Bob Spatola introduced Sister Evelyn Breslyn and Lou DiGregorio from the Notre Dame Learning Center (NDLC).  The center is an outgrowth of the long history of education in the Rochester area provided by the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND).  SSND started in Bavaria in 1833.  No one tonight knew why German sisters chose a French name (Sister Evelyn will see if she can research it!).  The first SSND Sister Theresa visited Rochester in 1847.  In 1854 an orphanage & elementary school was opened on Franklin Street.  Since then there have been many teaching ministries of SSND in the Rochester area:  St. Boniface, Holy Family, St. Michael's, St. Margaret Mary's, Bishop Kearney, etc.  

Today the ministry in Rochester is the Notre Dame Learning Center.  Established in 2004 as a sponsored ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the Learning Center has served over 1500 students to date, providing one-on-one tutoring in mathematics and reading/language arts at our facility on Parkway in Rochester’s northwest side. Today they continue to serve Rochester students in grades 1-9 with an ever-expanding program of learning experiences and enrichment.  Another location recently established is at Bishop Kearney where they provide tutors for 2nd grade class ($20 registration fee but everything else provided is free). 

As with any non-profit, sustainability is a key focus for NDLC board to continue in its ministry.  We can help in several ways:  Spread the Word, tell their story, visit them, volunteer as a tutor, join their Advisory Board, or provide financial assistance.  Computers are needed to provide tutor service to more children.  65 students are currently being tutored.  A main fundraiser is an annual Golf Tournament on July 31st.  See Dave Shaheen if interested.