Programs & Services

Old Stone Center for Education – The Center for Education which opened in 1994, offers an alternative educational environment to young parents (women), ages 16 ½ to 25, who have not experienced success in the traditional school setting due to economic challenge and childcare needs. The services and support provided includes: GED and academic classes, on-site, state licensed day care for children 6 months to 5 years, and college and career counseling. The goal for the students is to show continued progress by increasing their placement level until a GED certificate is earned.

Parenting and Literacy Program – This program is designed for both the parent and their children. Research has shown that the most significant factor affecting a child's success in school and in life is the parent’s level of education and training. Our Parenting Teaching Specialist brings the skills needed for their development in the school setting, and takes them directly to the parent’s home with books, games and educational toys, so that a permanent home library can begin. The goal of the students is to meet the minimum performance level for the Ohio ABLE Parent Education Profile (PEP).

The SIMS Project – The “School to Work” SIMS program partners with Cleveland area businesses to provide shadowing, internships, and mentoring services for the Old Stone Center for Education students. The major objective of the program is that the Old Stone students learn employment techniques and skills that will lead to full-time employment, job retention, and a life-enhancing career path. The students are provided a stipend during their internships that is funded through the Old Stone Foundation.

One of the major objectives of the SIMS program was to make the students self-reliant and productive and to build dignity and self-esteem. Permanent job opportunities have followed the internship program in companies such as; Algart Health Care, Animal Protective League, National City Bank, RTA, City of Cleveland Recreation Department, Cleveland Justice Center, Deloitte & Touche, Eliza Jennings Home, Marriott, North Coast Food Reserve, Crown Plaza City centre, St. Augustine Retirement Community, Montefiore Home, Fairview Hospital, Huron Road Hospital. Franklin Plaza Nursing Home, University Hospital, Giant Eagle Markets, Walgreen’s, and etc.

The Health Care Education Program – The students are provided a curriculum consisting of the following subjects:

• Disease prevention
• Nutrition
• Physical fitness
• First-aid
• CPR training

Computer Skills Training – The training provides the students the opportunity to acquire basic computer skills in computer fundamentals, word processing, and internet and email navigation.

Financial Management Program – The following money management skills are taught by volunteers of the Cleveland banking community:

• How to save on a limited income
  
• How to create and live within a budget
  
• How to open a savings and/or checking account
  
• Challenges associated with the use of credit cards

On-site day care Program – The following support system is included:

• Provide support to parents with childcare access to their children between the ages of 6 months to five years while attending the Old Stone Center for Education
  
• Make children feel welcome and ensure a healthy, wholesome and safe climate.
  
• Plan and implement daily enrichment activities for all children.
  
• Model to parents appropriate interactions with children.

For more information contact: Holly Branch, Director of Education at 216-241-3734 or holly@oldstonefoundation.org