The most profound example for the value of the combined ABLE and FLT program can be illustrated by the success of Ana Valentin.

Ana, a single mother of two daughters, attended FLT and ABLE for 3 ½ years.  Last April, she completed her primary goal of obtaining the GED.  With a completed credential in early childhood education from a career center during her high school years and fluent in Spanish and English, Ana became the newest member of our Orrville Family Learning Together staff.

Ana shares her experience in FLT with new families, proving the impact that the program can have on their lives and the value of a high school level credential.  Her ability to communicate in Spanish and English allows FLT to better serve the children and parents from homes where Spanish is the first language.

Her parenting skills continued to improve during her years with FLT.  She is a role model for her daughters, instilling the importance of succeeding in school.

Ana is often heard to say, “My girls will not make the same mistake I did in not finishing high school.”

Both of her daughters, who were previously enrolled in FLT, now attend a Head Start preschool.  This allows her to work both in the morning and afternoon in order provide financial stability for her family.

To learn more about ABLE and FLT, contact Susie: sslack@wcscc.org.

To learn more about your local Orrville Area United Way, visit our website:  www.orrvilleareaunitedway.org or call 330-683-8181.