Threshold - Winter 2004

Learning Center Thrives in New Environment
by Laura Haug, OSB

"Welcome To Happy Hearts Adult Learning Center" is the sign on the west door of Feeney Memorial Building. Since August 2003, this greeting has welcomed students to a new location, continuing a much-needed ministry begun forty years ago. The move from the former administration building has also meant improved facilities to welcome those who come.

The welcome is to students who are being afforded a second chance for a high school diploma. Some are youth who have worn out their welcome at area high schools and are seeking a new beginning. There are young women who have just left a child or children with a baby sitter, at Head Start, or at the Family Literacy Center, and are now on their way to classes. There are older students who need diplomas for job advancement, job training beyond high school, or as insurance if they lose their present jobs. Finally, there are older adults who have raised their children and now have time to complete their own education.

Happy Hearts is relatively new to Feeney, but it is not new to the city of Atchison, the Benedictine sisters, or the Benedictine monks. Through the efforts of Sister Rebecca Heidlage and Father Kieran McInerney, the center was opened in1973 in a small house on “U” Street owned by the sisters. The sisters and monks continue to give assistance to the center.

In need of larger space, the center was moved to the former college administration building in 1993 at affordable rent. In 2003 it was moved to Feeney where it occupies four classrooms, four offices, testing room, storage room, and kitchen. Located in the basement with window wells only, it is ideal for learning without distraction. There is no noise or movement from friends or activities outside, and even the weather does not distract. With excellent lighting and light colored walls and furniture, it is always a bright, clear day in the basement of Feeney.

Mary Johanning, director of Happy Hearts for the past 19 years, fills many roles: program director, teacher, friend, social worker, surrogate mother, and legal adviser. Sisters Seraphine Tucker and Laura Haug choose to work at the center during retirement. Once a teacher, always a teacher! Due to Mary’s diligent work and the hard work of her assistant and teachers, the rewards are great. On June 6, 2004 fifty-five graduates, ages 17 to 64, walked in academic attire across the stage to receive their high school diplomas. With an auditorium filled with family members and friends, there were many “happy hearts.”

Happy Hearts is an adult learning center where youth in attendance are required to respond in an adult fashion, taking responsibility for their learning. Teachers must present vast amounts of information in a short time to prepare students to take six hours of testing, covering information from all areas of the high school curriculum. Passing the General Education Development (GED) Tests is not the easy way to earn a high school diploma! At the present time, more than one-third of high school graduates are unable to pass the GED Tests.

The Family Literacy Program is the latest addition to the Center. This program provides childcare for children while parents attend GED classes. In addition, parents take a class in parenting skills, eat lunch with their child or children, and engage in Parent and Child Interaction Time. Thus, Happy Hearts Adult Learning Center continues its work to improve quality of life for adults and for families, and the sisters at the Mount are pleased to welcome the program in their building.