EWSC programming focuses on the education of the parents along with their children. Providing educational services to adults stimulates a greater interest on the part of parents to become involved with the education of their children. Parents reported on our surveys that, as a result of their participation in East Wayne Street Center programs, they spent more time with their children talking about school, helping with homework and reading with their children. East Wayne Street Center programming maximizes this intergenerational transfer of educational benefits from parents to children. The Center has also partnered with the Department of Workforce Development to provide vocational and on the job training. Studies show that when vocational training is combined with adult basic education, the likelihood of self- sufficiency is increased. EWSC programs promote the critical thinking and interpersonal communications skills necessary to compete in today’s job market.
Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, EWSC programs (Project SOLVE/Family Literacy) provided on-site child care and transportation at no cost. In our current social distancing environment, those services, as well as in-person classes, have been suspended. Our current HSE programming has transitioned to an online platform with live teacher support and individual tutoring that teaches students exactly what they need to know to pass the High School Equivalency Exam. Using built-in practice tests, the adaptive learning system first identifies the missing gaps in student knowledge and skills and then creates a personalized academic plan for each student, bypassing skills they have already mastered. With multiple interactive activities and easy to understand content, lessons are presented in a way that makes sense to students with real-life scenarios. Our program prepares students in each of the core subject areas: Reading, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. Vocational training opportunities are still available (online platform) but may be limited by the current pandemic restrictions.
As the need for social distancing requirements decreases, EWSC will reengage the wrap-around services of childcare, transportation, and in-person classes onsite.
Programs
Project S.O.L.V.E. (Step on the Ladder of Vocational Education) is an adult basic education / vocational training program and a partnership with Fort Wayne Community Schools Continuing Education and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (IDWD). The program focuses on HSE (GED) preparation along with the critical thinking skills of decision-making and problem-solving. These skills have been identified by employers as being just as important for employees as reading, writing, and math. In 2018 EWSC implemented Integrated Employment and Training (IET) to help students improve their academic levels and vocational skill sets, allowing them to better align their employment goals with the needs of the local labor market and obtain positions that provide a living wage. The program offers access to vocational certifications and building trades apprenticeships. EWSC students can now choose from over 30 certifications including Advanced Manufacturing, Business Administration and Support, Construction, Health Care, Hospitality, Information Technology, Transportation, and Logistics. Ivy Tech scholarships for adult education graduates are also available.
EWSC Family Literacy Program: The Family Literacy program is designed to encourage families to learn together while enhancing parenting skills, employment skills, and preparation for the High School Equivalency (HSE) exam. The program consists of Adult Basic Education and Early Childhood Education, with an additional focus on parenting skills and accessing community resources. EWSC partners with BrightPoint Head Start at East Wayne and Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) Continuing Education to offer a program that is compatible with our evening Project SOLVE program. The Family Literacy program begins mid-morning, allowing parents to attend class even with a two-hour school delay. Students can also transfer from the morning program to our evening program depending upon their work schedules.
EWSC Food Bank – is a partnership with First Presbyterian Church, First Wayne United Methodist Church, Associated Churches, and local farmers. This collaboration allows EWSC to provide crucial sustenance to the East Central neighborhood. Since the pandemic, EWSC Food Bank has served all individuals requesting food.
Brightpoint Headstart at East Wayne – This comprehensive, community-based program focuses on the health, education, and welfare of its participants. Head Start provides nutritional, medical, dental, vision, social and mental health services and actively involves the parents, family, and community in the program operations. The goal is to prepare 3 to 5-year-olds for kindergarten and to bring about a greater degree of social competence in children of low-income families. The program serves 120 children (10% with learning challenges).
Brightpoint Headstart at East Wayne
Phone: 260-422-6503
Fax: 260-422-5305
Address: 825 Francis St, Fort Wayne, IN 46803
Metro Youth Sports
Metro Youth Sports is a community outreach program for at risk youth. This mentoring program reinforces civic and educational values through participation in sports. The program serves over 1,200 youth football players and cheerleaders and is housed in the East Wayne Street Center. The program fosters family involvement in the recreational pursuits of area youth and is supported by the community.
