English As A Second Language (ESL)

In 1983, lay members of St. Luke Parish in River Forest, IL and sisters of the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation established the House of Connections in the former convent of Blessed Sacrament Parish.

It served as a resource in the Lawndale community for adult education, social services, and legal assistance. For sixteen years, Connections served the community in these multiple ways, with adult education growing in significance as the chief need for the people in the area.

In 1999, the Board of Directors of Connections engaged in a strategic planning process. This process resulted in clarifying the main focus of the House of Connections.,

Adult literacy education. Supportive services and the involvement of the community were retained as essential elements of our educational goals. The purpose of Connections was defined in future terms as.

Educating adults for effective personal lives, productive employment, and positive contribution to the community.” A name change reflected the center’s clarified focus and history: The Learning Center/House of Connections.