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Thank You, Tacoma Community House!

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 by Maggie Eiselen

Education is key in bridging the divide between the haves and the have-nots in our society. United Methodist-related community houses provide a vital service in helping hundreds of young adults get their GED (Government Equivalency Diploma) and fulfill dreams of raising their own living standard and the living standard of those for whom they are responsible. Maggie Eiselein of Tacoma, Washington, tells how Tacoma Community House helped her achieve this goal.

We all have obstacles in our lives--hurdles we must jump over. My life was no different from that of the next person in a dysfunctional situation. I had trouble concentrating on my studies and believing in myself as I came of age. I worried about the typical things that concern young people amongst their peers: Am I good enough? Am I smart enough? Am I doing the right thing? Do I fit in?

After many years of living and learning through trial and error I ended up in Tacoma at age 33, with four kids and no education. I felt I had no future and was sliding right along with the system. Finally, I realized I had better do something! My time on state funds was coming to an end, so now what? Through what I believe was divine intervention and a little help from the department of social health services, I came to Tacoma Community House (TCH), still feeling the emotions I experienced as child: Was I good enough, etc. . . .

TCH has been the best thing that ever happened in my life. I now have a positive attitude and outlook. With the help of my teachers, my classmates, and the staff, I learned how to overcome my fear and anxiety about school, and am now able to welcome the future with open arms. I discovered my potential and have big plans for myself and for my children's future.

I will pass along to my children some of the values that Tacoma instilled in me. We all, each and every one of us, are valuable human beings who deserve the very best. We owe it to ourselves to accept compliments as well as constructive criticism. I thank everyone at TCH who has contributed to my future.

(Maggie currently serves with Americorp in the "Families That Work Program.")

October 18, 2001
General Board of Global Ministries
United Methodist Church
475 Riverside Drive - New York, New York 10115
1-800-UMC-GBGM