#A Mom On A Mission
Abigail Ricketson said that she'd given up on herself until she had kids. "I'm very slow when it comes to learning; I need things repeated to me sometimes."
In school, she would ask for help and ask questions because she wanted to do better... but often got labeled a troublemaker. Fast forward a few years and Abigail was having trouble making ends meet.
"I have a three-year-old and a two-year-old and it's just us at the moment. I was trying to get a job but... a lot of the higher-paying jobs require a diploma," she said. Thankfully, she heard about the GED Test® Prep program at the Jacksonville Public Library from her sister.
#The Center for Adult Learning
"I made the call... and it's honestly one of the best decisions I ever made. They're the kind of teachers... Well, you wish you had them in school. They are truly a guiding hand, not somebody's who going to give up on you."
#The Convenience of Online Classes
Being a single mom, the online classes offered by the Library's Center for Adult Learning worked really well for Abigail. "You can be cozy, sit on your bed with your laptop or tablet. You don't always have to be on camera if you're nervous about it. But everybody in class is in the same boat as you. So, don't feel afraid."
"I got a job the same week I got my diploma," she said. "You just got to keep moving forward."
Now, she's determined to go to college and get her own place. Thanks for sharing your story, Abigail!
#More Student Success Stories
#Do you, a family member or friend need help passing the G.E.D. Test®?
The Library offers FREE classes for every section of the exam.
Classes are offered in the daytime, evenings, and on Saturdays to fit your busy schedule. Whether your end goal is a better-paying job, higher education, or just being a role model for your kids: Our staff will help you make a plan. We've helped hundreds of other adult learners just like Abigail.
#How Do I Get Started?
Visit jaxlibrary.org/GED or call (904) 255-6135 to talk with one of our instructors. After a short assessment, we'll work with you to find the class (or classes) that best fit your current goals and schedule.
Please note: Due to COVID safety, all appointments and classes are currently only offered online via Zoom.
#Borrow a Laptop or WiFi Hotspot
Did you know that you can borrow a laptop and/or a Wi-Fi hotspot for FREE at several Jacksonville Public Library locations to help with online classes, resume writing, job hunting and more? Devices are available to cardholders in good standing, ages 18 and older.
#Support Adult Literacy and Learning
"One in five adults in Duval County perform at or below the lowest literacy levels," said Missy Peters, director of community relations at Community First Credit Union. "To further our mission to help build healthy communities, the Community First Cares Foundation is proud to support adult literacy through our public library." That is why they have pledged up to $10,000 in matching funds for selected gifts to the Library Foundation of Jacksonville during the fourth quarter of 2023.
#Double Your Impact
For every dollar the community gives to support adult literacy to the Library Foundation of Jacksonville---and for annual gifts received---between September 1 and December 31, 2023, Community First Cares Foundation will match 100 percent up to $10,000. Giving is as easy as visiting www.lfjax.org and clicking the "Donate" button on the page. Donations are tax-deductible. Proceeds from gifts received fund programs and services at Jacksonville Public Library.
Make your gift through the Library Foundation of Jacksonville (now through December 31)!
