Center expands adult education, workforce training

A new education and workforce training center in Hardeeville is providing adult education, job readiness and other services to residents of Jasper and Beaufort counties through a partnership involving Bluffton Self Help and a humanitarian initiative grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Hardeeville Education and Resource Center opened in June with classrooms, computer labs and collaborative learning spaces. Programs include English language learning, GED coursework, employment assistance, job readiness training, personal finance and self-reliance workshops.

The center also provides food assistance and client advocacy services. Expanded food storage and distribution capabilities are planned to increase Bluffton Self Help’s capacity to serve families and individuals.
Previously, adult classes in Hardeeville were held at the recreation center and library. The release said those spaces could not accommodate all learners. The new center provides a permanent location for the programs and will allow for expanded GED, financial and language coursework.
The project also received support from the city of Hardeeville and Mayor Williams, according to the release.

“There is something incredibly special about watching an adult learner accomplish a goal they may have carried with them for years or even decades,” Elaine Patankar of Bluffton Self Help said. “Whether it’s earning a GED, mastering English, building financial or digital skills, or gaining the training needed for a new career, these milestones deserve to be celebrated.”

Rich Maseda, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said the church was grateful for the opportunity to partner with organizations working to help residents become self-reliant.
The center is seeking volunteers, including teachers, to assist with its programs.

For more information about the Hardeeville Education and Resource Center, its programs or volunteer opportunities, contact Bluffton Self Help at 843-757-8000 or info@blufftonselfhelp.org, or visit blufftonselfhelp.org.

A native South Carolinian, Emily is happiest in the sunshine with a big bowl of grits and a side of “burrelled” peanuts. She thinks in prose as she explores the coast on foot, bike, and boat with her family. Emily believes everyone has a story that helps others grow, sparking further connections with our relatives and community members. Linking generations through shared memories, writing and editing family histories is her favorite part of genealogy. Families build communities, and she sure loves calling this community of B-LOVE-ton home.