Interview with Program Director, Cindy Holloman Presented by: Cherelle A. Pinckney October 27, 2013

 Raleigh Rescue Mission began in 1959, as a group that invited homeless men in the community to Bible studies or revival meetings weekly and provided prayer and food for the homeless.  In 1961, the Raleigh Rescue Mission was established to offer hope and life-changing help to the homeless and hurting individuals in the community. Help may come in the form of prayer, housing, rehabilitation, or educational services.  Partnerships such as the Food Bank of North Carolina, Campbell Law School, Salvation Army of Wake County, Wake Technical Community College, and many more help keep the organization thriving so that they can provide support and assistance to those in the community.

 Classes are constantly changing based upon client feedback and the evolving education system.  Certain classes are offered continuously because they are considered fundamental to life.  If funding is available or a volunteer is willing to provide a service, based upon community interest, classes will be offered on a one time or continuous basis.  Educational programs are divided into 3 different categories: GED Preparation and Academic classes, Vocational classes, and Life Skills classes.  Tutoring is available for math, reading, and computer skills to ensure student success.

GED/Academic Preparation Vocational TrainingLife Skills Community members/clients in residential programs Only clients in residential programs Provided through partnership with Wake Tech Community College Volunteer and/or through partnership with Wake Tech Community College Christ-centered classes provided by volunteers or those in the ministry Volunteer tutors available Scheduled time with chaplain “open doors to employment and build self-esteem” “get retrained and find work that pays a living wage” “life skills critical to a lasting recovery”

 Recruiting teachers:  Continuous process that happens each semester dependent upon the needs as well as what Wake Tech Community College is able to provide.  Teachers need to be certified in their field of specialty.  Volunteers:  A Volunteer Coordinator is in charge of all volunteers that may be seasonal or continuous. These individuals live in the community and are interested in helping out.  Do not need to be certified in any particular field, but must have a working knowledge of the subject that they are assistance with.

 Students range from 18 – 65 years of age  Many students are from broken homes: abandoned and or raised by gang members.  Students have been victims of sexual assault, physical abuse, or are current or past drug users.  Students may also be from upper middle class homes that have never experienced poverty but didn’t finish high school.  Students may just be interested in continuing their education.

 Started as a volunteer in 1997, in 2003 she became an independent contractor, and in 2004 she became the program director.  Educational background: high school education, licensed cosmetologist and teacher, certified North Carolina Victim’s Assistance Advocate, national certified anger management trainer  Work background: business owner for 12 years, management of retail for about years  Substance abuser for 13 years  Her daughter inspired her to begin this type of work and she will continue in this profession until she is unable to work.

 Each student that enrolls in a class provided by the Adult Education Ministry must take an assessment to test their current knowledge. This ties in with the assumption that the “learning process is cyclical”. The test is used to verify their current knowledge and inform their decisions moving forward. They can then improve what activities they provide and ensure that their students are aware of their growth and therefore make meaning of their experiences.  The teachers and volunteers need to love what they do so they inspire the students to excel. They need to be aware of how their beliefs, values, experiences, and goals will impact those that they are interacting with. The ministry recruits many volunteers and teachers are constantly cycling through. Being aware of who they are recruiting is important to the success of their organization.  I believe that this program is changing educational paradigms. They are encouraging adults to continue their educational through vocational and life skills classes or come back to complete your GED certification. This program is not concerned with what grades the participants make. They want to ensure that they provide the tools and resources to guarantee life-long success for all clients that utilize their services.

Adult education center. (2013). Retrieved from Mackrecher, D. (2004). Making sense of adult learning. Canada: University of Toronto Press Robinson, K. (Performer) (2010, October 14). Rsa animate - changing educational paradigms. The RSA. [Video podcast]. Retrieved from