PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL: Donations cover GED test vouchers
As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share with readers the stories of those who have received help from the program. This time, we’re shining a light on one of the program’s referring partners, the Adult Education Center at North Idaho College, and the life-changing difference Christmas for All donors' dollars are making for some of the center's students.
Learners come to the center from different backgrounds and from all age groups, from 16 to 70. Some are high school graduates looking to brush up on their skills before enrolling at NIC. Most want to earn a GED so they can continue their education or get a better job.
Whatever their reason, tuition is free and learning materials are provided. GED students due have to pay for testing.
Each spring, dozens walk in a GED graduation ceremony.
“Our graduation is one of the most inspiring things,” said Adult Education Center instructor Christine Everts. “I get all teary-eyed.”
The GED test consists of four content areas: language arts, math, science and social studies. Students must pass a test in all four areas. It costs $36 to take a test and most students need to retake at least one test.
That means the average GED seeker spends at least $180 on tests. For some, this cost is a barrier to earning a GED.
Christmas for All has awarded the Adult Education Center 90 test vouchers for learners who are ready to test but can’t afford it.
Everts estimates these vouchers will be enough to cover a year’s worth of learners who would otherwise be held back because of the cost.
“We’ve been so blessed that Christmas for All has given us this amazing gift,” she said.
The vouchers will make a big difference to GED seekers who have studied hard and are ready to test.
“It allows them the freedom to not have to put off testing until they have extra money,” Everts said.
For many adult GED seekers, taking the tests is more complicated than just paying for them. Learners need to fit test-taking into their work schedule, find child care and get transportation to the testing center, which can be a challenge. Removing the financial hurdle takes away some of that difficulty and makes testing more accessible.
Whether they’re working toward a GED or working on a specific skill, NIC’s Adult Education Center provides an accessible and supportive environment for all learners.
“We prepare learners for life, but we also provide a community,” Everts said.
She recalled a learner who had sustained a traumatic brain injury and came to the Adult Education Center to learn math skills. Staff worked with him on practical skills like counting change, paying bills, writing checks.
“Even though he didn’t leave here with a GED, he left here with more skills for his life,” she said. “We sure strive to get them (a GED) because they want it, but even if it’s not going to happen, you still want to put them in the best spot for their career.”
Each year, Press readers donate generously to Press Christmas for All. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp.
The gift recipients are our neighbors including families with young children, the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, the homeless and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working but unable to make ends meet, especially with the dramatic increase in the cost of living in Kootenai County.
Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity while the community provides a hand-up to help get them back on their feet. They are asked to pitch in a little bit toward their award to remind them of their capacity and resourcefulness. The “co-pay” is small and calculated on a sliding scale of income, but ensures these neighbors actively participate in their award.
Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from CharityReimagined.Org. Christmas for All is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Here are four ways to donate:
• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176
• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All and make a secure, online donation.
• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
RECENT DONORS
Lillian Jaynes & Terry Rinaldi; J & H Judistsky; Linda Beecher; Douglas & Margaret Albertson; Lennis McLeod; Joanne Hellawell; Jack & Cherie Shinn & Sandra Clovis; Willem & Evelyn Huender; In memory of Joyce, The Brockhoff Family; Craig Burkhart; Jean & Ronald Voights; Emon & Vicki Olson; Sandra Kay; Del Hicks; In Memory of DL; Eileen Thorpe
$500 or MORE
Anonymous Fund at Blue Grass Community Foundation; Leo & Helen Calhoun; John & Mary Pierce