The program is set up during the day, Monday through Thursday,
8:30 a.m. to noon. The scheduling also allows students to receive
breakfast and lunch at the center.
"It's really an outreach to a community where there's a heavy
need." Sister Johnice said. "Literacy is a top priority
that we are pushing. Our whole program is based on self-sufficiency.
We did not want to set the center up so we would just be a place of handouts."
The program now has 19 people enrolled in the GED class, although not
all of the students show up every day due to appointments and other
commitments. Four students have graduated with GEDs and have gone on
to enroll at Erie Community College. Another student is close to
completion of her studies. Sister Johnice is pleased with the results.
"You may not always have 19 people, but you have 10 or 12 people
in so it's a good number," she said. "One of the
difficulties we run into is that the people are not used to
structure, so we have to teach them. this is how you dress, this is
how you come prepared for school. Punctuality is also very important
as well."
As of right now the classes are focused on general education.
"I think as people become more educated, we're going to find
that we're going into more specific topics with them," Sister
Johnice said. Students range in age from 17 to 65. While most come
from the East Side, social service programs have also recommended
people from other places in Erie County to come to the center.
Participants in the program go to classes as long as they need to.
There is no timetable or semester at Sister's School. "They work
through at the level and pace they're able to be educated at,"
Sister Johnice said. "Sometimes they have to learn for a few
days on the same page. It's an ongoing think until they complete it
at the level at which they're learning."
However, the program faces problems in the near future with the
budget crisis in Erie County. The Response To Love Center's funding
has been cut from $55,000 to $9,000 recently. The center partnered
with the Broadway Market during Holy Week in March to receive patron donations.
"We asked people to make up the money we have lost," Sister
Johnice said. "A lot of people have come forward (with
donations). We really have to plan on turning to the community and
saying, ' We don't want the whine about it, but we need your help."
Despite some hardships, Sister Johnice said "Sister's School is
a program well worth working for." When you see the people come
in not knowing how to read or write, when they complete the GED or
are here learning, there's such a sense of accomplishment, building
up of their self- esteem and affirmation of their character,"
Sister Johnice said. "It brings a sense of pride to them, and
that's what we're here for. (We're) here to educate them and make a
difference in their lives, and while they've lost previous years, we
want them to know that they're still good people."
As reported in the Western
New York Catholic, April 2005.
