Recognizing Literacy as a Bridge to the Future

The Salvation Army recognizes that literacy is a powerful tool to help people achieve their goals, develop their knowledge and potential, and participate fully in their community. Across Canada, we provide programs that help individuals and families build their literacy skills and find hope for a brighter future.

“I’m a single parent and attend the Learning Coach Program at The Salvation Army’s Bethany Hope Centre in Ottawa,” says Anita.  “My teacher says, ‘You can do it’. Because of The Salvation Army I am strong, progressing with my high-school education, and my English is better.”

Whether for seniors, people with developmental disabilities, newcomers or children, Salvation Army literacy programs help lead families and individuals to social stability, increased self-confidence and economic opportunity.

• In a low-income neighbourhood of Halifax, The Salvation Army’s after-school club provides activities that help children develop social and literacy skills.
• In Hamilton, The Salvation Army’s D.A.R.E. (Determined Adults Reading and Education) enhances literacy skills for adults with developmental disabilities. Skills acquired range from reading and math to computers and spelling. The goal is to attain employment and independence in the community.
• In Kitchener, The Salvation Army’s Parent-Child Resource Centre provides a variety of literacy specific programs such as family math, building blocks, school readiness and early learning.
• In Winnipeg, The Salvation Army’s STages Education Program (STEP) is a community-based adult literacy program, open to anyone with a low literacy level, usually below Grade 6.
• In Calgary, The Salvation Army’s Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre provides an English for Living in Canada course that improves reading, writing, speaking and grammar for newcomers.

“The Salvation Army has a heart to help people,” says Anita. “They don’t focus on your past but help you build your future.”