Pride House: New program in Nevada schools responds to community's needs
By Nancy Malcom
Herald-Tribune
A pilot program titled Occupational Readiness is being offered this year at Nevada High School. As a three hour block program, the course covers everything from major home repair and remodeling to shutting off an overflowing toilet.
Instructors Pam Earnest and Mary Culbertson put the program into action.
"We traveled to Carthage for some tips. They have had this type of program in effect for several years," Culbertson explained.
"The program teaches some basic life skills people need in their community," Earnest added.
"We've been doing some major home repairs inside and outside and will be doing minor decorating and lawn work as well," she added. In the future the program will include cooking, budgeting and home maintenance.
The R-5 school district owns the house where the students meet for a three-period study block each morning. The voluntary class offers credits in English, math and fine arts, depending on grade level and needs.
"This is a new program that incorporates occupational readiness skills for home and on the job," Earnest explained.
"The reason we called it Pride House is one of the goals is to instill a sense of good work ethics and pride in accomplishment. When they see something in disrepair and they work to make it better, that gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment," Earnest said.
Culbertson added, "We have seen their attitudes switching. They are very protective of the house now and they call it 'our house." They want things to be done correctly."
And they've had plenty of help. "The community has been very generous in their donations," she continued. "Almost everything that we have has been donated by the businesses.
"When the house is finished, we would like to get into skills of minor repair work, maybe start a lawn service this spring for elderly people."
"We could also do painting and maybe small repairs for the elderly," Earnest added.
The students have put in new floors, doors and plumbing at Pride House and are learning the skills necessary to do minor repair work at their own homes.
Sophomore through senior students are selected according to their needs to attend the class.
"This is a hands-on experience classroom," Culbertson explained.
The house, once fully remodeled, will be the basic classroom for learning other daily living skills.
A 1979 Nova automobile has been donated. After the students enclose the car port next spring, they will begin work on the car; learning basic auto maintenance and repair.
The program is funded through the R-5 School system and donations from individuals and local businesses. Grant money may soon be available.
"The materials, even the flowers and shrubs outside, have all been donated by people and local businesses. I don't think there is hardly any business that hasn't helped in some way," Earnest said.
"The parents and administration have been very supportive," Culbertson said.
So far the program seems to be successful. Culbertson explained, "We've seen a lot of attitude changes where the kids are taking real pride and initiative in their work."
Earnest added, "We have heard from many local businesses that one thing many employees lack is pride in their work and a sense of commitment." "The students do the work, asking for donations, sending thank you cards. We teach them the proper way to do these things as part of the class," Culbertson said.
Both added that they feel very grateful to all the business and people who have donated to the program.
With 18 students currently enrolled, Pride House and its instructors fill a needed niche in the R-5 school system and the Nevada community.