When Education and Social Services Merge: Mercying at the Sanders Center in Chicago
We often hear the crime, poverty, and violence in Chicago chronicled for all on a weekly basis. We hear of the despair and how hopelessness for those living in certain communities abounds. Yesterday, I welcomed 14 prospective students to the Sanders Teaching and Learning Center. These students had heard from family, friends and “through the grapevine” about a program for former offenders that could offer opportunity. Only four had been scheduled for orientation, but the others came due to the word on the street, hearing that “this program is good” -- and they want in. Problem. We have only 30 slots, but 600 people who want in.
Orientation in educational settings is generally awkward. To be a stranger in a new setting seeking specific knowledge that will make one’s life better is, ideally, a practiced process. Yet, this first day of class was important to the eight women and six men. This journey, for them, could change lives, create opportunity and allow for a new path. As Sister Sue, the namesake of the Center would say, this was “mercy-ing”, not educating. Though the women and men in this room are low-income, chronically unemployed, have criminal records and are considered the new “invisible” citizens of Chicago, they possess the hopes and dreams we all have for ourselves and our children.
As we have laid the foundation of Ward Foundation/Vocational/College, the one constant has been those we would educate, support, serve, and perhaps even help. Yesterday, for me, was a confirmation of the sacrifices of all who have donated and supported the idea, making it a reality. Now is the time for us all as a “community” to reach out, support, mentor and donate to the marginalized of our community. I often hear a phrase, from a friend, that simply states #chicagoisforwinners. I agree.
Daniel Geiter, Ed.D., is a co-founder and the first President of Ward College, Chicago, Illinois. Ward College (when operating authority is granted by the Illinois Board of Higher Education) will be the first predominantly African American, nonprofit, private, Liberal Arts college in the history of Illinois.