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What started as a desire to improve literacy in Vernon has grown into much more. Since joining the Literacy Now Communities program in 2004, a Vernon-area literacy group has evolved into the Junction Literacy and Youth Centre, which continually identifies and addresses literacy and other needs throughout the community.
The Literacy Now Communities program, supported by the Province of BC, assists more than 200 communities in developing and implementing action plans to address local literacy needs. These action plans often include hiring literacy coordinators, expanding early literacy programs, and offering adult tutoring and after school homework clubs. In Vernon, the Junction partnered with the Upper Room Mission, a faith-based organization offering free clothes and food to homeless people and those living in poverty.
"We've offered training for the Upper Room Mission's volunteer staff so they understand the issues around low literacy skills, how to support basic literacy, and how to link their clients to other relevant services," said Debbie Schiller, executive director of the Junction Literacy and Youth Centre. "It is important we offer these services in a comfortable environment which these clients are familiar with."
The Junction partnered with a local magazine distributor to provide the Mission with free magazines. They have also purchased playing cards, games and computers to assist with developing literacy skills. Having recently completed their first year of implementing their literacy action plan, the Junction is now looking to evaluate their programs and expand their reach moving forward.
"Knowledge is power. If we can train more people so they have the knowledge to help people with low literacy, it will make a difference," said Schiller.
