a fundamental skill that profoundly affects one’s ability to participate in all aspects of work, family, and community in 21st century life. There are many who are also recognizing it as an issue of civil rights. Evidence about the positive effects of parental/adult literacy and its relationship to K-12 success, health literacy, and of course employment and economic development outcomes have been well documented. Organizations like SEM and others are on the front lines of the battle to give adults an educational second chance, to help adults succeed at training to find work, improve their children’s educational outcomes, and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.”

For information regarding donating to Southeast Ministry, our programs, or volunteering, please visit. www.southeastministrydc.org, or call 202-562-2636.

We also invite you to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and follow our Twitter feed, as well as our Instagram page.

Thomas Walker started coming to Southeast Ministry in 2012 with a goal of turning his life around, “I gave up my street life and decided to come to SEM and take Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Byte Back classes.” After taking a pretest, Mr. Walker completed the ‘PC For Beginners’ and ‘Microsoft Office Track’ classes offered by Byte Back at Southeast Ministry. While taking SEM’s ABE course, his work ethic and the increases in his post-test results in the classroom led our Educational Coordinator, Diane Harris, to recommend that Mr. Walker get his high school diploma through the National External Diploma Program (NEDP).

The NEDP provides a unique way for adults to earn a high school diploma. The NEDP allows adults to demonstrate their high school level skills by applying their life and work experiences in real life contexts. NEDP programs have entrance criteria equivalent to about the 8^th grade level.

“I’m happy that Mrs. Harris recommended that I get my diploma, I was doing well in the classes, she saw that and believed in my ability to pass the test.” After earning his diploma, Thomas earned full-time employment, but unfortunately got injured and needed a hip replacement. “I have recently been in the hospital from June to December, but I will not let that stop me. My injury left me unable to walk for an extended period of time, but during that time I have started to study for a telecommunications and wiring certification. My goal is to become a computer technician.”

When asked what role Southeast Ministry has played in his successes, Thomas said, “Southeast Ministry has been a big help. The instructors here are patient, they always push you, and make it comfortable to come here. Mr. Ruffins worked with me a lot. If you want to make a change, this is where you should start. I recommend Southeast Ministry to anyone; they put you in the right mind frame to do better. I always come back here, this is where I study, and I’m never going to stop, this is my new family.”

For information regarding donating to Southeast Ministry, our programs, or volunteering, please visit. www.southeastministrydc.org, or call 202-562-2636.

We also invite you to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and follow our Twitter feed, as well as our Instagram page.