GEMS

GEMS Easing the Struggle by Kent Von Der Vellen

The English as a Second Language program is close to the heart of Project Learn’s new executive director.

Angie Braidich said the program means so much to her because she is a first-generation American, and she knows the struggles her parents had as immigrants to America.

Another reason the program is important to her is stories like the one she shared of an immigrant’s excitement when visiting a fast-food restaurant for the first time. It was more than being able to vocalize an order, it also was having the confidence to be out and participate in the community.

Project Learn of Medina County was started 37 years ago by Ellen Daiber to help adults with math and reading skills. Today, Project Learn has three permanent locations called The Bookshelf.

The Bookshelf is located at 831 Pearl Road, Brunswick; 105 W. Liberty Street, Medina; and 130 Main Street, Wadsworth. The Bookshelf locations are open to the public and sell gently used books at a discount. Fifty-five percent of the funding for Project Learn comes from the book stores. Project Learn helps adults improve math and reading skills; in passing the state-tested nursing assistant test, the armed forces admission test, and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery; learn English; and prepare for the General Educational Development test.

Students are matched with a tutor who specializes in their specific needs. The Bookshelf and Project Learn staffs include five paid staff members and 170 dedicated volunteers. More volunteers are needed who speak the native languages of Hispanic, Asian and Eastern European students.

Currently, there are 108 students participating in the GED and English as a Second Language programs, an increase from 89 students two years ago.

Books for the English program alone are $12 each, with several books needed for each student, but students are never charged for any materials or services regardless of the program.

Braidich is looking for ways to increase funding, make services easier to access, and coordinate with other county nonprofits.

Project Learn will be holding its annual trivia fundraiser, Match Wits 2020, on April 16, at Blue Herron Brewery and Event Center, 3227 Blue Heron Trace, Medina. For more information about the fundraiser, please go to https://bit.ly/38u03vb. For more information about Project Learn, go to https://bit.ly/2TKU93r. H

Kent Von Der Vellen is a 20-year Medina resident. He has been a volunteer for various youth sports teams, is a member of the Medina Lions club, and, with his wife, Kim, founded the Jakob F. Von Der Vellen Memorial Foundation. Contact Von Der Vellen by e-mailing von106@gmail.com or by calling 330- 421-0863. Learn what other area non-profits need by visiting Giving Hearts at JoyofMedinaCountyMagazine.com .