This years Life of Learning Award (LOLA) in the Thanks A Bunch category went to the Calgary Foundation.
Jason Bates (Calgary Foundation) and nominator Shauna Parks (Sunrise Community Link)
The Calgary Foundation has provided outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in addressing the issues faced by poverty-stricken adult foundational learners in our community. A shining example of their commitment is their support of Taking Charge, a collaborative initiative of CanLearn and the Sunrise Community Link.
Taking Charge is a multiple-week program that specifically targets individuals experiencing poverty and life stressors. The Calgary Foundation funded the program’s launch in September 2015 and has been a highly supportive partner ever since.
Taking Charge moves past short term solutions to address underlying issues that are rooted in poverty and low-literacy. With funding from the Calgary Foundation, the program provides dedicated facilitators, childcare, program incentives, and a myriad of resources. The Calgary Foundation has been a flexible and encouraging partner every step of the way, allowing adjustments to the original program design and the addition of a second round of the pilot, which started in February of this year.
The nine graduates of the first Taking Charge cohort give the program top marks. For some, it’s the first time in years they’ve been able to leave their house. Others say that after struggling with depression, this program has given them their life back. All participants have found new ways to cope with day-to-day challenges, address conflict, set and achieve goals, and build their sense of self confidence and self-esteem.
This program is a game changer in the lives of long-term clients who have chronically struggled with a variety of issues. The Calgary Foundation, through its generous financial support and willing spirit, has made this possible. Thanks a bunch and then some!
Literacy is not just about reading and writing. While reading and writing provide the necessary foundation for learning, literacy is fundamentally about an individual's capacity to put his/her skills to work in shaping the course of his or her own life. Literacy involves "reading the word and the world" in a variety of contexts. Individuals need literacy skills to obtain and use information effectively, to act as informed players and to manage interactions in a variety of contexts, ex. making decisions about health care, parenting, managing household finances, engaging in the political process or working.
We thank all applicants for their proposal submissions. Calgary is rich in ideas for serving adults who learn at a foundational level. Our proposal reviewers were duly impressed. Congratulations to the nine projects that received funding. Click on the funding types above to learn more about these new projects.
