Dominican Education

The Dominican Learning Center Celebrates 30 Years of Instructing and Serving. Bishop Fernandes thanks the Dominican Sisters of Peace Ministry for helping others create a better life.

Columbus, OH – The Dominican Learning Center (DLC), an adult education ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, is in its 30th year of helping adults learn English as a Second Language (ESL), providing educational help to obtain high school equivalency diplomas (GED), assisting with citizenship procedures, and offering adult basic education classes.

A celebration of the DLC’s 30th Anniversary was held recently at its new location adjacent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in German Village. Learners, tutors, staff, and supporters including the Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes participated in the dedication ceremony. 

Bishop Fernandes offered his gratitude to the Dominican Sisters of Peace and the Dominican Learning Center for serving adult learners in Columbus. He said that the whole narrative of the Dominican Learning Center is about giving the adult learners hope and the possibility of a brighter future. 

The Bishop has a unique relationship to those who utilize the DLC. His parents were immigrants, and he said that even though they were well-educated, he knows they encountered prejudice and difficulties. St. Mary’s Pastor, and first generation Vietnamese Catholic American, Father Vince Nguyen added that St. Mary’s welcomes the DLC with open arms. He said he feels blessed to be able to collaborate with the Dominican Sisters of Peace and aid in continuing their ministry and mission. 

The DLC currently serves more than six hundred learners. Some receive help at the German Village location, while other learners study at local libraries or at central Ohio Catholic parishes. The DLC operates satellite ESL classes at eight parishes around the Diocese, including St. Peter, St. James the Less, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Mary Magdalene, Bishop Ready, St. Cecilia, Christ the King, and St. Matthias.

Another Columbus Diocesan Church Pastor has said he appreciates what the DLC offers to those in his parish. “The Center is a force for good and we are very glad to partner with the Dominican Sisters of Peace and this ministry. We know our parishioners are making use of the services that this turnkey, accessible ministry provides,” says Fr. David Schalk, St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Those who have successfully improved their English or received their GED can attest to an improved quality of life. “Mary” says she does not doubt herself or her abilities anymore after getting the help she needed to receive her GED. Another learner, “Silvia” says she was afraid at first when taking ESL courses, but to her surprise, she has been able to increase her knowledge and has realized it is OK to ask questions when she needs to do so. This year, the Dominican Learning Center has helped at least four people prepare for and complete citizenship tests.

DLC Director Denise Hilliard adds, “We have had many success stories here. Our aim is to help people make their lives better, and when that happens, peace in our neighborhoods can grow. It is the Dominican way, and we are proud to follow this path. We are glad for our partnerships with the Diocese, Catholic parishes, with donors, our volunteers, and learners and all who want to walk with us on this journey. We celebrate all these key groups during the 30th year at the DLC.”

Bishop Fernandes added an additional note of thanks to the Dominican Sisters and the DLC staff on behalf of the people of Columbus and the new immigrants living here, saying he knows they too are grateful for their presence. 

The Dominican Learning Center was founded with a vision to empower adults to accessible, life-changing education. The belief remains that all people, no matter their age, background or life circumstances deserve the chance to learn, grow and reach their fullest potential.

Aquinas Literacy Center Receives $9000 Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to Support English Language Literacy

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Aquinas Literacy Center a $9000 grant to support English language literacy.  This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s more than $10.6 million donated to support adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates. With today’s grants, the DGLF also surpasses helping more than 20 million individuals achieve their educational dreams since its inception in 1993.

“We believe individuals of all ages deserve access to a quality education, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is thrilled to support thousands of learners across the country as they enrich their lives with literacy and education,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “This year’s spring grant cycle is equally exciting as we surpass impacting more than 20 million individuals. We hope these funds provide resources needed to positively change students’ lives, helping them to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam.  Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

Since 1996, Aquinas Literacy Center has offered individualized instruction in the English language to the adult immigrant population of McKinley Park and surrounding areas (Bridgeport, Back of the Yards and Brighton Park) of Chicago.  Through one-on-one tutoring, combined with supplemental learning opportunities (conversation classes, book clubs and writing workshops) and independent computer learning, learners are empowered to transform their lives by acquiring skills to become successful parents, productive workers and responsible citizens.  

Illinois Secretary of State Awards Aquinas Literacy Center Volunteer Tutor and Student

Georgina Garcia and Mimi Miller

On Wednesday, May 1, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian, Alexi Giannoulias, announced the winners of the 2024 Spotlight on Literacy Awards that recognizes volunteer tutors and students in Illinois literacy programs.

Ten adult learners received the Spotlight on Achievement Award, and 10 volunteer tutors received the Spotlight on Service Award during a ceremony at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield.  Aquinas Literacy Center was proud to honor Georgina Garcia, an adult English learner, and Mimi Miller, a volunteer literacy tutor, with this prestigious award. Georgina and Mimi work hard every day to learn and teach English.

“These learners exemplify the best of our state, showing that even through adversity and challenges that seem insurmountable, a desire to learn is a powerful tool. I’m honored to recognize the hard work and perseverance of these individuals,” Giannoulias said. “I’m also honored to recognize the volunteer tutors who saw a need in their community and decided to make a difference. I’m grateful to you for your selfless sacrifice.”

This year, the Secretary of State office has awarded grants totaling over $5.7 million in support of adult, family and workplace literacy programs throughout the state. The grant funding aids 98 programs to support more than 9,300 adults in all regions of Illinois. More than 4,000 volunteer tutors are offering their time through this initiative.

Since 1996, Aquinas Literacy Center has offered individualized instruction in the English language to the adult immigrant population of McKinley Park and surrounding areas on the Southwest Side of Chicago.  Through one-on-one tutoring, combined with supplemental learning opportunities, learners are empowered to transform their lives by acquiring skills to become successful parents, productive workers and responsible citizens. Aquinas Literacy Center is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. For more information about Aquinas Literacy Center, please email sabrina@aquinasliteracycenter.org or call 773.927.0512

Molloy Students Commit to DYM in Grace-filled Day

Thirteen young adults made a yearlong commitment to Molloy University’s Dominican Young Adult Chapter on Sunday, April 7, 2024 during Mass at the Motherhouse. As part of their commitment, they pledged to live out the four pillars of Dominican Life (prayer, study, community and mission) in their everyday lives through praying alone and communally, studying the Word of God and the Signs of the Times, and participating in local monthly chapter meetings.

“We, the Dominican Sisters and guests, had the privilege of witnessing their commitment,” said S. Gina Fleming, promoter of youth for the Congregation. “It had been nearly four years, due to the COVID pandemic, since we have been able to have a ceremony such as this.  As the sisters, associates, and other guests looked on these young people, beaming with joy and enthusiasm, committed themselves to being more closely connected to our Congregation and claiming their identities as part of our Dominican Family.”

Later that day, the students, associates and sisters got to know each other at an ice cream social. 

“It was wonderful to see the students meeting our elderly sisters and interacting with them,” continued Sister Gina. “Of course, sharing ice cream sundaes, with all the toppings, was a must.”

 As part of the afternoon, the sisters, associates, and young adults were introduced to the We Move Forward Together committee, an initiative that invites individuals and groups to connect with sisters through mission. The students learned about the variety of programs that have been offered and are currently being offered both in person and online for them to get more involved in. They were encouraged to become ambassadors for the committee by letting their families and friends know about the varied programs.

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