A Peace of My Mind

In the fall of 2025, SAEC partnered with photographer John Noltner to bring A Peace of My Mind to Salina. SAEC students, staff, program alumni and community stakeholders were asked, “How does adult education bring hope to this community?” Through this initiative, fifty-five humans and one emotional support dog spoke to the power of resiliency and hope when one participates in adult education services.

The Salina Adult Education Center within USD305, fosters hope by providing vital pathways to adult learners who must often balance their studies with the demands of work and family. Critical community partners assist by removing logistical barriers, sending a clear message that the community is invested in the journey, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to focus on their goals and contribute their full potential to local employers and this community. The effects of this work ripple outward, as empowered individuals participate more fully in civic life and parents model the value of lifelong learning, effectively breaking generational cycles of poverty and replacing them with a shared expectation of success.

John Noltner, Founder and Executive Director of A Peace of My Mind, shared, “When I visited the Salina Adult Education Center, I was struck by the hope woven through every story I heard. Listening to students, staff and stakeholders share their journeys, I felt the strength of a community dedicated to learning and lifting one another up. Their resilience and honesty reminded me why I do this work. The center doesn’t just teach skills—it rebuilds confidence and helps people imagine brighter futures. Gathering these stories was a truly inspiring experience and a powerful reminder of the center’s impact on its community.”