What's New @ Mercy Learning Center

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Thanks, GE and Friends!
Earlier this spring, volunteers from General Electric Company and their vendors visited Mercy Learning Center to help spruce up our facility. These hard workers spent the day painting our front porch, side entrances, and black iron railing that surrounds our property, and sanded and stained our handicap accessibility ramp. We are grateful for their gift of time!

GE employees and vendors stained MLC's handicapped ramp

Third Annual Essay Contest
In March, Mercy Learning Center students participated in an essay contest. They were asked to write about "The Importance of Education." A reception was held at the Center to celebrate each woman's participation and to announce the winners at each ability level.

MLC Hosts a Health Fair
To educate our student population the Center held a Health Fair on May 13. Representatives from St. Vincent's Hospital set up interactive displays and spoke with women about nutrition, hydration levels, body fat percentages, diabetes, and breast health. They shared resources and encouraged the students to take an active role in their families' health and well being.

MLC Celebrates Its 77th Graduate!
Since the start of the new year, three women have joined the list of those who have completed their secondary education at Mercy Learning Center and earned a high school diploma through the National External Diploma Program (NEDP) or the General Educational Development (GED) Program. Teresa C., a mother of two who originally enrolled in the Tutoring Program in 2005 to learn English and soon advanced to ABE Level I class. She completed the ABE Level II and GED classes within one year and, in February 2010, she earned a GED diploma. Teresa will enter college in the fall and plans to work in the healthcare field. Emma C., a job counselor at the Kennedy Center from Bridgeport, entered Mercy Learning Center's Tutoring Program in 2003. Struggling with health issues and the loss of an adult child, father and sister in 2005, she persevered. In June, Emma successfully completed the NEDP at the Center and earned her adult high school diploma. To pick up where her daughter left off, Emma says she will seek a University of Bridgeport degree in Human Services. Phyllis M., a mother, wife, and working woman who manages a Duchess Restaurant in Fairfield, participated in the NEDP at Mercy Learning Center. Using her life and work experiences and motivated by her family, Phyllis also earned her adult high school diploma in June.

Over the summer, another 30 women enrolled at the Center took the GED exam and are awaiting their results. We congratulate our recent graduates and wish our current students the best of luck!

2010 Recognition Reception Highlights Achievements
Mercy Learning Center hosted its annual Recognition Reception on Friday, May 28th to celebrate the accomplishments of the adult learners enrolled in literacy programs at the Center during the 2009-10 academic year. Ten graduates who recently earned a high school diploma through the National External Diploma Program (NEDP) or a General Educational Development (GED) diploma and immigrants who became U.S. Citizens were highlighted among the 250 students who received certificates for their achievements in the Center's English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), and General Educational Development (GED) preparation classes as well as the Tutoring Program. IBM's Patt Cronin, General Manager of Global Technology Delivery and Delivery Excellence and lauded as one of 50 most important Hispanics in Engineering, was the keynote speaker who shared her family's story of success and inspired the students to reach for their goals. Special tutor honorees included Rosemary Ahern (15 years), Nancy Bonvini, Sylvia Roque, David Sullivan (10 years), Barbara Abraham, Susan Burstein, Annie Christy, Dottie Fincher, Andy Gleeman, Barbara Hilli, John Leverty, Tony Marone, Jeanne Matefy, Dennis Ritch, Kathy Thackaberry (5 years), and volunteers Binti Bana, Cyndy Moyer, and Judy Noe (5 years). Staff members Mariela Davila, Lorraine Duval, Laura Mazo, and Ann Szczesny were recognized for five years of service to the Center. Desserts were donated by the Westport Chapter of the National Charity League. Hospitality volunteers Terri Armour, Susie Daut, Sheila Flinn, and Mary Ellen Gallagher coordinated the refreshments.

Dining for a Difference Themed Events
Mercy Learning Center's annual spring fundraisers have taken on a new twist this year. Hosts were encouraged to throw a themed party. Thanks to Regina and Ted Bobroske who hosted a St. Patrick's Day Party in memory of Regina's mother, Lorraine Barnard, who was a Mercy Learning Center tutor. And, thanks to tutor Cathy Cron and her husband Joe who celebrated the Kentucky Derby among friends who came together for a good cause - MLC! JoAnn DeMaso invited a group of women to a luncheon in her home to celebrate Mother's Day and help the mothers at MLC. With the summer months approaching, there are a few more events on the Dining for a Difference calendar. If you are interested in opening your home to host a themed event for MLC at any time during the year, please contact Kathy at kathy.parisi@snet.net or 203/334-6699.

Goodbye and Hello to MLC Board Members
As we bid adieu to three dedicated members of our Board of Directors, we welcome five new members. Cindy da Silva and Edie Faile served two three-year terms of service from 2004 to 2010, and John Leverty has served three years. We gratefully acknowledge their contribution to our mission, and are delighted that each of them will stay involved at the Center.

On July 1, five new area individuals will begin their three-year term on the board. Tammy Barry, Hayes Clark, Chris Corgel, and Greg Enriquez of Westport, as well as Barbara Evans of Southport bring a variety of expertise and enthusiasm to the organization. The Center welcomes them aboard!