Adult Basic Education Program

The Adult Basic Education Program provides free one-on-one tutoring for adult women and men. We offer extended hours to allow for weekday evening and Saturday morning tutoring sessions. A childcare room is available while parents study at the McAuley Center. We are conveniently located on a bus line. The Center also offsite education tutoring locations in addition to the main tutor site.

Assisted by staff members, volunteer tutors and a variety of materials, adult students study at their own level and pace. They may come to the Catherine McAuley Center to prepare for the GED test, citizenship preparation, study English as a Second Language (ESL) or improve basic math and language skills. Tutorials are also available in basic keyboarding and computer skills. The Center offers specialized banking and citizenship classes throughout the year.

The Center’s immigrant/refugee coordinator provides ESL instruction and case management services to help New Iowans make a smooth transition into the community.

Many of the adult students at the McAuley Center are employed in the Cedar Rapids community. However, they want to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. Education is the key to enhanced employment opportunities and a fuller life. With the skills they learn at the McAuley Center, adult learners function better in society, contribute to community life and grow in self-esteem.

Transitional Housing Program

The Catherine McAuley Transitional Housing Program is unique in Iowa, providing unaccompanied women over the age 18 with a safe place to live and an individualized program of guidance and education to help them stabilize their lives.

When women enter the program, their most immediate needs are for shelter, food and/or clothing. Once here, they begin to address other issues that may have contributed to their homelessness: mental or emotional health issues, substance abuse, confinement or probation within the judicial system, family and other relationship issues and/or the inability to maintain employment. The women who come to the Center are highly vulnerable – economically, physically, psychologically and socially.

For those with substance abuse and/or mental health problems, there are contracted counselors onsite from the Area Substance Abuse Council. Referrals are also made to other appropriate agencies.