Riding out the rough economic wave hasn't been easy for many, but for adults who are finding themselves out of work or looking for a career change, there is help available.

The Adult Basic Learning and Education (A.B.L.E.) program, which was formerly offered at the now-defunct Family Learning Center at 701 Wayne St., Marietta, has found a new home at Washington State Community College.

The learning center closed June 12 and Mid-East Career and Technology Centers in Zanesville, which operates adult education facilities in several Ohio counties, was awarded a grant through the Ohio Board of Regents to keep the program in Washington County.

"We won the grant to be able to provide these services in July," said Charney Fitz, regional coordinator with Mid-East Career and Technology Centers. "Washington State stepped up to the plate and provided us a location, and we are very grateful, especially to Dr. Mark Nutter and his staff. But we are also looking to expand into Belpre and other areas in the county."

The program is funded through state and federal grants and is free to adults who would like to obtain a general equivalency diploma (GED) or to brush up on math and reading skills. The latter is especially important for adults who have been out of school for a while and may have lost a job where they have been for 20 or 30 years or more or are seeking a career change.

"The need is great in this area," said Julie Stoffel, an instructor who has been with the program for the past five years.

"We let the students determine their own goals - and many of them are working toward a GED - but a growing number of people are wanting to brush up on their skills," Stoffel said.

Right now, Stoffel is the lone instructor, but interviews will be conducted soon for others who would like to help.

"We are looking for anyone who feels they can teach," said Fitz. "Anyone with a bachelor's degree (who is not already certified to teach) can apply for a temporary permit through the Ohio Department of Education."

Fitz added that all of A.B.L.E.'s teachers are licensed through the state.

Lack of public transportation and available child care for students who attend the evening classes is the biggest obstacle the program faces, according to Stoffel.

But the rewards are great - for both teacher and student.

"I enjoy teaching adult education because everyone is there to learn and they are motivated," said Stoffel. "The biggest fight is to try to build their self-esteem because a lot of them have had a lot of negative experiences, but the most rewarding thing is guiding people to understand that they can succeed."

Classes are offered at Washington State from 5:30 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, and new orientation is held most Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.