Project Literacy Kelowna Society - About Us Page

About Us:
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)

TRADES PROGRAM:

Our Trades Skills-upgrading program, which is funded by Human Resources and Social Development Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, recruits experienced trades workers to work one-to-one with men and women who want to upgrade their essential skills so that they can work and progress in trades jobs or enter apprenticeship programs.

Our skilled volunteer trades tutors will help you to gain and improve your skills in:

Applied trades reading
Applied trades math
Basic computers

All of our literacy 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 15 and 24 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
Barbara Hagan	Executive Director barb@projectliteracykelowna.org
Elaine Johnston	Assessment Consultant/Trainer elaine@projectliteracykelowna.org
Kayo Watanabe	Office Assistant/Receptionist kwatanabe@projectliteracykelowna.org
Louie Gaudet	Trades Program Coordinator louie@projectliteracykelowna.org
Jean Lee	Learning Disabilities Consultant admin@projectliteracykelowna.org

Esteem Program for Youth: (Enhancing Success Through Education, Employment and Mentorship) esteem1@shaw.ca
Paul Purtell	Program Manager
Madeline Talyfer	Job Placement Coordinator
Ian Howard	Critical Thinking Instructor

Board of Directors
Tom Wilson	President
Fiona Chamberlain	Vice-President
Marion Wahl	Treasurer
Johnie Downie	Secretary
Ryan Cuddeford	Director
Judy Good Sky	Director
Jennifer Marte	Director
Joni Metherell	Director
Dennis Barnes	Director
Don Murdoch	Director
Dawn Silver	Director
Nancy Holmes	Director

Volunteers
Project Literacy Kelowna Society works with over 100 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.

logo of Central Okanagan Foundation 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 Gaming:
Project Literacy Kelowna Society relies on income generated through gaming to help provide a safe and confidential learning environment staffed by literacy professionals. This funding is supported by the efforts of our “Bingo” volunteers who act as paymasters at our local Bingo Palace. BC Gaming funds assist approximately 150 charitable organizations in Kelowna.

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.

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.

Access the Membership Form (PDF - 468k)

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