Northwest Assistance Ministries has changed the name of its adult learning center to the NAM Learning & Vocational Training Center effective immediately, nonprofit officials announced in a news release May 21.

According to the release, the name change is meant to better reflect the wide selection of training opportunities available to the community through the Learning Center, which aims to help adults gain the necessary skills to chart a career path that will lead to financial stability.

"In the Learning Center, we pride ourselves on the work that we do, the services we provide, and the lives we impact," said Elaina Albarez, director of the Learning & Vocational Training Center, in a statement. "I am excited to enhance the name of the department as I feel it speaks to the evolution of the Learning Center and the work that has been put in to bring us to where we are today."

The name change takes effect ahead of registration for fall classes, which opens June 14. This fall, the NAM Learning & Vocational Training Center will offer the following courses: administrative professional, certified nurse aid, certified sterile processing technician, community health worker, forklift operator certification with OSHA 10, A+ certification and quickbooks. Due to health concerns, some classes will be offered in person, online or a combination of both, the release stated.

"Given the impact COVID-19 has had on our economy and the workforce, now is a good time to run towards change and give credit to the work we are already doing here at the Learning Center," Albarez said. "As we focus on expansion, I am excited to change our department name to the Learning & Vocational Training Center as I feel it better represents where we currently are and supports where we are heading in the future. The name change is reflective of the program as a whole and will assist us in being able to spread the word that we offer more than a simple service here at The Learning & Vocational Training Center."


Additionally, the Harris County Department of Education will resume holding English as a second language classes at NAM this July. However, ESL class sizes will be limited to allow for social distancing in the classroom.

For more information about the NAM Learning & Vocational Training Center, call 281-885-4523 or click here.