Learning Centers

Imagine wanting to read this page and not being able to understand it. A word here or there is familiar, but only a word. You're alone because the world cannot teach you.

For many, this is life before arrival at Charis House or The Rescue Mission -- alone. Even for those who can read, many find their drug or alcohol abuse has harmed their memory. They have forgotten what they once knew and cannot remember what they learn. They are afraid they will not have a future, especially in today's competitive job market that demands top qualifications and computer literacy.

The Learning Center was established in 1993 to educate residents and equip them for employment. The Learning Center program has established three primary objectives to prepare participants for independent and productive living outside the Mission.

Improvement of student self-worth and self-confidence;
Students' acceptance of responsibility for their own education;
Preparation of students for employment.

Students seek to improve their skills through a comprehensive educational program that uses an individualized approach to learning as an alternative to lecture-based education. This allows them to progress at their own pace. All students use computer enhanced, self-instructional curriculum and mastery-based learning techniques with emphasis on practical academic and employment skills. The following goals have been established to measure how well these objectives are being met.

Learning skills such as math and writing must be at or above the 50th percentile as measured by the Learning Efficiency Test.
Reading skills must be at or above the 8th grade level as measured by the Diagnostic Screening Test for Reading.
The Writing Skills improvement program must be completed. Topics include: grammar, writing, research techniques and preparation of a short research paper.
Math skills must be at or above the 8th grade level.
Participants must have a GED or high school diploma. GED preparation is given to those lacking this requirement.
Participants must master computer literacy skills as taught by the software program Professor Teaches.

Most important of all, graduates of the Learning Center can read this page, understand, and remember its message. This is freedom! This is the miracle that happens at the Learning Center!