ADULT BASIC EDUCATION: MORE THAN JUST A GED PROGRAM
AEOA’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program may be associated with people who have not graduated from high school and are looking for a second chance by passing the General Educational Development (GED) exam; but recently, AEOA has shifted that focus to helping people— with or without a high school diploma or GED—transition to a two-year college or to employment. AEOA is pleased to house ABE Instructor, Terri Ferris, in the Learning Center at Mesabi Range Community & Technical College. Terri is available on campus to assist students with math, reading, writing, “college knowledge,” and preparation for the Accuplacer placement test used by Mesabi Range when enrolling new students.
Terri has been working with Gustavo as a student since September of 2009. He came to the United States as a teenager from Columbia. He graduated from a local high school a few years ago and returned to Columbia in hopes of going to college. Instead, unforeseen circumstances brought him back to the United States to finish his degree. As with many students who have been out of school for a few years, Gustavo needed some skills enhancement before enrolling in college. Having always been a very dedicated learner, he has spent numerous hours at both the Mesabi Range ABE site and the Eveleth evening ABE site. In December, he completed the Accuplacer and successfully enrolled for spring semester, 2010. Even with his full load of 13 credits, he is doing very well in college. Terri and Gustavo see each other often when he comes to give updates on his progress and to receive a little extra assistance from ABE.
AEOA’s ABE program is free for anyone 16 years of age or older and not enrolled in a public school. Call (218) 749-4352 for more information.
AEOA LAUNCHES EARLY HEAD START EXPANSION
Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency has operated a Head Start pre-school program since 1965 and an Early Head Start program since 2003. Early Head Start currently serves 392 children and families, 58 of whom are from birth-3 years old and expectant parents. With the expansion of this program, an additional 32 families will be served in a home-based program, providing inhome visits and group socialization opportunities. This program will be beneficial to many families who will learn skills such as bonding, coping skills, and family relationships.
Only eight programs of this kind were funded in the state of Minnesota. AEOA is excited to expand their operations to families in areas not previously served, including Ely, Babbitt, Biwabik, and Forbes. This additional program coverage will provide access to those families living in more rural areas of northern Minnesota.
Four additional full-time staff were added to assist in-home visits and family services. Additional case management services will be provided to teen parents, homeless parents, and parents who may be dealing with a mental health issue. The objective is to provide support and programming to make life easier for parents and children as they grow together. Funding for this project will continue through September 29, 2011, with the possibility of a continuance thereafter. If you are interested in enrolling your child in AEOA’s Head Start or Early Head Start programming or know someone who is, please contact Jerry Crittenden at (218) 749-2912. Extension 252.
AEOA CARNIVAL 2010
On Wednesday, June 23, 2010, Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) will be hosting their 27th Annual All-County Senior Citizens Carnival at the Range Recreation Civic Center in Eveleth from 9 AM to 1 PM. The day will be filled with food, fun and games, exhibits, demonstrations, and entertainment. The Carnival is put on by AEOA to provide a day geared toward seniors of all ages from the seven-county Arrowhead Region. Attendance averages 500 participants a year.
The ticket price is $8 for a delicious lunch, entertainment, and prizes galore. The event offers vendors an opportunity to showcase their services and products and area artisans to demonstrate their talents. We also offer our guests the opportunity to be a kid again and participate in old fashioned carnival games, have their fortune told, and interact with “guests” from the Lake Superior Zoo and the Mesabi Therapy dogs. Thanks to many generous contributions, we also give away a tremendous amount of prizes! What a day for only $8!
The Carnival is run by dedicated AEOA staff and a small army of outstanding volunteers. They set up, decorate, help serve lunch, and make sure everyone is having the best possible time. Every year this event is not only enjoyed by our senior guests, but also by the vendors, volunteers, and staff. Please consider joining us for this year’s Carnival!
Tickets will be available after March 15, 2010, at the AEOA office in Virginia at 702 Third Avenue South or by calling Teresa Harvey at (218) 749-2912, Extension 276. Only a limited number of tickets will be available at the door, so advance purchase is highly recommended.
