Project Literacy Kelowna Society, founded in 1986, was the first independent community-based literacy organization to be chartered in British Columbia. Project Literacy is a non-profit organization offering one-to-one tutoring to adults who face literacy challenges. A board of directors consisting of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and eight other board members currently governs the organization.

Our Mission

To help adults achieve their full potential at work, home and in the community through free individualized literacy instruction.

Our Goals

• To promote public awareness of literacy within our community

• To provide a friendly atmosphere where learners can improve their literacy

• To provide professional training and support to volunteer tutors

• To raise the funds necessary to achieve our mission

Tutoring Programs for Adults

Core Program

Our Core Literacy program offers adults nineteen years of age and older free one-to-one tutoring assistance in the following areas:

• Reading, writing and math

• English language skills

• Basic computers

Our skilled volunteer tutors can also help you prepare for the following tests:

• GED and grade 12 completion

• LPI (Language Proficiency Index)

• IELTS (international English Language Testing System)

• Apprenticeship screening (applied math and reading)

Our literacy and English language programs provide

• Free and confidential assistance based on the client’s specific needs

• Trained volunteer-tutors who work one-to-one with learners

• Year-round availability and flexible tutoring schedules, including evenings and weekends

• An extensive library of general and trades-specific training resources and materials

• A strong support system

Esteem Program for Youth

The ESTEEM Program is for youth between the ages of 16 and 25 experiencing barriers in finding a job, in completing their education, and in becoming independent and self-reliant.

The ESTEEM Program is designed to assist participants in their efforts to develop marketable skills so they can:

• Gain experience in a field of employment that will either support their long-term employment goals or support their efforts to become more independent and self-reliant

• Apply their skills to the work place, giving them current references

• Understand the characteristics and behaviours that support living independently

• Earn an income while continuing their academic studies

For more information about this program, contact Paul Purtell, Program Manager, at (250) 762-2123 or e-mail esteem1@shaw.ca.
#204-1456 Saint Paul Street, Kelowna, BC V1W 4G5

Staff

Blair Lischeron	Executive Director blair@projectliteracykelowna.org
Elaine Johnston	Assessment Consultant/Trainer elaine@projectliteracykelowna.org
Bonnie Girouard	Assessement Consultant/trainer Bonnie@projectliteracykelowna.org
John Sleeper	Admin Assistant John@projectliteracykelowna.org
Jean Lee	Learning Disabilities Consultant admin@projectliteracykelowna.org

Esteem Program for Youth: (Enhancing Success Through Education, Employment and Mentorship)

Paul Purtell	Program Manager
Anna Lewis	Job Placement Coordinator
Ian Howard	Critical Thinking Instructor

Board of Directors

Tom Wilson	President
Nicole Udzenija	Vice President
Marion Wahl	Treasurer
Anita Boehm	Director
Nancy Evans	Director
Beverly Mallet	Director
Jennifer Marte	Director
Glenna Turnbull	Director
Kevin Wood	Director

Volunteers

Project Literacy Kelowna Society works with over 150 volunteer tutors over the course of a year. We train volunteer tutors to work one-to-one with learners to improve their literacy skills using interesting and relevant materials and techniques. A hands-on training course gives volunteers the skills and techniques they need to feel comfortable in their roles as tutors. The tutors are provided with a strong support system, regular monitoring and individual consultation to ensure satisfaction and success. Find out more about joining our very special team of tutors!

Funding

Project Literacy Kelowna Society gratefully acknowledges the following supporters:

United Way:

The Central Okanagan United Way recognizes Project Literacy Kelowna Society as one of its member agencies. The United Way conducts an annual campaign to raise funds for various programs in our community. These programs help people from all walks of life. Project Literacy Kelowna Society uses this money to assist clients who require stronger literacy skills to better contribute to our community.

Central Okanagan Foundation:

The Central Okanagan Foundation is a living trust. Donations are held in perpetuity, and only the investment income is distributed. Donations made to Project Literacy Kelowna Society’s fund through the COF will remain intact and continue to earn interest.

BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General:

We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia.

Organization and Private Donations:

Each year, Project Literacy Kelowna Society receives donations from generous organizations and individuals. Many of these supporters also volunteer their time to tutor, serve on committees, or assist our program in other valuable ways. We are very grateful for the support we have received from these caring individuals and groups. These donations are used to purchase learner and tutor supplies, to support the training and recruitment of volunteers, and to assist us with the planning of individualized programs for the growing number of clients requiring our services.

Our appreciation goes out to the following organizations:

• Canadian Federation of University Women

• Can West Global Foundation – Raise a Reader Fund

• Colin and Lois Pritchard Foundation

• Harmony Honda

• IODE Dr. Knox Chapter

• Kelowna Daily Courier

• Kelowna Lioness Club

• Kelowna Okanagan Mission Rotary Club

• Kelowna Professional Firefighters Charitable Society

• Kiwanis Club of Kelowna – Summit

• MacKay LLP Chartered Accountants

• National Adult Literacy Database (NALD)

• Roger’s Family Charitable Trust

• Rotary Club of Kelowna

• Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo

• The Belmont Foundation

• The Thomas Alan Budd Charitable Foundation

• Wahl & Associates

• Westbank Lioness Club

What Your Donation Provides:

• $25 Provides up-to-date literacy resources and education materials

• $50 Provides training and continuing education for volunteer tutors

• $100 Provides standardized assessments for learners

• $500 Supports the development and implementation of an individualized literacy program for an adult learner.

You can also make a donation online through CanadaHelps.

Become a Member

Your $15 membership fee is tax-deductible. It will provide books and training materials for our learners and tutors.

• Membership Form (PDF - 468k)