The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo concludes its 2016 Catholic Charities Appeal drive Thursday. One of the programs supported through Catholic Charities is Education and Workforce Development. WBFO's Senior Reporter Eileen Buckley explains how the program assists those 16 to 24 years old achieve their high school equivalency after they drop out of school.
“I was out of school for like a year or two and I just realized it’s time for me to go get my GED. I was actually pregnant, so I knew it was time for me to actually do something,” said Shaliyah Brown, 21-years-old.
Brown was a high school dropout never achieving graduation. But Brown realized she needed to continue her education for employment.
“I just dropped out because I feel as if I didn’t have no one to make go anymore. It as a bad choice, but I’m glad I got my GED,” said Brown.
What was the switch for her? “Because I was just tired of sitting around doing nothing and there’s really not good jobs you can get out there without an education,” Brown responded.
After receiving her high school equivalency, Brown enrolled in at Erie Community College in the fall of 2014. She is studying to be a nurse and has passed Certified Nursing Assistance exam toward a future career in the field.
“All my aunts are in the nursing field. It’s always been something I was interested in. Every time I go to the doctor, the emergency room, I always ask everyone that comes into the room, what are you? Are you a CNA? I don’t know – it’s just always something I’ve been interested in,” explained Brown.
Stephen Pizutto is an educator with the Catholic Charities program. For about 40-years the program has been assisting citizens achieve their high school equivalency.
“So that’s what we are focusing on at Catholic Charities right now – is trying to make sure we not only help students with the HSE (High School Equivalency) , but then getting students jobs, getting them trained to become nurses, CNA’s – then helping them get employment,” said Pizutto.
But Pizutto explains there is now a stronger focus on workforce development to help clients find jobs.
"Which is what Shaliyah is focusing on right now, she’s trying to become a CNA, which is what we are super excited about for her,” Pizutto explained.
At any given time there are about two to five students in the program, allowing for plenty of one-to-one with the teachers.
“It’s a much more individualized pla n with the students. We’re trying to work on what they actually need, not just a classroom of 40 students were we are shoving everything at them,” Pizutto remarked.
Brown found her school work more fulfilling this time around and she felt motive through the program.
“What would you have done if you didn’t have this Catholic Charities program? Do you think you would have gone this far?” asked Buckley. “No. Not for real. The Catholic Charities program, it’s a good program anyway, they have good teachers and they focus with you, they help you, they really motivate you,” Brown replied.
“When I get students like Shaliyah that come to me with their HSE and the first day she got her diploma, she came in and gave me a big hug, had a smile from ear to ear – those are the days that make me happy,” Pizutto said.
As the Catholic Charities closes out its 92nd Appeal, Brown, who is not Catholic, recommends those struggling with a lack of education and employment, seek the organizations education and workforce program.
“Go to Catholic Charities because they will work with you. They’ll take time, they’ll break it down. You can do like one-on-ones if you are not comfortable with the class you are in, so it is a good help and I recommend that who’s ever struggling or need their GED to go there,” Brown responded.
