Mary Fran McLauglin, BVM (r.) accepts The Learning Center’s 2026 Community Partner Award from Executive Director Angelica Saucedo.
Sisters of Charity, BVM was recently honored with the Community Partner Award from Chicago’s The Learning Center (TLC), recognizing more than three decades of partnership in advancing adult education in the city’s North Lawndale and Little Village communities.
Accepting the award on behalf of the congregation, Mary Fran McLaughlin, BVM, reflected on the shared mission that has sustained the relationship: “On behalf of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I accept this award and express deep gratitude for all The Learning Center has accomplished over the years. You share our core value of education, which can never be taken away and opens for every recipient endless possibility for a future full of hope.”
Founded in 1983 as House of Connections, TLC provides free adult education and support services to individuals. What began as a community resource providing social services and legal assistance evolved into a literacy ministry that offers adult basic education, GED preparation, ESL classes, and additional programs such as Spanish and computer literacy.
The BVM connection dates back to 1988, when Margaret Haas, BVM, served as executive director, helping shape its early direction. Since 1992, the congregation has remained a dedicated partner, with several sisters ministering through through leadership, tutoring, job readiness training, and direct service. Their long-standing involvement reflects an alignment of values.
“Our long-standing partnership reflects our shared commitment to education, dignity, and opportunity, and we are grateful to support (The Learning Center’s) life-changing work,” says BVM President LaDonna Manternach.
The award was presented during TLC’s “Sharing Our Gifts” spring event, which also served as a celebration of its enduring mission.
TLC Executive Director Angelica Saucedo remarked during the event that many adults face systemic barriers to education.
“That is where The Learning Center comes in—a place where people who once thought ‘it’s too late for me’ discover that it is not too late at all,” she says. “Literacy is the foundation for everything else in life. It is the ability to understand medical instructions, complete a job application, help a child with homework, or advocate for yourself in a complex world.”
The organization continues to rely on community support and partnerships to meet its needs, which lead to tangible outcomes.
“We see confidence return,” Angelica says. “We see families strengthened. We see doors open.”
Through the partnership with Sisters of Charity, and other community collaborations, The Learning Center continues to transform lives one learner at a time.
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