Time to go back to school: In this new economy, a high school education or obtaining a GED is now even more important than ever. istockphotoLANSING, MI — Attempting to get a GED is a daunting task under the best of circumstances. Doing so while facing unemployment, lack of adequate housing, child care, or food can be more than most people can overcome. That’s where downtown Lansing’s Advent House comes in to help level the playing field.
According to Literacy director Toni Townshend, Advent House Ministries (AHM) brings hope to the Lansing community by providing food, shelter, education and life skills to people in need. “We bring together people of many faiths to create a community of hope for those who struggle with poverty and homelessness. Through our programs, we provide respite from life’s adversities and create opportunities for children and adults to fulfill their potential,” Townsend says.
So far this year over 300 people have registered for the GED program at Advent House, an overwhelming increase since the beginning of the current economic downturn. “I don’t think most Americans really understand what has happened to members of our society who lack an education,” says Chris Dancisak, an Advent House volunteer who assists with program administration. “We hear news stories about college graduates who can’t find work. But think of the challenges faced by a 24 year-old mother with a 9th grade education. Our GED program is one of the few avenues available to help people open up new opportunities,” Dancisak notes.
The GED program at AHM is the most flexible in the Lansing area. Both tutoring and group classes are offered. Advent House also covers the $175.00 per student fee for GED testing and certification to successful candidates.
While participating in the GED offerings, participants are also able to take advantage of a wide range of services offered by AHM, including:
Weekend Day Shelter – Serves over 3,000 meals per year, served every Saturday and Sunday.
Family Literacy and Bible School-Currently serves approximately 47 children and 10 parents who participate in weekend activities, including holiday celebrations, literacy lessons, biblical readings and activities, arts and crafts projects and computer lessons.
Good Work! Employment Program-Provides supportive services to homeless and at-risk for homelessness adult clients including bus passes, life skills, workplace skills.
New Way In-Provides employment skills training, acclimation to the community, job leads and referrals to other necessary services for ex-offenders.
The history of Advent House began twenty -nine years ago, as inner city churches in the Lansing area became aware of the needs of the urban poor, Westminster Presbyterian Church (now North Westminster Church) where Advent House Ministries is housed, began outreach efforts. This outreach movement became independently incorporated in 1987 as Advent House Ministries. Currently, AHM provides the only Weekend Day Shelter (available all day on weekends, with complete meals being served) three transitional shelter homes, case management services for struggling families and individuals, Literacy/GED assistance for adults, a family-oriented Literacy and Bible Study weekend program for children and parents and employment readiness/job development for the homeless or near homeless.
For more information about Advent House Adult and Family Literacy Programs, including volunteer opportunities, contact Toni Townshend, Literacy Director, at 517/485-4722. Visit Advent House online at www.adventhouse.com.
This was printed in the July 29, 2012 – August 11, 2012 Edition
