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The Literacy Group Waterloo Region

 
 

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Kitchener Literacy Group 519-743-6090    Cambridge Literacy Group 519-621-7993

 
 
Give the gift of literacy Donate Now To The Literacy Group Through CanadaHelps.org! Give the gift of literacy
 
   

Consider Volunteering as a Board Member !

Быстро коричневая лисица поскакала над собакой спать.

Having trouble reading this? Although this is written in Russian, to many of our adult learners, this is what simple text looks like.
These adults have the lowest level of literacy skills in reading, writing, math and technology. Reading a newspaper, helping children with homework or writing a letter to the teacher is a skill many do not have. Literacy skills are inadequate to successfully cope in today’s increasingly complex society. Self-esteem, frustration, unemployment, workplace accidents/injury and a loss of understanding human rights impact personal and family relationships. The community’s loss is that of talent in the workforce, increased demand on social services and high staff turnover.
Mission Statement
The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region is a non-profit, community-based organization that works with adults in our community to improve basic reading, writing and math skills. Our services include 1-to-1 tutoring, small group, computer training and workplace readiness. We have offices in Kitchener, and Cambridge and serve the whole of Waterloo Region.

We are looking for Board Members who want to help us make a difference in the community.

Members of the Board of Directors attend monthly board meetings held on the last Tuesday of the month in our Kitchener office. They also may serve on committees or help with special events. (approximately 4-8 hours per month). Previous experience with a non-profit, government funded agency and fundraising is an asset.
 

You Can Give the Gift of Literacy!

Please send your cover letter and resume to:
Carol Risidore,
Executive Director

Email Address
Phone: 519-743-6090
Fax: 519-743-0474


Your Current Board of Directors


Anne Kircos, President

Since her appointment in September 1998, Anne has been responsible for the daily management of the Human Resources Department for CTV southwestern Ontario, an affiliate of CTV. In her current role she is accountable for establishing policies and providing support and counsel to management and staff on all facets of human resources including industrial relations, recruitment, compensation and benefits, training, health & safety, employment equity and payroll. Anne is a Human Resources Generalist with over 19 years experience working in a variety of industries both in non-union and union work environments. Prior to joining CTV, Anne spent three years working as a generalist in Human Resources at Labatt Breweries in London responsible for supporting the plant operation.


Colin Buchan-Buehler, Vice President

Colin Buehler is a long-time resident of the K-W area. A Wilfred Laurier University graduate with an English Degree, Colin has long been an advocate of literacy skills via the theatre community. A published poet, Colin continues to work in poetry, novel and short-story writing. In addition, he has had one play that he has written, produced and performed. Currently, he is employed with Spherion Staffing Solutions as a Staffing Consultant and enjoys the success of assisting people looking for employment. When he has spare time, Colin and his partner Lynn, discuss art, watch “non-Hollywood” movies and collect music and books.


Rebecca Balaz, Secretary
Rebecca works in the finance department with MKS Inc. in Waterloo. She has an HBA in Psychology from Lakehead University and is currently working towards an MBA at Wilfred Laurier University. She hopes to be able to put her skills to work as a Board member for The Literacy Group. In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys canoeing, sailing and dancing.

Christine Brown, Director
Christine Brown is an Information Services and Electronic Collections specialist at the Waterloo Public Library. She has an Honours B.A. from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. She is currently participating in the Leadership Waterloo Region program and is involved in several professional committees and associations. Christine lives in Waterloo with her husband and son.

Brenda Ritchie, Director
With over 15 years working and volunteering in the non-profit sector, Brenda brings a solid understand of the industry with her Human Resources, fundraising and governance skills. Her background in administration and project management includes recruitment of employees and volunteers, training, and business development. Her conscientious effort has led her to continued success in each of her employment and educational endeavours. Brenda is a member of the Certified Human Resources Professional and is currently working toward completing her CHRP designation. Community involvement includes membership of the Rotary Club and Chair of Community Services and Youth Counselor. Recently she completed the tenure as Director of the Board and Chair of Governance Committee at Theatre Aquarius and is a member and former executive of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Golden Horseshoe chapter.

Dave Uez, Director
Dave has been involved with TLG since 2004, both as a tutor and a board member. Dave is a resident of Waterloo and works as Director of Employee Relations & Compliance at Sun Life Canada. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, an MBA from York University, and a Certified Human Resources Practitioner designation through the Canadian Council of HR Practitioners. Aside from their involvement in professional and community activities, Dave and his wife Donna keep themselves busy raising three wonderful daughters.

Judy Woodhouse, Director

Judy is a Graduate of Early Childhood Education and spent many years facilitating children's programs. For the past ten years she has worked at the YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo. Judy is a tutor with The Literacy Group and also volunteers at Hope Lutheran Church on the special Missions Committee and in programs with New Canadians. She has just finished her first children's book which will be out this August. Judy lives in Kitchener with her husband Ken, two grown children and Miniature Schnauzer. In her spare time, Judy enjoys traveling, golfing and reading.


Eric McCuaig, Director

For the past five years, Eric has been responsible for international accounts at Fugro – Roadware, a local engineering firm. His education includes an Honours B.A. in International Development from the University of Guelph, and he was recently accepted to continue his education in the Master’s of International Public Policy program at Wilfrid Laurier University commencing in the fall of 2008. His volunteer experience includes traveling twice to Guatemala to assist with rural development projects. Eric lives in Waterloo with his wife Diana, and together they enjoy tennis, volleyball, movies and books.


 

Treasurer's Report
For year ended March 31, 2007 - click here for the Annual Report PDF
I am pleased to report on the financial affairs of The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. Overall, it has been a year of analyzing and restructuring costs in an attempt to reach a balanced budget. There is a slight deficit of $2350, mostly due to a deferral of $2000 in revenue for a project to be completed in the upcoming year. Outside of this deferral, we are in a deficit of $350, up $27,115 from last year.

In retrospect, the organization completed another successful; year with $326,407 in revenues this year, an increase of $8,303 from last year, due to increased funding from the MTCU. Expenses also dropped 5% due to efforts on restructuring and centralizing costs.

In fiscal year 2008, we anticipate revenues to be slightly higher as a reflection of fundraising events and new changes to licensed funds and bingo which should generate more revenue. We are anticipating and we put in maximum efforts to maintain and build on our current financial position and attain a balanced budget for the coming year.

I would like to thank everyone for their support of The Literacy Group.

Respectfully submitted,

Bussie Akinniyi
 
     
 

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