3930 20 Street SW Calgary AB T2T 4Z9

Phone 403 686 9300

Toll Free 1 877 686 9300 Fax 403 686 0627

www.calgarylearningcentre.com info@calgarylearningcentre.com

The CanLearn Society for Persons with Learning Difficulties

Charitable Registration Number BN 13402 3852 RR0001

2009

Annual Report

message from the ceo and board chair As the Calgary Learning Centre celebrated 30 years of exemplary service this year, we continued to look ahead. Board As the economy struggled, the Calgary Learning Centre found itself struggling as well. However, with renewed spirit and commitment from Board members, new strategic directions were established with the guidance of Dr. Jeanette Nichols. These dedicated members sought to compliment existing staff with the addition of new staff and to realign the organizational structure of the Centre so that it may continue to grow. Organizational With a dynamic new organizational structure in place, greater support could be established for the growth of services, programs and resource development. After 13 years as CEO for the Calgary Learning Centre, the opportunity for me to concentrate on program leadership was now possible and I welcomed the role as Director, Programs and Applied Research. An extensive search, with the support of Conroy Ross Partners, for a new President for the Calgary Learning Centre was underway. With great anticipation, Kerri Markle joined the team to provide leadership and accelerate resource development. Staff Dr. Michael Zwiers joined the Calgary Learning Centre as Manager, Clinical Services. He brought with him not only impressive clinical and leadership abilities, but a strong desire to expand clinical services. Further recruitment saw a robust clinical team that eliminated the wait list and contributed to building our presence in the community. The 2009 Annual Report offers many examples of how the Calgary Learning Centre continued to change lives through learning for children, adolescents, adults, families, professionals and the community. The impact of our work is beneficial and the demand ever increasing. While funding for services poses a challenge, we remain committed and focused as we delve into the fourth decade of leadership in learning. We wish to sincerely thank the Board of Directors for their leadership, creativity, energy and hard work. We thank the Calgary Learning Centre staff for their unwavering willingness to respond to challenging realities – and most of all for their commitment to the individuals we serve and their belief in the work of the Centre. Finally, we express our sincere appreciation to all of our supporters. We need you now more than ever.

Anne Price Cathy Dorin

NOTE 5: DEFERRED CONTRIBUTIONS

Deferred contributions represent unspent restricted operating funding received in the current year that is related to the subsequent year. Changes in the deferred contributions to operating funding are as follows:

2009 2008

Balance, beginning of year $ 211,237 $ 181,130

Add: Received during the year 668,926 753,212

Less: Recognized as revenue in the year (767,195) (723,105)

Balance, end of year

$ 112,968

$ 211,237

NOTE 6: INVESTMENT INCOME

The Calgary Foundation holds and administers $183,796 on behalf of the Society. The principal amount is not available for withdrawal by the Society and as such is not included in these financial statements. However, interest in the amount of $8,275 has been paid to the Society and is included in investment income. Income from the Jack and Louise Lee and The Canetic Resources Funds in the amount of $34,447 is included in investment income.

Full financial information for the year ending August 31, 2010 may be found by visiting www.calgarylearningcentre.com

financial statements

CANLEARN SOCIETY FOR PERSONS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

2009 2008 REVENUE:

Fees for service $ 691,869 $ 742,169

Fundraising and donations 479,235 321,868

Grants 72,916 68,611

Investment income (Note 6) 48,606 57,305

Amortization of capital contributions - 2,240

1,292,626 1,192,193

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31

EXPENDITURE:

Salaries and related costs 1,013,584 1,046,628

Rent 70,276 60,208

Client service expense 56,954 74,658

Telephone 6,627 5,397

Professional fees 5,669 5,689

1,257,284 1,271,186

Insurance 12,019 10,004

Fundraising 16,509 7,559

Travel and conferences 13,890 15,553

Public relations 25,661 18,515

Equipment lease and maintenance 20,992 15,387

Bank and credit card charges 6,692 6,174

Amortization 8,411 5,414

EXCESS REVENUE (EXPENDITURE)

$ 35,342

$ (78,993)

board directors Cathy Dorin, Chair Barb Fallis, Past-Chair Tereza Fonda, Secretary Gordon Goodfellow, Treasurer Robert Simpson, Vice-Chair Jon Fisher, Director Ed Gordon, Director Stuart Greenley, Director Joanne Hunt, Director Emlyn Jessop, Director Nora Kirkham, Director Sean Mclean, Director Paul Sacco, Director Darren Soltes, Director

staff administrative Anne Price, Ph.D., Registered Psychologist, CEO Terry Beeler, Manager of Fund Development Laura Godfrey, LearningLinks Librarian & Volunteer Manager Nada Jerkovic, B.A., Manager of Family Literacy Carolyn Meier, Manager of Administration Erin Ross, Senior Office Assistant Melissa Snider, Client Services Trixie Sokoloff, Receptionist Jill Sugars, Office Manager Kris Webber, Communications & I.T. Manager Michael Zwiers, Ph.D., Registered Psychologist, Clinical Services Manager

clinical Elvira Castaneda, M.Ed., Registered Provisional Psychologist Amelie Doucet, M.A., Adult Intake Services Tatiana Dunfield, M.Ed., Registered Provisional Psychologist Paige Feurer, M.Sc., Registered Psychologist Susan Maunula, M.Sc., Registered Psychologist Vicki Miller, B.Ed., POWER for Youth Coordinator Teresa Oliverio, Child Intake Services Karen Rabb, M.Sc., Registered Provisional Psychologist

program Jayne Clarke, E.C.E., Magic Carpet Ride Sandy Ireland, E.C.E., Home Reader, Magic Carpet Ride Marilyn Martin, Share The Magic Kim Parke, B.A., Home Reader Lori Roadhouse Haney, M.T., Home Reader

contract Charlotte Arbuckle, M.Sc., Registered Psychologist Lori Carlson, M.T., WORDPLAY Reading In Action Mia Herrero, B.Sc., B.Sc.O.T.(C) Janet Miller, Ph.D., Registered Psychologist Sue Stretton, M.Ed., Registered Psychologist

“My story starts like many others who come

to the

Calgary Learning Centre.

It began with a struggle to understand.”

In 1979, a concerned group of parents were puzzled why apparently bright children were underachieving in school. At the time, little was known about the nature of learning disabilities. Teachers, doctors and psychologists had few means to identify children with learning disabilities or to address these difficulties. The Calgary Learning Centre was created with the goal of serving individuals with learning difficulties through research, professional development and specialized services. Thirty years later, the Calgary Learning Centre continues changing lives through learning, giving hope and an improved quality of life for individuals struggling with literacy development, learning and attention difficulties. People with low literacy, learning disabilities or AD/HD experience:

• lower levels of education • poor health • minimal wages • greater unemployment • more workplace accidents • higher rates of incarceration

Low literacy, learning disabilities and attention difficulties provide major life challenges to thousands of Canadians. Negative outcomes are devastating for individuals and families and cost society hundreds of millions of dollars. With help, individuals facing these challenges can become successful contributing members of society. The Calgary Learning Centre has established a reputation for innovation and leadership in the areas of literacy development, learning disabilities and AD/HD. Thousands of individuals with learning difficulties have benefited from Calgary Learning Centre programs and services with the help of a team of professionals that include:

• Psychologists • Pediatricians • Speech/Language Therapists • Occupational Therapists • Learning and Literacy Specialists

Children, youth, adults and families receive direct support to develop skills and overcome barriers to literacy and learning.

Jean Hollingsworth Jenny Mew Jerry Heck Jerry Sacher Jody Wood Joe & Sally Hlavay Johanne Tottle Jon Fisher Joyce Fairbairn Joye Hardman Karen Guyn Kate Reynolds-Braun Kinsmen Club of Calgary Laureen MacKenzie Laurie Robinson Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta Linda Arthur Linda Durrant Literacy Alberta London Drugs Foundation Lori Paine Lorna Clogg Lorraine Carpenter Marie Desmarais Marilyn Samuels Marty Hornstein Marya Jarvey Mary Martin Mel Luciani Mercer Human Resources Consulting Michael Zwiers Mila Wendt Mimi Harris Miriam Mitchell-Banks Mona Lindstrom Mount Royal College Foundation Neil Hutton Nexen Inc. Nick Elliot Nora Kirkham Pamela Burke Parlee McLaws Pat Cochrane PCL Construction Management Pembina Pipeline Corporation Penn West Energy Trust Pin High Golf Pirie Foundation Reading Wings Inc. Robert Robinson

Robert Warnick Robert & Pamela Simpson Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial Rotary Club of Calgary South Rotary Club of Calgary South Partners Royal Bank Roy Lee Russell Kane Sal Lovecchio Sal Pinnell Savanna Energy Services ScotiaBank Scott Brassard Sean Mclean Sheila Watson Shirley Valentine Silvana Poissant Spartan Controls Stephen Maunula Stuart Greenley Stu Reid Sue Stretton Your name would look great here! TD Canada Trust Ted Cooke Ted Johnston Teeya Scholten TELUS Tereza Fonda Terry Beeler Terry Coles The Calgary Foundation The Prosser Charitable Foundation The Thomas J. Ranaghan Foundation Theresa Peters TransCanada Corporation United Way of Calgary University of Calgary Vicki Reid Victor Vogel Walter Chayka Yar Kolomijchuk The Calgary Learning Centre makes every effort to ensure that all of our donors are recognized. If there is an error or omission, we apologize and ask that you please contact us.

THANK YOU!

community support Alan MacDonald Alberta Government Allan Fallis Allan P. Markin Anna Kae Todd Anne Price AON Reed Stenhouse Arnie Godin Arthur J.E. Child Foundation Aubrey Kerr Barb Fallis Barbara Howes Barry & Cathy Dorin Baytex Energy Trust Betty Markle Betty Watt Bob & Nancy Bakos Bonavista Petroleum Bonnie Blankert Boston Pizza Bow Valley College Brad Petryk Brenda Lane Brent Gray Brent Shervey Brian Dewar Bruce & Carolyn Patterson Bryce P. Adamson Professional Corporation Burns Memorial Fund Your name would look great here! Calfrac Well Services Ltd. Calgary Herald Calgary Learns Calgary South Rotary Partners Canadian Oil Sands Trust Carlson Family Foundation Carol Francis Carol Skelly Carole Simpson Carolyn Hammett Carolyn Meier Catherine Ford Cathie Williams Chief Construction Company Children’s Hospital Aid Society Clare & Malcolm Lyall Claudia Mckinnon Community Spirit Program Connacher Oil & Gas Limited ConocoPhillips Canada Resources

Conroy Ross Partners Credit Union Central Crostwon Heating Dale McLaren Dan Good Dan Mossey Darlene Carlson Darren Soltes Daughters of the American Revolution Dave Sokoloff Denis Schechtel Derek Bechthold Derik Simpson Doris Herman Doug Clark Doug Lauchlan Ed Jonasson Education Matters Edward Kemp Elizabeth Woolner EnCana Cares Foundation Enerplus Resources Fund Ernie Yaskowich Eva Ann Grace Facet Resources Ltd. Fairfield Watson & Company Inc. FCSS Flo & Larry Brokop Fraser Milner Casgrain Further Education Society of Alberta George Schlosser Glen McArter Gordon & Shirley Goodfellow Happy Cooker Emporium Harold Wyatt Helen Salus Homes by AVI Hossein Moghadam Husky Energy Ida Notermans IHS Energy Canada Jack & Louise Lee James Beck James Fendall James Peacock James Sinneave Janssen Homes Ltd. Janssen-Ortho Inc. Jeanette Nicholls Jean Fallis

calgary learning centre services

Helping individuals by identifying the need... The Calgary Learning Centre helped 311 children and adolescents and 23 adults through

comprehensive assessment and intervention services. 7 pediatric residents and 20 medical students observed the

Calgary Learning Centre Attention Clinic. Financial assistance was provided to 106 individuals in the

amount of $96,453 through generous community donations.

power for youth services

Addressing the link between low literacy and youth crime… Over 70% of young offenders experience learning problems.

Taxpayers pay $100,000 per year to incarcerate a juvenile offender.

POWER for Youth services include assessment and intervention to help identify if learning, literacy or

attention difficulties are present.

78 youth in conflict with the law were referred to POWER for Youth. Support and intervention strategies

were put in place to assist youth to be more successful in life.

The transformation of those individuals that engaged in POWER for Youth services was visible. There

were 30 youth that participated in a follow up visit after one year and 88% had no further justice system

involvement and 77% returned to school or continued their education.

School personnel, referral sources and others within the justice system remarked on the

willingness of these youth to participate.

There were 13 POWER for Youth Professional Development workshops offered to 582 professionals.

“She turned reading and writing into something th

at was

natural to me instead of the challenge that I p

reviously saw it as.

With practice and patience I developed my skills

.”

“I wonder what my life would have been without

my experiences at the Calgary Learning Centre.

Would I have still graduated from high school?

Would I have still enrolled in University?

Would I still want to become a teacher?

These are important factors that contribute to

who I am today and I can easily say that it was

made possible from the Calgary Learning Centre.”

peter gzowski golf tournament

If you think it’s hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball. Jack Lemmon

Golfers and guests at the 20th Annual PGI Golf Tournament for Literacy founded by Peter Gzowski enjoyed live music, exquisite food and great company on September 24 and 25, 2009. The Firefighters Museum Society - Calgary signaled the shotgun start of the Alberta Round-up with the siren from an antique fire engine on the prestigious greens of Willow Park Golf and Country Club. Golfers were treated with an amazing day of sunshine and finished with a gourmet meal and program. Sally Hlavay, PGI Golf Tournament Chair was presented with the Gzowski Award. This award is given to an individual who brings the most goodwill and cheer to the event and who best exemplifies the spirit of the day. $67,500 was raised to help support Calgary Learning Centre programs and services.

celebrating 30 years In 1979, the Calgary Learning Centre opened its doors to 83 clients who struggled with

learning. Thirty years later, over 27,642 clients have found success and benefited from

the programs, workshops and services of the Calgary Learning Centre. The opening of the centre was a culmination of hard work and the collaboration of several individuals and agencies. Many things have changed over the years with the exception of one… the commitment the Calgary Learning Centre has made in helping individuals with literacy development, learning and attention difficulties. The celebration took place at the Willow Park Golf & Country Club on February 5, 2009. The evening was not only a time for reflection, but an opportunity to look ahead. The Calgary Learning Centre did so with two exceptional guests, one of which came to us years ago seeking our help and the other, an accomplished economist who spoke of economic trends and prospects.

Colleen Wall Student Enrolment Officer at Olds College Olds College Colleen has struggled with learning throughout her life. Enrolled at Mount Royal College, she experienced failing grades until it was suggested by a professor that she might have a learning difficulty and was led to the Calgary Learning Centre. She credits the Calgary Learning Centre for not only giving her the opportunity to learn at her own pace, but opportunities to meet others with similar needs and to feel encouraged and strengthened by her accomplishments. Colleen went on to attend Saint Francis Xavier University and graduated with first-class honours with a degree in Sociology. Craig Alexander VP & Deputy Chief Economist TD Bank Financial Group Craig is frequently quoted by the media on economic issues and writes reports on a wide array of economic and financial subjects. In addition to his role at TD Bank, Craig is also president of the Canadian Association for Business Economics. A strong advocate for literacy, Mr. Alexander released a research paper entitled Literacy Matters: A Call for Action in which he made the case that literacy is a prerequisite to prosperity. Recently, he presented a second paper linking literacy and the economy.

This successful evening was celebrated with friends and supporters old and new. Over $20,000

was raised with matching funds from Facet Resources Limited for the Jack & Louise Lee Endowment fund that will support the Calgary Learning Centre. Thank you to everyone

for your continued support!

family literacy programs 60 families learned how to nurture their child’s learning and 96 preschool children developed a love

for learning through stories, songs and a variety of other fun activities in the Home Reader Program. The Magic Carpet Ride Program prepared 145 parents and 182 preschool children for

school in fun, informational sessions that included stories, songs, play, activities and learning centres in 13 communities. 3,527 books were collected for the Share the Magic Program at 109 locations and sorted by

Calgary Learning Centre volunteers who read and distributed these books to 1,465 children. 224 individuals benefited from Calgary Learning Centre Family Literacy professional development. 58 First Nations families with children ranging from preschool to grade 4 shared the joy of reading and

storytelling through Share a Story workshops offered by the Calgary Learning Centre at Morley Community School. The Calgary Learning Centre Manager of Family Literacy began work for the Family Literacy Regional Network, Southwest Region of Alberta.

The Calgary Learning Centre would like to thank Calgary Reads for their donation of books.

“Fortunately for my parents, they found the Calgary

Learning Centre. I began working on my literacy skills.

My parents spent time and energy to develop these

skills so that I could be come a better learner.”

organizational strategies & study skills for junior and senior high school Junior and senior high school can be overwhelming as students try to cope with new academic and organizational demands. This student and parent workshop introduces effective strategies for developing independent and efficient approaches to learning.

12 adolescents and

15 parents learned strategies to…

• manage time • establish goals • set up a successful

homework routine This workshop also introduces a variety of key study and memory strategies to help participants prepare for tests and exams more effectively.

break the code Break the code is a fun, instructional program for children ages 7 to 10 that combines reading, games and activities.

10 children learned… • a variety of strategies to

identify unfamiliar words • to practice decoding and

spelling new words by thinking of known words with similar patterns

• to increase their sight vocabulary, word identification and fluency

8 parents learned… • strategies to assist their

children • their child’s strengths and

weaknesses through a skill observation before the program

• how to utilize materials distributed to maximize learning at home

4 education students had the opportunity to assist in this week long program.

parenting the child with attention difficulties 11 parents of children who have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) found this program beneficial for learning more about AD/HD and strategies to support their child. During the workshop, parents… • learned strategies to help

manage behaviours common in children with AD/HD

• developed an understanding, as well as strategies, of how AD/HD affects organization and learning

• how to help their child build communication skills and social awareness

An opportunity to discuss topics, share ideas, participate in group activities, practice new skills and learn from others with similar experiences in a group environment was provided.

calgary learning centre programs and worksh supporting community

Calgary Learning Centre staff participate in a variety of community initiatives and provide support to the following groups and services:

AD/HD Consortium Alberta Education Ambrose University College, Bachelor of Education Program Calgary Learning Village Collaborative Elizabeth Fry Society Gateway Initiatives Advisory Committee Kafe 12 LD Stakeholders Group Nova Scotia Department of Education PLENA - Public Legal Education Network Professional Advisory Committee, Learning Disabilities Association of Canada PSSPPD - Post Secondary Service Providers for People with Disabilities Committee Sarcee West Youth Justice Committee Stardale Women’s Group - Female Aboriginal Adolescent Program Vantage Enterprises - Non-Restrictive Practices for People with Disabilities Committee

The Calgary Learning Centre celebrated the 3rd Annual Champions of Learning in partnership with the following:

Bow Valley College Continuing Education Calgary Board of Education Chinook Learning Services Calgary John Howard Society Calgary Learns Calgary Public Library Further Education Society Literacy Alberta Mount Royal University Continuing Education SAIT Polytechnic Continuing Education University of Calgary Continuing Education

This event recognizes International Adult Learners’ Week and hundreds were in attendance for free seminars, group activities and celebrity readings.

I did not place much thought of it then,

but would later realize the importance of the lessons

I learned at the Calgary Learning Centre.”

celebrating community

The Society held a casino that raised $77,692 to support the work of the Calgary Learning Centre.

165 members of The CanLearn Society for Persons with Learning Difficulties.

In celebration of Family Literacy Day, the students, parents and staff of St. James School hosted a book

drive that collected 800 gently loved books in support of the Share the Magic program.

The Calgary Learning Centre celebrated past, present and future volunteers on April 25. Kevin MacKenzie,

professional Canadian storyteller, entertained the audience with his infectious enthusiasm. Two sold out

half day workshops took place the following day as Kevin presented Tell It! and Fingerplay Boot Camp

to 61 participants.

Ms. Cresswell contacted the VIBE 98.5 radio station with a ‘What you Want Wednesday’ wish and was a very

happy winner. The Calgary Learning Centre Share the Magic program visited her at Annie Foote Elementary School and read to her delighted group of students. Each student was given an opportunity to

choose two books to take home and an additional 50 books found a home in the school library.

Dr. Anne Price was invited by Dave Hancock, Alberta Minister of Education to be a member of

the Steering Committee for the Setting the Direction for Special Education in Alberta project.

One of 16 members, Anne helped to develop a framework for special education policy with input from over 6,000 Albertans.

wordplay reading in action This dynamic program enabled

92 struggling readers in grades 1 to 3 develop a love of learning and literacy through hands-on interactive activities. WORDPLAY Reading In Action promotes reading with: • word-attack skills and

strategies • reading games that apply

various reading strategies and skills

• art, drama and music based activities

Literacy information and strategies were provided to parents who participated. With the success of this program, the Calgary Learning Centre expanded WORDPLAY Reading In Action to 10 schools. A maximum of 10 students are accepted in a session allowing for greater individual instruction time with the facilitator.

putting wheels on the dsm-iv: using the dsm-iv as a diagnostic tool This workshop was attended by 18 Registered and

Provisional Psychologists, as well

as Graduate students in professional psychology programs. Content for this Level I workshop included: • History of the DSM System • Diagnostic Nosologies • Applications of the DSM • Making the DSM Manageable • A Semi-Structured Interview

for Diagnosis • Diagnostic Entities -

A Clinical Look • Differential Diagnosis &

Decision Making • Future Decisions

Successful participants received a CD Rom of materials, including the complete Semi-Structured Clinical Interview format for the DSM-IV.

teaching students with ld:

practical strategies Intervention, assessment and specific strategies were

introduced to 21 teachers to meet the needs of students in grades 3 to 9 with learning disabilities. During this 3 day workshop, participants learned… • how to accommodate LD

needs in the regular classroom

• assistive technology and computer based instructional supports

• cooperative learning approaches to facilitate skill development

• to recognize points of breakdown with LD students

• interventions and strategies to improve various components in reading, written expression and math

• strategies to engage reluctant students

hops

“Before my lessons at the Calgary Learning Centre,

my parents said they could not get me to speak, now the

trick is to make me shut up for any amount of time.”

learninglinks resource centre This unique library contains more than 15,000 resources dedicated to literacy, learning difficulties and

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Circulation increased 43% with online catalogue availability

and 32 Travelling Trunks travelled across Alberta. LearningLinks welcomed the installation of

videoconferencing equipment to further reach the community. LearningLinks resource centre is a joint project of the Calgary Learning Centre and Literacy Alberta. It partners with the University of Calgary Libraries and Cultural Resources.

professional development

The Calgary Learning Centre presented 20 workshops to 619 participants.

website

17,017 visitors viewed 58,220 pages.

online seminars

306 visitors viewed a Calgary Learning Centre online seminar.

volunteers

Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something…

Volunteers are an integral part of the Calgary Learning Centre. 137 volunteers donated 3,108 hours of their invaluable time and talent so that the Calgary Learning Centre could reach further into the community. Audrey Chutskoff was the recipient of the Carolyn Meier Helping Hand Award that recognizes the invaluable contributions made by an

outstanding volunteer at the Calgary Learning Centre. Audrey has

volunteered weekly for more than 10 years preparing materials for Calgary

Learning Centre Family Literacy programs.