Changing Lives at Gerard Place: Meet Our Literacy Assistants
For Sonya Chaddedon, Sheila Herrmann and Sam Tadros, working at Gerard Place is more than a job – it’s a calling.
They work as Literacy Assistants at Gerard Place, providing one-on-one tutoring and serving as assessors for the National External Diploma Program (NEDP)/GED program.
The NEDP program differs from traditional in-person GED programs as it is computer-based and tests real-life skills. Candidates work at their own pace by demonstrating proficiencies in areas such as financial literacy, health literacy, geography and history. There is no end date, no deadlines and no pressure to take exams.
Students at Gerard Place benefit from the encouragement, care and motivating presence that Sonya, Sheila and Sam provide. In total, 32 students have graduated with their GED since 2020, most continue on to job training programs offered onsite through Trocaire College. Courses include Pharmacy Technician, Sterile Processing and Phlebotomy.
Why Work at Gerard Place?
The son of a college professor, Sam was looking for a new purpose in his life after caring for his ailing mother full-time. By pure happenstance, the job popped up.
"It was an overwhelming sense of fate that this was my new path,” he said. “I was welcomed with open arms and really appreciated the vision of Gerard Place and the family atmosphere.”
Sonya was working at BOCES and was trained in NEDP when she joined the education team at Gerard Place. She hit the ground running and was able to start assisting students as soon as she joined the staff.
"I’m so lucky,” said Sonya. “I love coming here, it’s not like going to work. You can’t have a bad day.”
For Sheila, who has been at Gerard Place for three years, the job was a perfect fit since she is a former teacher’s aid who loves literacy. She has a knack for putting people at ease. According to Sheila, the hardest part for most students is showing up the first day so it’s important to make them feel comfortable and start building relationships.
"We tell our students if you get yourself here, we’ll get you through,” Sheila said. “We encourage them to read carefully and use the resources available to them.”
Sam says he wakes up and looks forward to coming to work. “Every day and every student are different,” he said. “It’s meaningful leaning about and appreciating the hardships they experience.”
Each tutor describes the atmosphere at Gerard Place as warm and welcoming.
"The people at Gerard Place are the kindest people I’ve ever met,” Sheila said.
NEDP – Filling a Community Need
NEDP is an option for adult students who are unable to attend traditional classes. Students work at their own pace and demonstrate mastery of life skills with an assessor rather than sit for exams.
According to Sonya, she has seen students succeed who have struggled with traditional GED programs. Barriers are lifted and students always receive the support and encouragement they need to succeed. There are currently 30 students in the program.
Tutors are keenly aware of the need to build trust and lift barriers such as language and lack of transportation. Students are provided with current information about services available to them.
Sonya, Sheila, and Sam all talk with pride about the students they work with – their determination, grit and gratitude. Sheila describes one student who tried to earn her high school diploma for 25 years.
"There were so many things stacked against her – occasions when her power went out and she had no phone or refrigerator,” she said. “She became pregnant and quit several times. But with support and encouragement, she returned, earned her GED and went on to complete four job training programs.”
One of Sam’s students was unemployed and lacked self-confidence when she started the program.
"She showed so much courage in face of many challenges,” he said. “Her true personality unfolded as she moved through the program and now works as a personal care aide.”
Sam was able to help her with a resume and cover letter during her job search.
"I tell everyone how wonderful Gerard Place is,” said Sonya. “Not only the tutoring and job training, but much needed additional assistance is provided including meals and clothing.”
To learn more about the NEDP program, contact Amanda Hibbard at (716) 897-9948 ext. 101.