New family learning center opens in South Monroe - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A family learning center designed to lift families out of poverty, opened it's doors Friday in South Monroe.

The Monroe Housing Authority and Delta Community College have joined forces to empower impoverished south side community families. The half a million dollar center sits in the center of Monroe's largest family housing site. It will provide educational programs like adult literacy programs, GED and job prep classes and child care for the program participants.

Monroe executive director Frank Wilcox says the program promotes self sufficiency. "We're really excited about it. We think we're sort of in the front of the pack doing this" said Wilcox. "We've had several inquiries from other areas around Louisiana to see how they can partner with their community college, it's really exciting to have a partner like Delta" added Wilcox.

"Living in a housing community is supposed to be temporary and what we're trying to do is give them the tools to go out to be successful families and be successful people in the community" said Director of Delta Link Kaye Sharbono. "The research continues to show if we bring it to the people, give them the tools. Then they are able to take those tools out into the world so that they can become successful adults and self sufficient" added Sharbono.

Another learning center in Monroe is under construction and will open next year.