Coordinated through Gaston College by local citizen Jack Ferrell, the classes are  designed to teach disadvantaged citizens basic computer skills to widen employment opportunities and financial skills to help stabilize shaky financial situations. The classes accommodate eight to nine people at a time and are sponsored by the Gaston College Human Resources Department.

Ferrell, who heads up Faith Ministry in Mount Holly, got the idea for the program while working with local prison inmates, helping them acquire GEDs and then jobs after their release.

In 1998, while throwing a Christmas party for underprivileged children in Mount Holly, Ferrell was struck by the idea that many of the mothers were in the same position as the prisoners he worked with - imprisoned by a lack of modem work skills.
"The Gaston County Schools donated some computers and Gaston College sends a teacher over to train the students," says Ferrell, who gave up his prison work nine years ago. "I feel like I was led to this."

Ferrell has been honored for his efforts with a certificate of appreciation from Gaston College.

For additional information about the program, contact Jack Ferrell at
704-822-1142.