At The Healing Place, we believe in second chances and new beginnings. One of the most powerful ways we help our clients build a foundation for their future is through education. Education is a powerful tool for transformation, The Acorn Ladies (Jewels of Grace) envisioned empowering women in recovery by providing the opportunity to earn their GED and take a vital step toward a brighter future. Since launching in June 2017, with the vision of Vicki Salyer who dreamed of any client without a GED being able to obtain one, the GED program has helped more than 60 women pass one or more sections of the test. Due to the generosity of individual donations and the generous support of the Friendship Class at Christ Church United Methodist, any financial obligation on the part of a client is removed.

More than just academics, this program is about rewriting the narrative for women who once believed they weren’t capable of success. Many participants grew up struggling in school and did not have the support at home or confidence in the classroom. But here, they learn that their past does not define their future. This program creates a space where women erase negative self-talk, build confidence, and prove to themselves that they are strong, intelligent, and capable.

Removing Every Barrier to Success

The GED team ensures that every obstacle is eliminated, allowing participants to focus entirely on their education:

• No Financial Burden – All costs are covered, including GED test fees, supplies, and study materials.
• Reliable Transportation – Women don’t have to worry about gas money or bus schedules. A dedicated nighttime driver provides transportation to and from class.
• Guidance Through the Process – Jenny Hollenkamp and the GED team handle placement tests, registration, and orientation, advocating for each woman and ensuring she gets the support she needs.
• Tutoring & Study Resources – Every Monday, a team of dedicated tutors works with the GED clients for an hour and a half, using resources that align with the GED tests as well as IXL, a computer-based learning program funded through the Friendship Class.
• A Community of Support – Balancing recovery meetings, GED classes, job responsibilities within The Healing Place, and personal challenges is no small feat. The program fosters a sisterhood where women encourage each other, share struggles, and celebrate victories together. The GED team creates a space where the women are encouraged, supported, and loved unconditionally.

More Than a Diploma—A Life-Changing Experience

Earning a GED isn’t just about passing a test; it’s about proving to themselves that they can finish what they start. It’s about perseverance, resilience, and believing in a brighter future.

Jenny Hollenkamp, the program coordinator, shares the impact these women have had on her:

“I kind of fall in love with every client that comes in here. Each one has such a different story, but when I think of some of the obstacles that they’ve overcome—some of the stories that they’ve shared—it is just leveling. And it’s such an inspiration because I think I have challenges… boy, oh boy. And here they are, pushing as hard as they can to get through just to have a GED. It has really spoken to me in terms of what tenacity and perseverance look like.”

Every victory—big or small—is celebrated by the GED team of volunteers. Their dedication, advocacy, and encouragement remind each woman that she is stronger than her past and capable of achieving her dreams.

For many, this is the first big accomplishment in their lives. But it won’t be their last.

One step at a time. One test at a time. One victory at a time.

-Hannah Adams, Communications Specialist