Organization for Literacy in Lambton 180 College Ave. N Room 103 Sarnia ON N7T 7X2 CA                      

Ten Facts about Community Literacy Agencies


Fact One:
There are over 200 literacy delivery agencies, and over 300 delivery sites in Ontario that work to provide all four streams of literacy delivery: Anglophone, Francophone, Deaf and Native. Literacy agencies aim to direct students to the most suitable program, and to collaborate and share information and resources.


Fact Two:
A 2005-2006 IMS (Information Management System) survey revealed that there were 140 community-based delivery programs and 24 additional satellite programs throughout the province.


Fact Three: 
According to a 2003 CLO survey, 38% of community-based literacy agencies were rural, 28% mixed rural/urban areas, 19% served small urban areas and 14% served large urban centers. 27% of agencies were located in central Ontario; 19% in the east, 21% in the northeast; 11% in the northwest; and 22% in the southwest. Community-based literacy agencies are diverse and far-reaching.

Fact Four:
The majority of the adult learners served at community-based agencies (59%) have low level literacy (levels 1 and 2).


Fact Five:
A 2005 CLO survey revealed that 92% of Ontario’s community literacy agencies offer both one-to-one and small group programming. 50% of adult learners participated in one-on-one programs, while the other 50% participated in small group programs.

Fact Six:
A 2007-2008 IMS (Information Management System) survey revealed that learners in the Ontario area seek to become independent (21%), further their education and training (40%), or obtain employment (39%). 

Fact Seven:
A 2007 CLO survey revealed that the average community-based agency in Ontario has 65 volunteers. The volunteers help with board governance, fundraising and tutoring.

Fact Eight:
Community-based literacy agencies market their programs and services to  community partners, employers, service clubs and social service organizations. Agencies attend community fairs, fundraisers, promotional events and offer community presentations.

 
Fact Nine:
Community-based literacy agencies develop strong partnerships in their respective communities. A 2003 CLO survey revealed that 90% of agencies partnered with other local community agencies, 77% with Ontario Works, 66% with local referral agencies, 50% with local service clubs and 45% with local employers. The same survey showed that agencies received additional funding from: the local community (63%); local businesses (44%) and the United Way (31%).

Fact Ten:
Community-based literacy agencies are not-for-profit organizations, governed by a Board of Directors. They meet the needs of adult learners in supportive environments. Commitment to programming, flexibility and guidance are the keys to adult learners' success.


Ten Key Facts About Community Literacy Agencies (2009, April). Retrieved from http://www.communityliteracyofontario.ca/literacy-in-ontario-2/ten-key-facts/

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OLL is a community-based agency and gratefully acknowledges funding and support for Adult Literacy programs from the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

Our Charitable number is 135262012RR0001 © Organization for Literacy in Lambton. All rights reserved.