Local nonprofit bridges culture gap

WASILLA -- Those who step through the doors of HRC, in Wasilla, hail from all walks and every corner of the world. Be it Russia, Thailand or Bogard Road, people arrive at the doorsteps of HRC -- formerly Human Resource Co. -- to learn English, adjust to the customs and culture of America, earn their general equivalency diploma or simply get their financial lives in order.

HRC is a nonprofit group that has served economically and educationally disadvantaged adults for 27 years. Recently the group received a grant from the American Express Economic Independence Fund. Through the grant, HRC plans to provide instruction and mentoring to an estimated 1,200 economically disadvantaged individuals, immigrants and families moving from welfare to work.

Mike Dryden, grant coordinator at HRC, said most people who use the services at HRC do well in the programs.

"No one is force-fed here, it's all volunteer, so the program is pretty successful," Dryden said. "A lot of the people just realize that they weren't mature enough to stay in school and now they are, so the success rates are very high."

When people walk in, they choose from several educational options, depending on their particular needs. Some people can't speak a word of English, some want to earn their general equivalency diploma, and others just need some basic tutoring. Resources are also available to help people quit smoking, deal with child-abuse issues and find jobs. All the programs are free, apart from minimal charges for testing and grading.

Most instructors are either certified teachers or qualified professionals and volunteers. According to Dryden, quite a few retired teachers also help with the programs.

One of the most popular classes is English as a Second Language. ESL classes immerse non-English speakers in American culture.

"We have people from Mexico, Guatemala, Thailand and Russia," Dryden said. "It doesn't really matter because the ESL program is set up to teach all different backgrounds, to get them from their culture into our culture so they can find jobs."

Currently classes take place during the day, but, in an effort to better serve the community and those who hold day jobs, HRC plans to begin night and weekend classes. For more information, people may call the HRC coordinator at 373-5872.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.