It is located in a nondescript building at 16890 Church St. in an industrial neighborhood of Morgan Hill. The sign out front is rather ambiguous: “Learning and Loving Education Center/Sisters of the Presentation.”
Founded in 1994, this nondenominational, nonprofit, women-focused organization provides a wide variety of services to the women and children of South Valley. And it does so in an atmosphere of love and respect for all. However, despite its long history in the area and despite having been housed in several different locations over the years, it remains something of a hidden resource for South Valley residents.
Education is the primary focus of the center, but it provides an amazing number of services to immigrant women and children. Originally participants came from Mexico and Central America; today they represent more than a dozen countries, including China, Vietnam, Iran, Taiwan and Columbia.
Christa Hanson is the center’s new director. She has served variously as a donor, volunteer and associate of the center for many years, but assumed the helm of the agency after retiring in June from a long career as principal of St. Mary Catholic School in Gilroy. She is thrilled about her new role in this quite different educational institution.
Hanson says the basic role of the Center is “empowerment, bringing out the best in each student, allowing them to see their potential.” This is accomplished through providing adult education/literacy, computer skills training, educational workshops and early childhood education to some 300 immigrant women and children each year.
Specific courses are provided in such areas as nutrition, parenting, GED preparation, art, knitting, yoga, Zumba and childcare/preschool.
Since it is not supported by taxpayer funds, financing for the center comes from many different private sources:
• Funds from the Sisters
• Individual financial donations
• Corporate and foundation grants
• Fundraisers.
Operating costs are kept low through the generous gifts of time by some 40 volunteers each year. In addition, many people donate supplies such as copy supplies, kitchen paper goods, healthy snacks, print cartridges and other common items. There is also a sharing room where useful donated goods are stored and given away to students who need them. Items include:
• Dishes, silverware, glasses
• Pots and pans
• Baby items
• Children’s toys and books
• Gently-used clothing
• Holiday decorations at Christmas time.
During the past two decades, the Learning and Loving Center has improved the lives of some 2,000 families through the educational opportunities offered, including almost 800 children who have learned English or increased their language skills through effective programs. Women have gained the confidence they needed to overcome the many barriers to self-reliance and have been empowered to reach out and achieve greater successes.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or how to make contributions, call (408) 776-1196 or visit learningandloving.org.
