The Learning Connection of the Flint Hills is shutting down.
After raising almost $4,500 over the summer in an effort to keep the program going despite reduced United Way funding, Director Cheryl Patton said the community learning program would shut down, probably by the end of this year.
The Farmer’s Market will continue through the usual end of its season in October, and it’s projected that final classes will wrap up around Dec. 15, though that is not yet a firm date.
The Learning Connection’s board voted earlier this month not to offer a fall catalog. A part-time employee in the Learning Connection office already has been released and other expenses will be cut back, so remaining funds can help the agency settle its affairs in an orderly manner.
“We can’t do it without money,” Patton said. “We did the fund drive over the summer and it worked out really well, but I don’t think it’s fair to ask people to help us when we don’t have any kind of plan for how things can change.”
The United Way allocated $18,750 to the Learning Connection this year, down from $27,500 in 2006. The 2007 funding covers less than a third of the Learning Connection’s budget.
The Learning Connection has offered classes in Emporia for 37 years, beginning its existence as the Neosho River Free School. Its aim has been to encourage adult learning outside of the usual school setting.
Some of its courses have included basic computer skills, cooking classes and even a “speed dating” night. It jointly sponsored the Emporia Literacy Program with Flint Hills Technical College.
Its most popular program may be the Farmers Market, which runs from May to October at the Seventh Avenue and Merchant Street parking lot.
Patton said she is working with community members to find a way for the Farmers Market to continue under someone else. She said she wanted Learning Connection obligations to steadily wind down rather than come to an abrupt stop.
“I don’t want to lock the door one day and be gone,” she said. “I want to do this in the most professional way I can. ... Everything will go on as usual for some time.”
Patton also said that she had spoken with the head of the literacy program, Valerie Zimmerman, and that Zimmerman had asked her to stay in contact in case the program needed any help.
“I think the literacy program is in very good hands,” Patton said.
It wasn’t easy for Patton to say goodbye, particularly after so many years with the Learning Connection.
“I do want to ...” she said, before choking up for a few moments.
“It’s hard to find my voice just now,” she continued, her speech again wavering as she fought back tears. “I am making it through this and I know I will miss all the incredible, wonderful people who have shared their time and their love and their skills (with the program) over 30-plus years.
“That’s what I’m going to remember. ...
“We’ve had an incredible number of learners and a incredible number of teachers. This job has been a blessing, no matter how it ends.”
Patton said she had not yet decided what she would do after the program came to an end. For now, she’s just proud that it tried to beat the odds.
“They can’t say we didn’t try,” she said. “We tried. We tried. And when people said it couldn’t be done, we tried harder.
“I’ve got a lifetime of memories from this program,” she said. “Nobody gets that but me. I’ve got my memories.”
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Posted by Janet (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a sad thing. One of the best programs in Emporia is leaving us. I wish it could have been saved. It helped people in so many ways that couldn't be measured on paper.
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