Legacy Project—opening a doorway to literacy and education
Just
minutes from the noise of Interstate 90 and steps from Superior Avenue’s
busy storefronts, a man works quietly with a dictionary and a reading assignment
in a cool basement classroom. Here in the learning center of the SND Legacy
Project on Ansel Road (an economically poor, inner-city area of Cleveland, Ohio, USA),
Steve spends more than eight hours a week working with tutors on writing,
reading, math and science, government and geography, determined to earn the
high school diploma that has eluded him since he quit the tenth grade more
than twenty years ago.
The Legacy Project was born during Province Days 2000, when the sisters
of the Chardon province agreed to mark the sesquicentennial of our congregation
by establishing a shared project as a living legacy to people in need,
an
outreach of our mission to “educate for justice and empower the poor.” By
happy coincidence, the renovations of the Ansel Road building were nearing
completion that summer, offering a symbolic location for the project. (This
building was used by the sisters as their provincial center for many years
before they moved to Chardon in 1960.)
Sister Mary Frances Dunham, founding director of the Legacy Project, began
exploring the literacy needs of people in the neighborhood in August
2000. Since the move to the present office space in January of 2002, many have found the learning center a doorway to literacy.
Since taking the reins of the Legacy Project in 2002, Sister Mary Kathleen
Ruddy has worked hard to help the adult students. Most
are in their thirties, forties and fifties, men and women who work
full-time or part-time, care for their families, and still make time
for several
class hours each week.
Most
students make great sacrifices for the treasure of education. One woman works
at a downtown hotel from 6 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., and
then
takes several
buses to get to Ansel Road for class at 4:00 p.m. Another woman balances
her 11 p.m.–7 a.m. housekeeping job with an hour of class twice
a week. They are among the center’s fifty weekly “regulars.” Some of Sister Mary Kathleen’s former colleagues at
Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School have volunteered bringing their enthusiasm and care,
as well as specializations in social studies, math and English, all
aimed at moving the students toward high school equivalency exams.
Steve works till midnight six days a week, but is in his chair promptly
at 8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. He knows the value of what he
is learning.
“This is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Steve says. He has
improved his skills enormously in the past months, gaining as many as three
grade levels in reading. “I can express myself better. I can put my
ideas on paper without being ashamed, and that gives me a sense of freedom.
It’s beautiful.” Pleased and encouraged by his progress, Steve
has told friends and acquaintances that, if they need their GED (high school
graduate equivalency diploma), this is the place to get good teaching, one-on-one
attention, and the encouragement to learn. “I want people to take advantage
of this program,” Steve says. “I think it’s the most uplifting
thing in this community right now.” These are strong words spoken by
a man who has overcome many challenges.
The Legacy Project’s learning center has challenges. Like many urban works, the learning center operates on a minimal
budget. In addition to increased funding, Sister Kathleen hopes for more volunteers.
The Legacy Project continues to be a ministry of bringing
hope and education to people who are improving their lives and
their families’ futures.
