February 27, 2018 – Altrusa International of Gainesville had a “Santa Fe Day” recently and presented Santa Fe College with a donation of $501 to be used for SF’s Adult Education programs. Altrusa International has the mission of bettering their immediate and international communities. They focus on literacy for children and adults, assistance and education for refugees and newly naturalized citizens, and helping women transition from incarceration or rehabilitation. They also help individuals with special needs through their Altrusa House (AH) project, which is a day health care facility for adults. AH provides socialization for those who otherwise would have to stay home and allows caretakers to have time for work or rest.
The Adult Education program at SF helps adults get basic skills they need to be productive workers by improving reading, language and mathematics skills.
The funds raised were a part of a partnership between Altrusa and Talbot’s stores and will go to the SF Adult Education Emergency Fund, which assists students in economic need with course and GED testing fees.
Julie Falt, program coordinator for Adult Ed. at SF, said the students in the program will benefit greatly from the donation. “Many of our students have low literacy skills, no high school diploma, or are non-native English speakers,” Falt said. “This donation from Altrusa International can give them help with course fees, which can make a significant difference in their lives.”
Also in attendance, and serving as a guest speaker at the meeting was Karen Cole-Smith, Executive Director of Community Outreach and East Gainesville Instruction. She spoke on SF’s Culture of Excellence and the many lives touched through the goals of the SF East Gainesville Instruction program.