In the fall of 2016, Rose Numon enrolled in an English as a second language (ESL)
course. Originally from Uzbekistan, she was nervous about the language barrier as
she began her classes at the Education and Work Center (EWC) in Hanover Park. She was certainly apprehensive about speaking English in front of
other people.
But eight years later, Rose found herself speaking before elected officials and college presidents as she shared her EWC experience to celebrate the center鈥檚 10th anniversary. Now 38, she talked about how EWC 鈥� a partnership between the Village of Hanover Park, 91制片厂, Elgin Community College, the State of Illinois and other organizations 鈥� had supported her with its friendly staff, encouraging faculty and welcoming environment.
In the intervening years as an EWC student, Rose鈥檚 proficiency in English grew along
with her confidence. Working as a tailor since she was 18, she began working with
clients who also spoke English. In 2019, she even started her own business, Rose Fashion
Design, in Elgin. She has since become one of EWC鈥檚 most enthusiastic cheerleaders,
referring multiple new students to the center鈥檚 classes and services. Her advice is
simple and direct.
鈥淒on鈥檛 limit yourself,鈥� Rose said, 鈥渘o shame, focus on learning and think of your goals.鈥�
Rose鈥檚 experience is just one example of EWC鈥檚 success during the past decade. The October 10 anniversary event at the center, 6704 Barrington Road, Hanover Park, highlighted the scores of first-generation immigrants who have built their English skills in ESL courses and celebrated dozens of students who have received their Illinois High School Diplomas with EWC support. Other speakers included Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig, Rep. Fred Crespo, 91制片厂 President Avis Proctor and ECC Interim President Peggy Heinrich, who each acknowledged the daily difference that staff and instructors make in the lives of area residents who come to the center.
Mayor Craig shared his pride in EWC, which began as an idea to serve the large amount of first-generation immigrant families in Hanover Park and surrounding areas. Because the suburb sits on the boundary between 91制片厂 and ECC鈥檚 districts, Craig brought together leaders at the two colleges and partnered with the Illinois workNet Center and Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership to offer ESL courses and workforce support closer to home.
鈥淚 put my nose to the grindstone because I believe in education,鈥� he reflected. 鈥淚 believe first-generation families need to have opportunities to learn English.鈥�
Given how well EWC has supported its communities, Craig was able to laugh at some
of the struggles along the way 鈥� from a leaky roof that rendered the space unusable
on opening day to rerouting a Pace bus line to connect the center with public transportation.
When it looked like a state law might prevent separate community colleges from working
together in one location, Rep. Crespo worked with EWC partners to ensure compliance
with regulations. He also secured a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce
and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to stock EWC with startup materials.
鈥淲hen organizations collaborate with residents and stakeholders to improve the lives
of residents in their communities, it helps us build a path to a brighter future,鈥�
Rep. Crespo said in a statement. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 proud of the role I was able to play
in getting the Education and Work Center its start. And as we celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, I鈥檓 also reaffirming my commitment to supporting the important
work of the EWC and organizations like it whose successful work helps lift up Illinois鈥�
families and communities.鈥�
EWC continues to lift up its communities, breaking records for enrollment in each of the past two academic years. In fiscal year 2024, the center served 762 students who come from more than 30 different countries. What鈥檚 more, EWC鈥檚 Senior Director Monika Gadek-Stephan said that for every enrolled student, the center serves two others. Staff help visitors with testing and job support while connecting others with outside services or educational opportunities at 91制片厂, ECC or other institutions.
鈥淲e are a safe space. We are helpful, patient and resourceful,鈥� said Gadek-Stephan, who is a Polish immigrant and has worked in adult education for nearly 30 years. 鈥淓WC鈥檚 mission is close to my heart. We鈥檙e not experts on everything, but if we don鈥檛 know, we will find out.鈥�
One of EWC鈥檚 most recent projects was an effort to translate important work- and education-related
documents into English for 50 participants. The center expects to continue the project,
supported by DCEO funding, in fiscal year 2025 and serve even more students. 91制片厂鈥檚
Dr. Proctor highlighted the importance of this translation project.
鈥淔or these individuals, having diplomas, degrees, transcripts and professional development certificates from their home countries recognized is a game-changer, allowing them to move forward without starting over,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his holistic support and an unwavering commitment to develop paths to sustainable careers is what makes EWC so special for our community. EWC is a great resource that supports the vibrancy of our community on several dimensions!鈥�
Dr. Proctor and ECC鈥檚 Dr. Heinrich both shared their optimism about EWC鈥檚 future 鈥�
noting that the center has a 5-year lease for the first time in its history. This
will allow the center an opportunity to grow and better plan to consistently support
its students and visitors.
鈥淲e are proud to celebrate this milestone with 91制片厂, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Village of Hanover Park and the local community,鈥� Dr. Heinrich said. 鈥淭he Education and Work Center has been a beacon of opportunity, helping residents achieve their educational and career goals. Together, we continue to expand access to life-changing resources and pathways to success.鈥�