Historical April 1978 reporting or notice. Original dates, services, fees and contacts describe the period; current availability has not been established.
Being a vital part of the neighborhood is something to which the Skinker-DeBaliviere Educational Opportunity Center has been dedicated since its inception in 1974. Housed in the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council building at 6008 Kingsbury, the Educational Opportunity Center seeks to provide educational information and assistance to anyone desiring education past high school. Adele Levine, the counselor responsible for the Skinker-DeBaliviere office, feels that her responsibility to the community lies in providing the most up-to-date information along with the most sincere desire to help.
Since 1974, Ms. Levine has helped approximately 1700 people to achieve their educational goals. She listens and helps people to make decisions about career choices after first exploring all of the opportunities available to them. She informs’ people about the potential financial aid resources that can enable them to pay for their education. She assists with completing admissions and financial aid forms that are often difficult and confusing. And she continues this assistance throughout a person’s educational career.
Willie, now twenty-two years of age, has been seeing Ms. Levine since 1974. When he first came to the Educational Opportunity Center, he was bitter, angry and confused about his life and where it seemed to be going. Upon the encouragement of Ms. Levine, he decided to enter a welding training program. Much to his surprise he completed the program successfully. He then decided to enter the military. Willie is now in the process of planning to use his military educational benefits to help pay for his education at one of the junior colleges. He is not yet sure what he wishes to concentrate his education in, but he is sure that with the help of Ms. Levine he will make a good decision.
Mildred, a single parent of two children, first came to the Educational Opportunity Center in June, 1975. She walked into the office with her educational goal in mind. She wanted to be a dental hygienist. She knew that she first needed help in finding out how she could pay for her education. She also needed to know where she could obtain the best education in dental hygiene. Ms. Levine was able to provide Mildred with the information she needed and was also able to help her complete the necessary forms and applications. More importantly, Ms. Levine helped Mildred believe that her goal was attainable.
Helping people achieve their goals, helping them to establish goals, and enjoying their accomplishments with them – this is what the Skinker-DeBaliviere Educational Opportunity Center has been doing for four years. Adele Levine is proud of her role within the Skinker-DeBaliviere community. And she knows that in order for the Educational Opportunity Center to remain a viable part of the neighborhood, she has to be aware of the educational needs of the people. Knowing these educational concerns, Ms. Levine is able to relate them to the educational community in St. Louis with which she works so closely.
If you need help with making a decision about attending school for the first time or returning for a few courses; if you need help in obtaining money to pay for your education; if you want to change careers or increase your abilities in your present job; if you have not completed high school and need to know the opportunities available for continuing your education – call 725-4949 for an appointment. Adele Levine will be more than happy to help you.
Originally published in The Paper, April 1978.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1978_04.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
