GED Program

House of Hope, J.K. GED Program

House of Hope’s, J.K. GED Program officially began in January, 2006, when I was hired to be its Coordinator. In reality, however; it started months before when one of the clients staying at the facility began assisting other clients with math, reading and other academic subjects, as a way to enhance both his and their recovery efforts. The understanding, that successful recovery from chemical dependency and addiction is based on a sense of empowerment, through the successful completion of personal goals, is what the GED program is all about. It compliments the other treatment programs already being offered at House of Hope, programs that focus on self-discipline, job skills, raising self-esteem through personal accomplishment, and socialization.

GED has quickly become an extension of the services already provided by House of Hope, Inc. For any incoming client who does not possess a high school diploma or GED upon admission, they are automatically enrolled into the GED program as part of their overall treatment plan. This is not to say that every client who enrolls will automatically receive his or her GED through House of Hope. Unfortunately, the amount of time the client spends in the facility as a resident does not always allow this. It depends on how much on site practice test preparation is required to get the client ready to take the official GED tests offered at Lincoln Community Center. However, clients are encouraged to do as much as they can while they are residents; namely, follow the steps, just as they would in the rest of their recovery program.

Practice test scores, registration forms etc. can be transferred on to other facilities or institutions; the effort is never wasted. For those clients who successfully complete their treatment programs before receiving their GEDs, they are invited to return to HOH as alumni and continue their GED preparation. This feature has become very popular with a number of students. Currently there are several alumni members of the GED program, who are actively involved in test preparation and testing. Once a week, I commute to New Ulm and back to meet with one of them. Another incentive that House of Hope offers, proving its commitment to the success of its GED program, is its willingness to pay the client’s registration fee for official testing ($75.00) and any subsequent retesting fees ($20.00) each.

Participants in House of Hope’s, J.K. GED Program meet two evenings a week, Mondays and Thursdays, beginning at 5:30. It is open to both male and female clients. Sessions run as long as the students wish to stay and work, but the minimum is usually an hour. Classes are deliberately kept small (up to 10) so as to facilitate good interaction between the teacher and students. While emphasis is placed on Practice Test preparation, individual assignments are given, based on the needs of the clients in a particular subject. It is the job of the Coordinator to fill out test registration forms with the clients, schedule testing appointments at Lincoln Community Center, and arrange transportation to and from House of Hope. Students are tested in five academic subject areas: Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies and Writing.

Funding for this program comes from a variety of sources, but most of it comes through public and private donations. It is through the dedicated efforts of Diane Norland, who engages in professional fundraising activities for the House of Hope, that the monies needed to maintain this program are obtained. House of Hope’s J.K. GED Program is affiliated directly with the Mankato Public Schools, District 77, which operates its Adult Basic Education Program from the Lincoln Community Center in Mankato. All of our hours, testing appointments, etc. are reported directly to them.

In the month of November, 2007, House of Hope generated a total of 69.5 GED hours between the eleven students registered in the program. In addition, five clients who had previously graduated from high school, but wished to brush up on basic math or reading skills, participated in related activities. Altogether, 90 hours of student-teacher contact time were generated.

Success can be measured in a number of ways; Longevity of the program, successful fundraising efforts, retention of students, support of staff, and graduation rate. All of these successes characterize the House of Hope’s, J.K. GED Program. But perhaps the most telling measure of success can be summed up in the testimony of one of the clients. He stated that when choosing a halfway house to facilitate his recovery from drug addiction; he chose House of Hope specifically because it had a GED program. In speaking to social workers, parole officers and others in the field; they too have come to regard the House of Hope as a model facility in this initiative. It is a reputation to be proud of, but not one to be taken for granted.

--Bryce Stenzel, House of Hope, J.K. GED Program Coordinator

WHAT THE GED PROGRAM MEANS TO ME AT THE HOUSE OF HOPE

Jeremiah B.(2010) writes:

What the G.E.D. program at the House of Hope has done for me is give me a chance to do something I would not have done any other place. It has given me the hope that I can finally amount to something. The program is a great chance for people like me to get help in schooling. It makes it possible to get a G.E.D., while getting help for my addiction. The program is not time consuming or hard. It is only two days a week, for an hour or so, at a time.I was a high school drop-out, who never thought of going back. I was never interested in getting my G.E.D., until I found out that people don't want to hire a guy with no education. In the past, I have tried to get my G.E.D., but it never worked out for me. I either got a job or went to jail. So after a few times of trying, I gave up. I didn't think it would ever happen. Then I had a wake-up call in my life. My kids were taken from me for my drug use. I was sent to House of Hope to get help. I learned that there was a G.E.D. program here. I had my doubts about it at first. Then I met with Bryce, and got started on signing up. I spent a few weeks getting ready to take the tests with Bryce's help. He is a great teacher and a great person. He is willing to help in any way he can, not just with the G.E.D. program, but with life problems too. He has made it possible for us to even do this. Without his help, I don't think I would have been able to do this. He stands up for us to have this chance. If more people would be willing to do this for us, I thnk we would have a better chance at success in life. In closing, the G.E.D. program and the House of Hope have given me a chance to do better in my life. I have gotten the help for my additcion and a chance to get a good job, or more education. It might not seem like a good place for a new start, but it has done wonders for me, and for many others like me.

Well, let me begin by saying; before starting the GED Program, I never would have taken the classes because in my mind I didn’t think it was even possible for me to achieve such a goal.  I         started    working on the practice tests while at the House of Hope.  After that I knew I could do it by working to the best of my abilities.  I’ve taken three tests so far.  Passing them made me a  better person today because I didn’t give up on my life-long dream.  Having the support of the HOH Staff here really made me stay positive and work hard.  I now can hold on to my goals have always wanted to achieve.        Thelma O.

The GED courses here at House of Hope are very helpful with people’s recovery.  Also they help to give clients a little nudge, to actually complete something in life.  It is very important to finish your schooling; it will also help to get a better career in life as well.  People can actually say that they’re not a dropout anymore.  I personally like the extra help with my GED study.  If I didn’t have the extra help, I would probably never finish my schooling.  I thought I would never be able to complete my GED, but now it looks like I will.  Amanda B.

Royce M. a current (2008) client of House of Hope writes:  To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to thank you for this program.  It was a chance to work towards my GED when I did not expect it.  When I got here, I didn’t know there would be this opportunity to get my GED.  I think this will help me to get work, and it builds my confidence in my sobriety.  It also makes me proud to think I finally will get this done after all these years.  It further supports my getting sober, and what is ahead for me in the future looks promising.

So, once again, thank you for this opportunity. Yours truly,  Royce M.