THE SIHAF GROUP
Founded in 2007
Empower Dreams, Transform Lives! Join the Giving Tuesday movement to support SIHAF K12 Learning Academy, Inc (501c3) and SIHAF Early Learn and Play—vital entities championed by late JoAnne Walker. Your generosity fuels a legacy of change, breaking the cycle of dependence on government social services.
Founded in 2007, The SIHAF Group LLC and the SIHAF Career Institute strive to cultivate financial independence. Fast-track diplomas, crisis counseling, and career placement assistance open doors to self-sufficiency. In 2010, SIHAF Early Learn & Play offered onsite childcare, parenting classes, financial planning, and life skills.
In 2014, the SIHAF K-12 Learning Academy emerged, providing academic support for school-age children. Housed at the former Barret Elementary School, it ensures small student-teacher ratios, fostering success for low-achieving students. Certified teachers offer personalized one-on-one tutorials as needed, ensuring each student’s unique learning needs are met. Our dedicated Board of Directors and staff work diligently to continue her mission of helping the families we serve to become totally self sufficient.
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JoAnne Walker
The Late
In 2005, JoAnne Walker was pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Texas in Arlington and came home to Shreveport for a visit. While sitting at a computer at Shreve Memorial Library downtown, she overheard two young women, both holding small children, discussing their desire to get into school and have careers.
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“It was at that exact moment that I felt compelled to assist in some way,” she says. “I introduced myself to them and told them I could help them navigate their academic courses. I told them I would drive over to Shreveport every weekend that summer if they would meet me at the library. I then created a flyer and posted it. Within three days there were 28 people—men and women, single parents desiring to either complete their high school education or to enroll in college.”
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Her motivation was personal. “I was one of the people that I seek to help. During the time I wanted to re-enter school, I was pregnant with my fifth child. I was single, scared and had recently escaped a domestically violent relationship. There were so many barriers I encountered. And there weren't any programs or persons that had experienced what I was going through that were readily available to help me. I depended heavily on my faith in God, and as a result, I am able to help so many people in similar situations become successful for themselves and their families.”
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She started “Safe In His Arms Foundation Adult Literacy” (SIHAF), named for a church song that served as a catalyst throughout trials she encountered early in life. From there, she tracked student progress. Results varied from students remaining in the GED program to others enrolling in colleges or pursuing vocational trades. Of the original 28, seven reached their targeted goals.
“I became engrossed in finding out why so many in the program did not succeed,” she said. “I created a survey instrument with specific questions. The overwhelming response indicated that students wanted shorter-term programs, childcare and additional support services such as domestic abuse counseling, spiritual counseling, enhanced job preparation assistance, financial planning and goal-setting assistance.”
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Our Founder
I depended heavily on my faith in God, and as a result, I am able to help so many people in similar situations become successful for themselves and their families.
Founder, The late JoAnne Walker