When parents in Palm Beach County bring their children to school, they can stay for their own class! Through a partnership between Center for Creative Education (CCE) and DePorres Place, the Adult Basic Education programs at Barton, Lantana and Northmore elementary schools provide literacy instruction and tutoring for parents and guardians of students in CCE's Arts for Literacy educational enrichment program. Twice weekly, these highly motivated mothers, fathers and caregivers gather to learn how to read, write and speak English.

"Our adult learners seem to overcome new challenges every day," said Judy Ireland, executive director of DePorres Place.

All of the participants are bravely studying a complicated language while managing family and life circumstances. By learning and growing together, they are better able to support their children’s education and improve their families’ futures.

The South Florida Institute on Aging (SoFIA) – formerly Impact Broward – has supported Broward County’s older adults since 1965. Today, SoFIA provides innovative services to meet seniors’ caregiving and respite, civic engagement and economic security needs.

In 2018, the agency launched free technology classes for seniors to gain independence in a digital world. One student, Shelly, is 80 years old and lives alone. She has a computer and Wi-Fi at home but has not been comfortable using the internet, particularly with financial tasks. Shelly enrolled and excelled in SoFIA’s 10-week Money Matters course where she looked forward to interacting with other students and learning new skills.

"Ongoing computer education keeps me going and gives me more hope for the future," Shelly said.

Women's Center of Jacksonville's Expanded Horizons Education Program provides academic support and resources to equip women for learning and employment opportunities. Small tutoring sessions are offered inside and outside the classroom to encourage collaboration and participation.

Dina arrived in Jacksonville with her husband and three children after leaving Iraq in 2017. When she learned her educational certifications would not transfer, Dina contacted the Women’s Center of Jacksonville and its Expanded Horizons Education Program. Together they created a study plan to strengthen her reading and language skills for entry into a GED program. Dina thrived in the one-on-one and small class settings – and was often a voice of encouragement to her classmates. Currently applying to college, Dina serves as a “support sister” for two new students.