The Friends of the Community Learning Center
mkefallinou@cambridgema.gov
5 Western Ave
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Friends Newsletters
Newsletter of the Friends of the Community Learning Center
On the Web: www.friendsofclc.org
CLC Programs Help Students with Careers
The Community Learning Center was recently awarded two workforce grants to support integrated ESOL/CNA and Home Health Aide training programs, funded by the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund and ACLS. In the very successful Home Health Aide program last summer, all 16 students completed the program earning HHA certificates and nine have been placed in jobs. The CLC is currently offering a new CNA program, four evenings per week. The Academy of Healthcare Training provides the technical training in Malden, while academic and job-readiness classes meet at the CLC in Cambridge.
In addition, the CLC has also received funding to implement a new workplace education program with MIT. This program will assist students in developing their English language skills while earning certifications as Animal Care Technicians. These credentials will enable students to apply for promotions and increase their salaries. With these programs in place, the CLC is ahead of the curve with new trends and drivers in adult education, which is becoming increasingly oriented towards workforce training and job placement.
Maria Kefallinou, the new CLC Director
Introducing the CLC's New Director
Following Mina Reddy's retirement, Maria Kefallinou started on July 5th as the new Director of the Community Learning Center. While Mina leaves amazing shoes to fill, Maria comes to the CLC with outstanding qualifications.
Maria was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She studied English Language and Literature and started her career teaching English as a foreign language in Greece. She came to the US in the late 1980's and earned a Master's degree in English as a Second Language from U/Mass, Boston. At the same time, she started teaching English as a Second Language at a high school in Boston and then worked as the Director at the Haitian Multi-Service Center. In 2004, she moved with her family to Central MA, where she worked first with Central SABES and then as the Director of ABE at Quinsigamond Community College until June.
Teaching adults is her passion because she believes in the power of education to transform and change the lives of adult learners and their families. She deeply believes that education makes better people, better citizens and better workers. It allows peopleto offer the best to their children. In addition, most jobs now require a high level of education and skills. Education helps people to become financially independent and sustain their families. Educated adults are powerful role models for their children and their communities.CLC is a program that looks ahead and is ready to embrace promising and exciting change while, at the same time, it has its roots in reality and professionalism. It is a place that offers growth for both its employees and the Cambridge residents that it serves. Its reputation in the Adult Education field is amazing and the support it enjoys from the City of Cambridge is unparalleled.
Maria said that her goal for the CLC is to work with our team of professionals and prepare the program for the new realities of adult education in the 21st century. This is a very promising time to work in the adult education field. She and the CLC team want the CLC to be the place where our adult learners learn and grow and realize their full potential; to be the place where staff grow and offer their best in an environment that appreciates their contributions and respects their personalities; and to be the place that contributes to the well-being of Cambridge and its residents. "Being part of all this is the most rewarding aspect of my job!"
"I am energized and excited to go to the office every day! I want to thank everyone for making my work days so enjoyable and rewarding! A very special thank you goes to the Friends of the CLC because of their much needed support and help of CLC and our students."
And a New CLC Assistant Director!
Last spring, the CLC created a new, second Assistant Director position. This means that in addition to the existing Assistant Director position, held by John Galli and focused on administration and program-wide curriculum, the Learning Center will also have a much-needed Assistant Director, focused on integrated training, developing collaborations with community partners and WIOA initiatives. The hiring process of the new Assistant Director is complete and we are excited that Pat Murphy is filling this new position.
Pat has been the Coordinator of the Bridge to College and Adult Career Pathways Programs at the Cambridge Community Learning Center. She has been at the Learning Center for three years, coming from North Shore Community College, where she worked in various positions in Adult Ed for 7 years. She is responsible for collaborations, partner relationships, and transition programs. Sincere congratulations to Pat on her new position, and to the Learning Center for this excellent staff addition!
Help Support the CLC When You Shop on Amazon!
The CLC is now listed with Amazon Smile, a program which takes a portion of a buyer's purchase (.5%), and forwards it to their favorite charity or non-profit. Your purchases can help support the CLC. To purchase through Smile, log in to smile.amazon.com. Your portion will be paid directly to Community Learning Center, Inc.
Please be sure to "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/friendsofclc and follow us on Twitter @FriendsofCLC. On our sites, you will find the latest CLC news and events, student stories and more!
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The Friends of the Community Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises private funds and public awareness for the Community Learning Center (CLC), which is a division of the Department of Human Service Programs, City of Cambridge, MA.
Friends of CLC
Friends of the Community Learning Center
5 Western Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139
by e-mail: mkefallinou@Cambridgema.gov
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