HALDIMAND'S NEW HOME FOR LITERACY

Posted By CATHY PELLETIER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER

Posted 10 months ago

Staff, volunteers and supporters gathered to celebrate the grand opening and officially cut the ribbon of the Haldimand Literacy Council's new Queen Street location last week.

Councillor Lorne Boyko recalled being part of a steering committee that met in the Dunnville Optimists' Hall "with an agenda of how we could move literacy forward, and we are light years from that now with a very visible presence," he said of the Council's new digs next to the Giant Tiger. "This is a terrific day for Dunnville. What holds many adults back from finding employment is literacy, and what you do for their self-esteem is significant."

"Too often, we take literacy and other skills for granted," said Tina Gates, representing MPP Toby Barrett; "whether it's reading a recipe or a road sign, and not being able to read makes some people very uncomfortable. It's wonderful what the Literacy Council is doing, helping those who can't read feel less confused and frustrated."

Jody Orr, President of the Board of Directors, thanked Maureen Jones and Peter Krause for being "part of the group that had this vision that Lorraine Bergstrand put wheels under. What she has helped us with has been phenomenal," Orr said of Bergstrand's role as Executive Director. "She inherited an organization that has huge heart. She's a visionary and her vision coincides with where the Board wants to go."

Both Bergstrand and Orr commended staff, volunteers and agencies like the United Way for their help in promoting literacy in Haldimand.

"We wouldn't be here without the provincial government recognizing what we do and our need," stated Bergstrand. "Gina McIntee is our Coordinator and Mike (Blum) is a volunteer, and they are instrumental in getting this place opened. Anne Davidson, former Executive Director, has now come back as an instructor in Simcoe and she is a huge part in where we are today. Evelyn Nobbs of the United Way is a key funder, and ScotiaBank matched our funding for up to $5,000."

"Not only do we do small group sessions," she added; "we provide one-to-one tutoring, which encourages people to make that small step toward success."

Before cutting the ribbon with Council board members, staff, sponsors and volunteers, Bergstrand thanked supportive partners like Mohawk College and St. Leonard's, along with Councillor Don Ricker for being "instrumental in moving literacy issues forward in Haldimand County. This is huge. This is the first step for the residents in this area to start here and move onto college and jobs and success.