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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Work and Learn Center to Close


As a result of the loss of state funding, the Monroe County Department of Social Services has made the difficult decision not to renew its contract with Monroe Community College to operate the Work and Learn Center. As a result, the Work and Learn Center will close at the expiration of the grant on September 30, 2003.

As many of you know, the Work and Learn Center is highly successful and has touched many lives in our community. It is a program the College is very proud to offer to those people who look to education as a way to transition from public assistance to gainful, satisfying careers.

Since the Work and Learn Center opened in 1998, it has helped approximately 14,700 clients achieve economic independence by providing comprehensive assessment, education, training and employment assistance.  The program also benefited the county directly by helping people enter the workforce and contribute to the community tax base.

The College stands ready to help Work and Learn employees during this stressful time. Dr. Susan Salvador, vice president, Student Services, met with Work and Learn employees last week to share the difficult news. I have asked the Human Resources Department to meet with employees to review important benefit issues, answer questions, and offer ideas regarding job search strategies.

Director Peggy Van Kirk and the entire Work and Learn staff have significantly contributed to this college and this community. They have changed the lives of thousands of people in important ways. Please join me in thanking them for their good work and commitment.

R. Thomas Flynn
President
07/01/2003