Bishop Earl Fernandes recently joined the Dominican Sisters of Peace in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Dominican Learning Center (DLC). The center has relocated to the building at 672 S. 3rd St. next to St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Columbus’ German Village area.
The DLC is a ministry of the sisters that helps adults learn English as a Second Language (ESL), provides educational help for people wishing to obtain high school equivalency diplomas (GED), assists with citizenship procedures and offers adult basic education classes.
The bishop said the center’s essential narrative is about giving adult learners hope and the possibility of a brighter future.
The center began in 1994 with one student and six Dominican sisters. It was located for many years at the former Corpus Christi Church campus in Columbus’ south end. Its first director, Sister Marie Granger, OP, recognized the sisters were meeting a need in the community that required creativity, a commitment to excellence, capable volunteers, a superb instructional program and lots of hard work and money.
Two years later, Louise Hackett, a housekeeper at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, received the first GED certificate issued by the center. More students came, more volunteers signed on and the sisters provided the leadership and passion needed to help their students succeed.
The DLC now serves more than 600 learners. Some receive help at the German Village location; other learners study at local libraries or at DLC satellite locations at Columbus St. Peter, St. James the Less, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Cecilia, Christ the King and St. Matthias churches and Columbus Bishop Ready High School.
“The center is a force for good and we are very glad to partner with the Dominican Sisters of Peace and this ministry,” said Father David Schalk, pastor of the Columbus St. Peter and Powell St. Joan of Arc Parish. “We know our parishioners are making use of the services that this turnkey, accessible ministry provides.”
Those who have successfully improved their English skills or received their GED through the center can attest to the improvements the classes have brought in their quality of life.
One learner, “Mary,” says she does not doubt herself or her abilities any longer 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 center has helped at least four people prepare for and complete citizenship tests.
DLC director Denise Hilliard said, “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, parishes, donors, volunteers, learners and all who want to walk with us.”
The center was founded with a vision to empower adults to accessible, life-changing education. Its purpose remains that all people, no matter their age, background or circumstances, deserve the chance to learn, grow and reach their fullest potential.