Literacy Impacts Lives

Family Literacy Day, held annually on January 27, raises awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.

Increasing the level of literacy in both adults and children can lead families and individuals to social stability, increased self-confidence and economic opportunity.

Many people with low literacy levels live in a cycle of poverty. They have fewer choices in jobs, education housing and other things they need to live full lives.

From coast to coast, Salvation Army literacy programs are give people hope for a brighter future.

In Hamilton, The DARE program provides and enhances literacy skills for adults with developmental disabilities. It also helps develop necessary skills to help participants attain employment and independence in the community.

In Ottawa, The Salvation Army’s Bethany Hope Centre is improving family life, knowledge and understanding, for pregnant youth and young parent families. Its education program helps young parents continue or complete their high school education.

In St. John’s, N.L., Grow With Me, a literacy program designed for preschool children is offered in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In London, Ont., iRead was created for children in need of assistance with their reading skills and was also designed to assist parents who can’t afford a literacy program for their child. Every week the children are evaluated and parents are updated with progress reports to be shared with their child’s teacher.

“At the Bethany Hope Centre The Salvation Army’s independent learning helped me focus on the future,” says Jenessa. “I’ve graduated high school and without this support I wouldn’t have the confidence I do now.”