ActionRead
is a small but ‘mighty’ non-profit organization dedicated to changing the lives of Guelph adults and families through improved literacy, numeracy, computer, and other essential skills. We work to create an environment that is learner-centred, accessible, flexible, respectful, encouraging and inclusive.
Action Read feels it is successful when learners gain confidence and independence, overcome barriers to meet their learning goals, and access opportunities. We do this by creating a welcoming space; breaking learning down into smaller goals and activities; building positive supportive relationships; and reflecting on progress and making changes where needed
Creating this environment takes the vision, energy, and expertise of a whole community of learners, staff, volunteers, funders, agency partners, donors and supporters.
MESSAGE FROM
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Tutors tell us that h for their work. It’s h involves learning an creativity, dedicatio
Many learners so ap want to ‘give back’ the community. The challenges they hav
Countless amazing recently put it “the moving parts worki heartbeat of our or demonstrate throug
We also couldn’t do our work without the support of our Board of Directors who meet throughout the year to guide Action Read in fulfilling its strategic plan, help us update our policies to meet new laws such as the Ontario Not-For-Profit Act, and who rigorously oversee our finances. I am humbled by the leadership, stability and support they give to this organization.
Truly, all of us have an essential role in creating success at Action Read, and our community relies deeply on each other I am filled with gratitude for Action Read’s community of lifelong learners who engage with the world with joy and purpose.
So let us celebrate our successes, large and small. Let us look to the rich learning that the journey brings us, even when we struggle
And let us continue to measure our value as an organization through learner success.
Sincerely,
Mira Clarke
Success for me is... “Reaching my goals.
I
wanted to finish my high school and Action Read made that possible.”
“I don’t know if it’s success exactly, but I feel like I can trust people again. Like there’s a place I can go to get help if I need it. That’s a big deal for me.”
Action Read Programs
In 2023-2024 Action Read offered the following free programs Learners also received ongoing staff support, assessment and help connecting with other programs and services, as needed
One-to-One Tutoring - Adult learners work one-on-one with a volunteer tutor, following a unique Learning Plan based on their strengths, interests, and goals for employment, further education, and independence.
Coming from the Heart Group - Through both reading, writing, sharing and connecting meaningfully, this group uses traditional Aboriginal teachings and stories to think in new ways about our place in the world and the environment
ESL Writing Group - This small group works on writing techniques, grammar and spelling at Canadian Language Benchmark Level 6 or greater
Book Club - Participants read books chosen by members, and lead discussions focused on building knowledge and vocabulary
431 books borrowed from Action Read
70 volunteers donated over 3500 hours
42 tutor-learner pairs met for over 1000 hours
GED Program - The GED was created as a high school equivalency opportunity for adults who needed an alternative adult education program We offer classes throughout the week, which appeals to learners who juggle many obligations, or who just need more support This year the GED will be replaced by the Canadian Adult Education Credential
Early Start Family Literacy Program provides learning opportunities for preschool aged children, together with their parents or caregivers. It offers play-based literacy, numeracy and social activities, in addition to strategies for adults to support their children.
Financial Literacy - This course looks at creating a spending plan/budget, saving money, managing debt, increasing your consumer awareness, and understanding bank services, credit and fees
Internet Safety Workshop Series - This year Action Read created and delivered workshops throughout the community on topics such as keeping your computer safe, recognizing and responding to scams, shopping online with confidence, using public Wi-Fi safely, and more
Basic Digital Literacy Training - Using the Northstar Digital Literacy program and others, Action Read provides learners with the tools and support to master the digital skills needed today Popular modules include MS Word, Internet Basics, Excel, Social Media and Email
Microsoft Office Skills - In this course, learners gain hands-on, in-depth skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
455 Northstar digital literacy certificates earned
12 digital security workshops given to 33 people
342 hours of family literacy programs provided to 87 kids and 28 adults
Family Literacy
GED Program
Modular Programs
These programs are employment-focused, short-term and targeted on the local labour market, with consideration for the unique needs of adult learners They teach ‘hard’ skills such as how to use a cash register, and ‘soft’ skills such as communication and customer service
Retail Basics - Participants learn how to operate a cash register and point-of-sale machine, communication and customer service skills and the numeracy skills to handle cash properly
Landscape Maintenance - This course covers the industry working conditions, plants, planting technique, grounds maintenance, landscaping math, safety at work and WHMIS.
Receptionist Training - Participants learn phone etiquette and other communication skills, how to use mail and courier services, how to schedule appointments, and more
Safe Food Handling -This course addresses the health risks that can occur during the handling, preparing and cooking of food Successful participants receive a Food Handlers Certificate, valid across Canada
Smart Serve - Our program offers Smart Serve Certification, which is required by law if you serve or sell alcohol in your job
Janitorial Training - Participants learn about safety in the workplace, hazardous products and Workplace Materials Information Hazardous System (WHMIS) symbols and signage, proper handling of garbage, and how to clean floors, tables, windows and washrooms Success to me is...”Reading books, many books! I don’t think I read a single book before coming to Action Read. My world has expanded!”
178 learners attended 4133 hours of group learning programs
29 Safe Food Handling, Smart Serve or WHMIS certificates earned
”Feeling good about the learning process. That’s a new feeling. Also, being able to pick up a pen and write a note without stressing.”
Snapshot of Learners Entry to Exit
1. Referral Source
94% Met their learning goals
“I
2. Goals
3. Satisfaction
97% Were satisfied with the service they
96% Would recommend the program to others
Doris Middleton Award to Judy Noonan
Doris was a long-time member of Action Read who was greatly loved and respected for her positive attitude and keen sense of humour, her powerful desire to learn, and for conquering personal dragons The Doris Middleton Award is given each year to a learner who exemplifies her spirit
Judy Noonan is a passionate storyteller, a talented artist, a long-time supporter of Action Read and an advocate for persons with disabilities. Judy is also a committed lifelong learner - always working, always signing up for new workshops and events, and always open to learning virtually anything that her teacher or fellow learners suggest in group.
Both Doris and Judy loved to laugh and to make people laugh. Judy sparkles with warmth, ideas and creativity, and has a unique talent for public speaking At the Action Read fundraiser a few years back, she brought the house to tears when she spoke about her struggles and triumphs with learning She has served on the Action Read Board in the past, currently serves on the Community Living of Ontario Board, and she recently spoke about disability issues at the United Nations in New York!
Judy is an inspiration, admired by all who know her, and a faithful support to her close circle of friends We applaud you Judy and wish you every success We know that whatever you do, you will knock it out of the park!
Shirley Almack Leadership Award to Carl Nigro
Like many people, Carl struggled in school He didn’t understand why he was struggling with reading and spelling, and was never assessed for a learning disability Carl left school during Grade 10 to work with his father on the farm Equipped with many other skills including strategies to hide his dyslexia from others, he was always employed
At 40, Carl was promoted to a supervisor which required him to kee and Safety reports, send emails and improve his computer skills
In 2011, looking for support, Carl’s wife went online and found Action Read. Carl worked each week with his tutor and although he improved his reading, he still felt that something was just not right. In 2019 he was formally diagnosed with dyslexia. Carl worked with a volunteer who was specifically trained to teach adults with dyslexia. Carl learned the strategies and is now enjoying reading 400 page novels with little difficulty.
This past year Carl shared his story with Guelph Today, wanting others that struggle as he did to know that there is help and to not be afraid to seek it out His story is deeply moving and relatable We cannot thank Carl enough for sharing it He continues to inspire many people with his courage, hard work and strength of character
Betty Bean-Kennedy Outstanding Literacy Volunteer Award to James Gray
James Gray has been an incredible support to Action Read since the day he started volunteering in 2016. He was a devoted tutor for many years, teaching his learner to read with tenacity and creativity, and always a sense of fun and adventure. James taught so well that once when his learner got lost in the city, he was able to manage the street signs and the bus routes on his own for the first time in his life. The learner’s workers were more than a little relieved and appreciative of the work James was doing with him! Action Read staff would often talk about the ingenious tutoring plans that James devised to keep his learner engaged and moving forward
James joined the Board six years ago, quickly moving into a leadership role, first as Vice-Chair then as Chair He led Action Read through difficult times (COVID lockdowns, setting up an online learning program, uncertain funding) but somehow always brought optimism, a listening spirit and fresh energy to planning discussions Three years ago, despite moving 90 minutes away and becoming a co-owner of a medium sized industrial painting company in Toronto, James never once missed a Board or committee meeting, either online or in person He has been a rock, cheerleader and talented leader, and Action Read has benefited enormously from his generous spirit Thank you James!
Action Read Community Award to Jane Tuer - Project READ
Jane Tuer has been involved in literacy for over 30 years, first as a staff member in a local literacy organization, then with Project READ Literacy Network of Waterloo-Wellington In recent years she has also maintained a faculty position at Conestoga College
As Executive Director of Project READ, Jane has been the staunchest, most articulate supporter to literacy organizations in Waterloo-Wellington She is widely respected across Canada, and is regularly called upon to speak about literacy and skills upgrading to a variety of audiences. Jane is passionate, engaged, smart and funny. She is also kind, never fails to make those around her feel welcome, and is truly able to connect with anyone, from all walks of life.
In recent years Jane and Project READ stepped up their support of local literacy organizations in an even bigger way. When she learned that Action Read and others had lost funding, Jane doggedly sought out new funding for much needed projects These include our Digital Security Project, our Underrepresented Groups Research Project, and the Organizational Needs Assessment Project that allowed Action Read to provide research and support to HOPE House and Chalmers Outreach In addition, she delivered brand new laptops to us during the pandemic This support, and as well as her wisdom and experience as a leader, has made a massive difference to Action Read
It has been a true honour and pleasure to work with Jane Tuer in her role at Project READ Her impact on both Action Read and our sector cannot be overstated Thank you for everything Jane
Financial Statement 2023-2024
Year ended March 31, 2024
Revenue
Government Grants (MLTSD)
Grants (United Way, Project READ, City of Guelph)
Fundraising
To or from Contingency (+/-) Total
Expenses Total
Salaries and Benefits Rent Learner and Tutor Support
Organizational
balance, year end 3 -18 This statement is a summary of the Income and Net Assets Statements as they appear in the Financial Statements provided by Curtis-Villar Chartered Accountants. Copies of these Financial Statements are available upon request. 255,230 64,451 17,285 336,966
235,015 35,400 15,539 1,122 9,342 4,134 4,547 3,556 4,049 1,973 669 1,665 808 214 695 20,000 338,728
2023 - 2024 List of Donors
Anonymous
Adele Clarke
Ann Middleton
Barbara Chance
Billies Club (George Cuthbert)
Brenda MacDonald
Brock Mackinnon and Kate Keilty
Canada Helps
(Make It Monthly Campaign & Literacy for All fund)
Carin Headrick
Chaplin Renovation & Construction Inc
(Bruce Chaplin)
Children’s Reading Room
City of Guelph
David Middleton
Dorothy Fisher
Eden Mills Writer’s Festival
Elizabeth Hansen
Flour Barrel (Gerry O’Farrell and Heather Elliott)
Gary Hearn
Grand Valley Construction Association
Guelph Tool Library
Howard Kennedy
James Clarke
Jane Tuer
Janet Tapon
Janus Books Inc (Kieran Dunn)
Joanne Morant
John Carere
Karen Farbridge
Kathleen Zavitz
Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group
Lucy and Clifford Grundy
Lynda Lehman
Marilyn Clarke
Mira Clarke
Nancy Stevens
Nancy Swinehart
Ned Coates
Nichola Martin and Art Kilgour
Parkwood Gardens Neighbourhood Group
Paul Baker
Paul Carter
Paul Clarke Music
Phil and Leah Sadler
Project READ Literacy Network
Retired Teachers of Ontario Wellington
District 31 (RTO)
Ross Ireland
Rotary Club of Guelph South
Ryan Scott
Sarah Dermer
Sharon Nancekivell
Smitten Apparel (Holly Mastrogiacomo)
Sue Cavanagh
Susan Bard
Timothy and Kris Sturgeon
Tom Kosir
Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB)
Victor Davis Memorial Court Non-Profit Housing
Wellington Country Marketplace
(Stephen Aspinall)
Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin
Board (photo above):
Jeff Guitard, Secretary
Marsha Wallace
Kimm Khagram
James Gray, Board Chair
Bruno Sengmany
Paul Mesman
Denise Hollingsworth
Paul Carter, Treasurer
Missing from photo:
Colleen Harper and Junnivi Dedoroy
Brenda MacDonald, Family Literacy
Jan Sherman, Literacy Facilitator
Joanne Morant, One-to-One Tutoring
Lynda Lehman, Finance Manager
Lynn Veronneau, Administrative Assistant
Mira Clarke, Executive Director
Thom Campbell, Group Learning
