From Determination to Triumph: The Journey of CLC Students at OURM

The Career Learning Center (CLC) at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission has become a beacon of hope and transformation for adult residents pursuing their educational goals. Through personalized learning paths, students progress at their own pace in a supportive, faith-centered environment. One standout feature recently introduced is the “Student of the Month” competition. Jessica Evans, at the CLC, explained, “IXL.com is an online learning platform designed to enhance students’ grasp of various subjects at different grade levels. With comprehensive coverage of math, English language arts, science, and social studies for grades K-12, IXL.com is designed to adapt to a student’s learning speed, providing personalized questions to ensure progress. It includes a leaderboard where students can see their progress and compete with each other. In October, I decided to use it to create a ‘Student of the Month’ challenge, where students competed by answering questions correctly.” The result? Renewed enthusiasm among students, camaraderie, and a sense of pride in their achievements. This excitement was exemplified by Javon Zanders, who earned the title of October’s Student of the Month. “I love competition,” Javon admitted. “When Miss Jessica announced that it was going to be a competition with awards at the end, I just tried to beat everybody. In the process, I went up two grade levels in reading.” After being out of high school for a decade, Javon’s determination to finish his diploma was driven by his desire to make his mother proud and secure better opportunities. “Not finishing was always a hindrance to getting better jobs. I’m good with my hands and want to do construction, so CLC has been a blessing,” he said. Javon’s story is one of resilience and determination. Javon’s journey, along with those of his peers, stands as a testament to the transformative power of the CLC and the dedicated staff who guide them. Javon is only one of the success stories. Shaniah French, who struggled with math for years, persevered with the Mission's support and passed her final exam in 2022. Now, she’s pursuing a career as a medical assistant, providing a brighter future for her four children. Daniel Meeks, who overcame addiction and graduated as valedictorian of his class, has found joy in helping others rebuild their lives at Miracle Hill Ministries, in Greenville, SC. Christine, who once felt trapped by homelessness and grief, earned at 44 years old and is now preparing for a healthcare career. Each of these individuals found not just education but a path to independence and renewed faith through the CLC. Javon, inspired by his experiences, plans to attend Valencia to study brick masonry and eventually start a construction company with his brother. “I want to build homes and big buildings, maybe even do subcontracting,” he explained. “But more than anything, I want to continue raising my kids, work hard, get back to the regular world, and be successful.” As Jessica noted, “I want them to see that their hard work gets results. Little rewards along the way help them stay patient and motivated.” The CLC is more than an educational center—it’s a place where lives are rebuilt, dreams are pursued, and hope is restored.