Literacy Assets and Gaps for Families and Street Youth ... · Literacy Assets and Gaps for Families and Street Youth Final Report December 10, 2013 ... Participating Organizations

Literacy Assets and Gaps for Families and Street Youth Final Report

December 10, 2013

Prepared for: Literacy Now Cowichan

Prepared by: Kathleen Sheppard

Social Planning Cowichan

Literacy Assets and Gaps for Families and Street Youth December 2013 _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction 3 2. Methodology 3 3. Assets 4 3.1 Families 4 3.2 Street Youth 10 3.3 Under Development 16 3.4 Front Line Literacy 16 4. Analysis 16 5. Gaps 19 6. Barriers 20 6.1 Participant Barriers 20 6.2 Program Barriers 21 7. Successful Strategies 21 8. Conclusion 22 Appendix 1 – Participating Organizations 23 Appendix 2 – Interview, Focus Group and Survey Questions 24


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1. Introduction This report looks to identify assets and gaps related to literacy, particularly for families and street youth in the Cowichan Region. For the purposes of the project, Literacy Now is looking to identify programs, resources or services for families (where parents and children participate together) and street youth (youth aged 12-18 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness). Literacy Now defines literacy more broadly than the ability to read and write. In this context, literacy includes an understanding of language, numeracy, workplace, civic, emotional, social and digital skills. 2. Methodology This report was created using the following methodology: 1. A scan and verification of existing community resources and programs related to literacy using past materials and online sources. 2. Individual interviews with key individuals representing agencies involved in literacy in the region. 22 individuals were approached to participate and interviews were conducted with 14 people. 3. Individuals who had participated in the interview process were invited to participate in a Focus Group. Of the 14 individuals who were invited, 6 participated in the Focus Group. 4. An online survey was circulated to more than 56 community representatives, with 8 responses. 5. More than 50 community organizations, including those identified through the individual interviews, were invited to participate in a Community Roundtable, with representatives from 7 organizations participating. A list of organizations participating in the different stages for this is listed in Appendix 1. The interview, focus group and survey questions are listed in Appendix 2. While every effort was made to identify as comprehensive a listing as possible, it is possible that some programs or resources may have been missed. It is not expected that this would affect the gaps and barriers that have been identified.


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3. Assets 3.1 Families The following assets have been identified in the Cowichan Region for families, where children and parents both participate in programs.

Program Agency Description Target Group

Literacy type Age Group

Geographic Area Served

Healthy Beginnings MCFD & VIHA Drop in parent group Families Language 0-3 yrs

Cowichan Region

Parent Child Mother Goose

VIHA and partners

A registered program for parents or caregivers with babies and/or tots 0-4 years old. Meet other parents in your community and connect with your little one through song and rhyme. Families Reading 0-4 yrs

Throughout the region through different agencies

Eagle’s Nest Family Resource Program

Chemainus Community School Association

Eat together, play together, connect to each other. A family resource program can be the first stop for a new parent to make, in getting out of the house with a new baby. Welcoming facilitators and other parents provide friendship, advice, coffee, and company! Families

Emotional/Social 0-5 yrs

Chemainus and Crofton

Chemainus StrongStart


StrongStart is a free drop-in adult and child program that is fun for all – both you and your child will learn and play together. Families 0-5 yrs Chemainus

Rainbows


Rainbows provides a support program for children who have suffered a significant loss in their lives. Trained, caring adult volunteers help children and families sort through their grief and healing from death, divorce, or any other painful transition. Families

Emotional/Social 0-12 yrs Chemainus


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Books 'n' Bubbles Bus

Cowichan Family Life Association

The Books 'n' Bubble Bus is an "equal access to opportunity" program delivering early learning and literacy programs outlying areas and communities where programs are limited for this target age. Families Reading 0-5 yrs

Cowichan Region

Whales’ Tales

MCFD, VIHA, SD#79 & Duncan Mall

Two mornings/week drop-in program in Duncan Mall. Stories, craft, songs, story telling Families Reading

Children 0-6

Cowichan Region

Parents As Literacy Supporters (PALS) SD#79

Literacy Program designed to show parents how they can support literacy and numeracy at school and home. Child and parent learn together through play-based literacy learning model. Families take home books and other literacy materials to enjoy at home. Families

Reading, writing

Children 4-6

Targeted kindergarten classrooms in SD79

Ready, Set, Learn SD#79

One-stop health and education fair to support families with all aspects of preschool development. Families take home books and other literacy materials to enjoy at home. Families

Reading/Emotional

Children 3-6 years

Cowichan Region

StrongStart Early Learning Centres SD#79

Free, drop-in program to support success as child transitions to school. Families enjoy circle and music time and enhance oral language skills through play Families

Reading/ Emotional

Children <5 & parents or caregiver

Available at Alexander, Bench, Chemainus, Drinkwater & Khowhemun Elementary Schools


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Little Learners

CVRD Parks and Recreation

Recreation-based preschool program, which is designed for your child to explore and grow. Your child will enjoy circle time, learning and imagination stations, outside play, and much more. This is a great introduction to social play as well as preparation for preschool and kindergarten. Families

Language Emotional 3-4 yrs

Shawnigan Lake

Books for Babes

VIHA, SD #79, VIRL

Literacy bag with board book, music CD and contact information about Baby Time Programs presented to moms of each newborn; distribution points are hospital, health units and libraries Families Reading 0-1 yrs

Cowichan Region

Pre-School Story Time: “Let It Shine” Kids

Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association

Mother Goose type preschool literacy and play program Families Language 0-5 yrs

Cowichan Region

Lunch Bunch

Cowichan Lake Community Services

This recreation-based program is designed to promote tools for conflict resolution, enhance social skills, and support children’s healthy development. Families


Lake Cowichan

Kids Have Stress Too

Sundrops Centre for Child Development

An interactive training workshop from The Psychology Foundation of Canada for professionals who work with families and children in early learning and care environments. Families


Cowichan Region

Family Storytime

Vancouver Island Regional Library - Cowichan Branch

Bring the whole family and join us for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. Families Language 0-5 yrs

Cowichan Region


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Family Storytime

Vancouver Island Regional Library - Lake Cowichan Branch

Bring the whole family and join us for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. Families Language 0-5 yrs

Lake Cowichan

Storytime

Vancouver Island Regional Library - South Cowichan Branch

Bring the whole family and join us for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. Families Language 0-5 yrs Mill Bay

Parent and Child Mother Goose

Vancouver Island Regional Library - South Cowichan Branch

Mother Goose trained facilitators present songs, actions, rhymes, and stories. Offered in partnership with Vancouver Island Health Authority. Families Language 0-4 yrs Mill Bay

Family Storytime

Vancouver Island Regional Library - Chemainus Branch

Bring the whole family and join us for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. Families Language 0-5 yrs Chemainus

Cultural Program

Cowichan Tribes

Offers CDs and books in the Hul'q'umi'num language

First Nations

Cultural, Reading All ages

Cowichan Region

Dictionary Project

Cowichan Tribes

Through the Dictionary Project, Cowichan Tribes is keeping the language alive by: Converting the spoken language into a written orthography; Providing community language classes; Increasing the number of Hul’qumi’num teachers and speakers; Introducing the Hul’qumi’num language in schools; and Providing Cultural Teaching Assistants to the schools.

First Nations

Cultural, Reading, Writing All ages

Cowichan Region


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Healthy Children Healthy Futures

Hiiye'yu Lelum - House of Friendship

Healthy Children Healthy Futures is a Parenting Education and Discussion Group for parents and caregivers of children 0 to 6 years old. HCHF is a peer facilitated group where we discuss a wide range of topics from Community Resources to Discipline from Anger and Conflict to Goal Setting and Problem Solving just to name a few.

First Nations Families


Cowichan Region

Clan Project


To encourage families toward wellness & unity by supporting their efforts in activities & crafts; for youngest to Elder members of the family.


Emotional/Social All ages

Cowichan Region

Treasure Box


Treasure Box is a free and fun way to help you and your Aboriginal children (0-5) play and get ready for school.


Reading, Language 0-5 yrs

Cowichan Region

Families Growing Together


This is a program for the whole family. We look at ways you can support and communicate with each other in a positive way to create a safe and healthy future for you and your family...together.


Emotional/Social All ages

Cowichan Region

Healthiest Babies Possible


It’s mandate is to provide education, information, support and connections for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women who experience health/lifestyle challenges during pregnancy, birth and the transition to parenting.

First Nations Parents

Emotional/Social Adults

Cowichan Region


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Nobody's Perfect


Nobody's Perfect is a program for parents of 0-5 year olds. Guided by trained and caring people, parents learn how to understand their children better. We provide information on children's health, safety and behavior and also show you how to cope with stress.

First Nations Parents


Cowichan Region

Triple P: Positive Parenting Program


The program is based on extensive research and is designed to expand your parenting “toolkit” by focusing on positive reinforcement and concrete parenting strategies. Parents

Emotional/Social Chemainus

Raising Resilient Children


One of the most important tasks of parenthood is helping children learn how to deal with their emotions. All children experience periods of stress in their lives and need the emotional skills to deal with it. Children’s abilities to cope with their feelings are important to their long-term happiness. Come hear about the six key skills to help children build emotional resilience. Parents


Shawnigan Lake

Family Meals Networking for Families

Family meal centered around a children’s book in both English and Hul’q’umi’num Families

Language/ Social 0-5 yrs Duncan

Fun Family Literacy Nights

SD79 and partners

Evening event with literacy stations and take home resources Families


Parent Conference Success by 6

A day of interactive and educational workshops for parents Parents



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Robert Munsch Books

Aboriginal Success by 6

Bilingual (English and Hul’q’umi’num) Robert Munsch books and audio books Families

Language/ Cultural 0-6 yrs

Cowichan Region

Raising Competent Confident Children


Children are more likely to be confident, succeed at school and get on well with others when the develop certain life skills Parents


Shawnigan Lake

3.2 Street Youth The following programs are available to street youth. It should be noted that no programs were identified that solely targeted street youth. These programs are programs that are available to a broader audience but that may be accessed by street youth.


Literacy type

Age Group


Volunteer Lay (Peer) Counselling


Individual and couples counselling is available for those needing emotional support, psycho-educational information, and counselling support for current issues. Adults


Cowichan Region

Healing Anger Workshop


Cowichan Family Life's Healing Anger group provides support for both men and women who want to change their anger patterns. Adults


Cowichan Region

Personal Power and Self-Esteem


Our new Personal Power and Self-Esteem group is designed to increase your understanding and use of important personal empowerment techniques. These skills will help you gain a more authentic personal expression, strengthen your self-image, and build respectful relationships. Adults


Cowichan Region


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Literacy type

Age Group


Community Access Program


Aims to provide Canadians with public access to the internet and the skills to use it effectively. Any age Digital All ages Chemainus

Essential Skills

Coast Salish Employment and Training Society

Helps participants build essential workplace and other skills, includes literacy

First Nations

Reading, Writing, Numeracy, Workplace Emotional Adults

Cowichan Region

Employment Readiness


Helps participants become ready for employment, including improvement of literacy skills

First Nations

Reading, Writing, Numeracy, Workplace Emotional Adults

Cowichan Region

Walk-in Program


Helps participants with workplace and employment skills

First Nations Workplace Adults

Cowichan Region

Yuthuythut Adult Training Centre

Cowichan Tribes

Yuthuythut Adult Training Centre started in 1990 as a stepping-stone for adults over 18 to upgrade their education as a step towards a more meaningful life. Recently special focus has been on improving literacy.

First Nations

Reading, Writing Adults

Cowichan Region

Youth Inclusion Project


The Youth Inclusion Project (YIP) is a crime prevention program that provides pro-social activities to youth in the Cowichan communities. The YIP facilitates programming for youth that are considered at-risk for criminal behaviour and need extra assistance to cope with the surrounding environment.

First Nations Youth

Emotional/Social

12-18 yrs

Cowichan Region


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Literacy type

Age Group


Cultural Development


The youth, in all age groups are asking for teachings in the Sweat Lodge, regalia making, native jewelry, talking sticks/canes, storytelling, ceremonies, singing traditional songs and traditional dance. They also have requested education around cultural health, traditional cooking, and language.

First Nations Youth Cultural

12-29 yrs

Cowichan Region

Youth Engagement


Hiiye’yu Tul’ Youth Centre is a safe, supportive place for the outreach team to bring the youth that are referred to their services. CCAY’s (Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth) projected involvement is offering activities and food to these youth who have been lost in systems and are attracted or affiliated to gang behavior as a place to belong.

First Nations Youth

Emotional/Social

12-18 yrs

Cowichan Region

English Language Services for Adults

Cowichan Intercultural Society

Do you want to learn English? Do you want to learn about Canadian culture? Do you want to laugh and relax with other learners? These small friendly classes are free for eligible students

New Canadians


Cowichan Region

Canadian Connections English Language Tutor Program


The Canadian Connections tutoring program at Cowichan Intercultural Society offers free tutoring for ESL (English as a Second Language) students in the Cowichan Region.

New Canadians


Cowichan Region

English Corner

Vancouver Island Regional Library - Cowichan Branch

Supported by the Cowichan Intercultural Society, this is an informal, drop-in group to practice your English skills.

New Canadians Language All ages

Cowichan Region


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Literacy type

Age Group


Adult Literacy & Resources for new Canadians

Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association

Learn conversational English and the diversity of Canadian cultures in a fun, social setting. Get help with Immigration papers and other topics.

New Canadians Language Adults

Cowichan Region

Bladerunners


BladeRunners is an innovative employment readiness program designed to give unemployed First Nations youth a chance to gain valuable work experience and skills training that will help them make the transition to long-term employment. Youth Workplace

15-30 yrs

Cowichan Region

Multicultural Leadership Group


Drop in and volunteer on Thursdays after school 'til about 5:30 pm. Come when you can and leave when you have to. Youth Cultural

12-18 yrs

Cowichan Region

Adult Basic Education VIU

Teaches reading, writing, math in a group setting. Courses are at fundamental literacy level & can prepare students for Grade 11 & 12 upgrading courses at VIU or elsewhere or job training courses Youth

Reading, writing, Numeracy

Age 17 + or out of school a year.

Cowichan Region

Cowichan Adult Learning Centre SD79

High school upgrading and completion Youth

Reading, writing, Numeracy Adults

Cowichan Region

Young Parents

Community Options Society

Emotional and counselling support for young parents. Youth

Emotional/Social

12-26 yrs

Cowichan Region

Anger Management


Anger management counselling for teens Youth

Emotional/Social

12-18 yrs

Cowichan Region


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Literacy type

Age Group


Life Skills to Employment


The Life Skills to Employment Program is a 12 week program that focuses on the areas of life as they relate to the work environment and prepares participants to seek employment with confidence and knowledge of who they are and what they want to do. Youth

WorkplaceEmotional

15-30 yrs

Cowichan Region

Parenting Group


A free parenting course for Parents of Teens and Preteens. Youth

Emotional/Social

12-18 yrs

Cowichan Region

Bikeworks/ Artworks

Canadian Mental Health Association

BikeWorks and ArtWorks are outreach programs available to all youth in the Cowichan Valley. Our mission is to help build a more caring community by engaging with youth while promoting cycling, fitness and environmental awareness.

Youth

Workplace /Emotional /Social

12-18 yrs

Cowichan Region

Certificate Workshops

Coast Salish Employment and Training

Offers training in certificate programs such as FoodSafe, Driver’s License training etc First

Nations Workplace Adults Cowichan Region

Drop-in Computer Access

Lake Cowichan Resource Centre

Offers drop-in access to computers

All ages Digital All ages Lake Cowichan




All ages Digital All ages Duncan


Vancouver Island Regional Library


All ages Digital All ages Cowichan Region

F.U.S.E. (fair, unique, safe, empowered)


This co-ed group is a fun, activity based group that covers topics that young teens may need to know about to survive in the real world as they grow and transform into adults. Youth

Emotional/Social

12-18 yrs

Lake Cowichan


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Literacy type

Age Group


Photovoice Safer Futures

Gives youth an opportunity to learn about local governance and express their vision for the future. Youth

Social/ Civic

12-18 yrs

Cowichan Region

Literacy Comic Books

Healthy Aboriginal Network

Allows youth to explore social and financial issues in comic form. Available through House of Friendship. Youth

Social/ Language

12-18 yrs

Cowichan Region

Cowichan Family Life Thrift Store


Gives volunteers the opportunity to build employment skills Adults Workplace Adults Duncan

Adult in Transition Library Card

Vancouver Island Regional Library

Allows customers with no fixed access to get library card that allows limited borrowing and computer access Adults

Reading/ Digital Adults

Cowichan Region

Cowichan Community Kitchens

Cowichan Community Kitchens

Builds skills related to budgeting, planning, cooking and teamwork Adults

Reading, numeracy, social Adults Duncan

Halalt/Lyackson Library

Halalt/ Lyackson First Nation

Community library including books, computers and other resources

First Nations

Language/ Digital All ages

Halalt/ Lyackson

Discovery Group


This is an activity-based group that promotes self awareness, coping skills, healthy relationships, problem solving, effective communication strategies, and conflict resolution. Offered through the alternate Education program. Youth

Emotional/Social

12-18 yrs

Lake Cowichan


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3.3 Under Development These programs are under development and have not been included in the inventory or analysis.


Literacy type

Age Group


Malahat Nation Cultural Resource Centre

Malahat Nation

The cultural resource centre is envisioned as a place for the community to learn, teach values, re-build culture, and provide books and other educational resources.

Members of Malahat Nation

Cultural/ Language/ Social

All ages Malahat

Children’s Play and Discovery Centre

SD79 and community partners

School District 79 and Community Partners are working together to create a new fun filled place for early learning. It’s a place where everyone is welcome and everything is free. Located in portables next to VIU, the inside will be a magical miniature town with doll-sized buildings. Families

Language/ Social

0-12 yrs Duncan

3.4 Front Line Services In addition to formal programs that support literacy, there are a number of agencies who have front line workers that provide literacy support as part of their work. Related to this are agencies that provide drop-in space that is not directly connected to ongoing programs. These agencies include:

RCMP Warmland House – Homeless Outreach Workers Churches and faith-based organizations House of Friendship – front office staff provide digital and employment support House of Friendship support workers Ministry of Child and Family Development Cowichan Neighbourhood House Community Options Society Island Savings Centre Youth Drop-in


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A formal survey of agencies providing this type of front line support for literacy was not done as part of this report, however, it seems likely that many of the organizations who are providing other support for clients are also assisting with literacy. 4. Analysis Programs targeted at reading, writing and numeracy and those related to social and emotional literacy make up the largest percentage of available programs in the region with 35% of programs with a component related to reading, writing or numeracy and 39% with a social or emotional component (see Chart 1). Programs that supported workplace and digital literacy had the lowest percentage of available programs.

The majority of programs (33%) identified to date are targeted to families with preschool children (under the age of 6) (see Chart 2). Of these, most include a language component. In contrast, only 9% of the programs were targeted to (or included) families with 6-12 year olds. In part, this is likely due to the availability of programs offered through the school system for this age group. However, it does identify a possible need for programs for families with children in this age group.

Language and Numeracy

35%

Social/ Emotional

39%

Cultural 13%

Workplace 8%

Digital 5%

Chart 1: Programs by Type of Literacy


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There were no programs identified that specifically targeted street youth. However, programs for youth and adults would be available to this demographic. Additional gaps can be identified as programs that are intended to build proficiency in reading, writing and numeracy for youth are limited (see Chart 3).

0-6 yrs 33%

6-12 yrs 9%

12-18 yrs 18%

Adults (inc Youth)

29%

All Ages 11%

Chart 2: Targeted Age Groups of Literacy Programs

0-6 yrs 6-12 yrs 12-18 yrs Adults (inc Youth)

All Ages

0

5

10

15

20

25

Chart 3. Literacy Programs & Target Age Groups

Language and Numeracy

Social/ Emotional

Cultural

Workplace

Digital


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Geographically, the majority of programs are centered in the Duncan area. This is particularly true for programs for adults and youth. Programs targeted to families and particularly families with children under 6 years of age are more frequently delivered throughout the Region (see Chart 4).

5. Gaps Based on the data, several gaps have emerged. 1. Geographic Availability Geographic distribution of programs remains a significant gap in the Region. Most programs are clustered in the Duncan area. Of the programs offered throughout the region, 63% are based in Duncan. This is even more true of programs offered for youth and adults with only 12% of programs offered outside of Duncan. In addition, interviews in Lake Cowichan indicated that programs that are offered are often cancelled due to low attendance. 2. Programs for Families with School Aged Children There are a limited number of programs targeted towards families with children between the ages of 6-12 years. Presumably, this is in part because these children are enrolled in the school system, however, programs to support reading, writing and numeracy skills for these children and their families are limited. 3. Programs Targeted to Street Youth There were no programs identified that specifically targeted street youth. A number of programs available to youth and adults would offer services to street youth along with other clients. However, there is a need to balance the fact that separate programs that only targeted street youth would likely increase the isolation felt by this group with the need to minimize the

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

0-6 yrs 6-12 yrs 12-18 yrs Adults (inc

Youth)

All Ages

Chart 4. Delivery Locations for Literacy Programs

Region-wide

Duncan

Chemainus/Crofton

Shawnigan Lake/Mill Bay

Lake Cowichan


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stigma that exists when seeking help with literacy. When looking at youth in a broad context, there remains a gap in the availability of literacy programs offered for (or available to) youth, particularly related to reading and writing and digital literacy. 4. Program Attendance by Vulnerable Families A gap identified by a number of the interviewees was program attendance by vulnerable families. Several of the interviewees felt that those who would most benefit from programs were not the ones attending. This is particularly important as the early years (0-6) are seen as key to addressing needs later on. 5. Filling out forms and accessing services A key need was identified to support both street youth and families in literacy activities related to accessing services. Support for filling out forms related to birth certificates, Social Insurance Numbers, accessing income assistance or support for children with disabilities were considered basic needs that were not being met by current programs. It was also acknowledged that face-to-face government support is decreasing, which will likely increase these challenges. Related to this was the possible perception of the difference between practical and useless skills, particularly for youth. By integrating reading and writing skills into training that is viewed as a more practical (for example, trades training), programs can be more successful. 6. Digital literacy Related to the need for support with forms and services was a perceived need related to digital literacy. While the perception is that most youth have high levels of digital literacy, it was felt that there may be gaps related to employment and accessing online services such as government support, which require a high level of digital literacy. 6. Barriers A number of barriers that prevent families and street youth from accessing existing literacy programs or services were identified. These have been grouped into “Participant Barriers” which are circumstances that affect the ability of participants to access programs and “Program Barriers” which are barriers resulting from the design and delivery of programs. 6.1 Participant Barriers

Personal economic concerns – daily financial needs may trump all others as potential participants are overwhelmed by meeting their day to day needs. Programs that provide high quality food as part of the program can help to overcome that barrier.

Transportation and accessibility – many potential participants do not have regular transportation to access programs in centralized locations, even within their communities. The issue of transportation, both between and within communities was identified repeatedly. This speaks to both the lack of consistent programming throughout the region, but also to basic difficulties of accessing programs within


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communities where there may be a lack of reliable transportation, particularly for low income families and street youth. Related to transportation is the issue of location and the importance of offering programs at the neighbourhood level, but also engaging people in familiar places so as to build on people’s existing relationships with places they trust and are familiar with.

Cultural and emotional safety – many participants feel isolated or do not have a level of comfort to attend, particularly aboriginal and low income participants. There may also be a stigma associated with asking for help or in attending literacy programs. It was suggested that finding locations that are not associated with a stigma (such as the library) or other familiar locations would help to overcome this barrier.

6.2 Program Barriers

Resources – there are constraints on funding and resources for programs, sometimes leading to a lack of consistency. This is particularly important as consistency is seen as a key factor in the success of programs. Wait lists can provide a significant barrier as many service providers are reluctant to recommend programs with wait lists. Other barriers include the lack of beginner materials that have advanced subject matter and the lack of programs that incorporate current technology such as cell phones and social media.

Program coordination and design – There is a need to have programs that are as local as possible, even within neighbourhoods, in order to overcome transportation barriers. Coordination between agencies to improve timing and delivery is also a barrier. It is also important to involve target participants, particularly youth, in developing programs that meet their needs.

Program visibility – Inadequate knowledge of which programs are available is a barrier to participation.

Trustworthiness – Agencies may not have acted in a trustworthy manner in the past. It is important to recognize that for many who need to access services, institutional learning may be the source of past trauma. In addition, many who require services fear that admitting a need for help may result in the apprehension of children or have other negative consequences.

7. Successful Strategies In addition to gaps and barriers, strategies that enhanced the success of literacy programs were also identified.


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1. Supporting Basic Needs While tackling the underlying basic needs that may prevent access to literacy programs is likely outside the remit of Literacy Now, there is an opportunity to develop programs that provide quality food as a means of increasing participation and enhancing the ability to learn. 2. Relationships Consistent, one-on-one relationships were seen as a critical component to success. Programs that invested in creating relationships between organizations, participants and program leaders were viewed as being more likely to have long term results. Programs with higher levels of individual attention between teachers and students can build relationships that provide critical motivation for program participants. 3. Modeling and Mentoring The opportunity for programs to involve mentors who have “been there” as a means of showing that success is possible provides a significant support for program participants. Modeling this success also reduces the potential shame and embarrassment that may be present for many participants. 4. One Stop Shop Many agencies expressed a desire to see a single entry point for those who are seeking out literacy services. While this may not be a realistic short-term goal, the coordination of services and the sharing of information between service providers was viewed as an important component of this. For example, it is helpful to ensure that central locations such as library branches have information about existing programs that can be easily shared. It was also felt that having a single person or agency who could act as a coordinator and aggregator of information would be of significant benefit. 8. Conclusion The Cowichan Region has a number of literacy programs for families and street youth, particularly targeted toward families with children under the age of 6. A number of gaps do exist, particularly with regards to geographic availability, programs for families children over the age of 6 and programs for youth. A well, there are specific needs that could be met more fully, particularly to provide access to basic services and for digital literacy. A potentially important component that was not captured by this report is the need to engage those who require literacy services in designing and creating what they need. Undertaking direct outreach to families and street youth would further inform Literacy Now as to the needs and obstacles faced by these groups.


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Appendix 1 – Participating Organizations Organizations Participating in Individual Interviews Aboriginal Success by Six House of Friendship Community Options Society Cowichan Community Health Network Lake Cowichan Resource Centre Coast Salish Employment and Training Society Social Planning Cowichan Network for Families Cowichan Tribes Employment Vancouver Island Health Authority School District #79 Success by Six Cowichan Intercultural Society Cowichan Women Against Violence Organizations Participating in Focus Group House of Friendship Community Options Society Cowichan Community Health Network Coast Salish Employment and Training Society Success by Six Organizations Participating in Online Survey Vancouver Island Regional Library Cowichan Community Kitchens Shawnigan Lake Montessori Preschool and Child Care Sundrops Centre for Child Development – SLP Clements Centre Cowichan Family Life Association Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation Cowichan Neighbourhood House Organizations Participating in Community Roundtable Somenos House Cowichan Neighbourhood House Clements Centre Ministry of Child and Family Development Vancouver Island Regional Library – Cowichan Branch Vancouver Island Regional Library – Lake Cowichan Branch Shawnigan Lake Montessori Preschool and Child Care


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Appendix 2 – Interview, Focus Group and Survey Questions Individual Interview Questions 1. Tell me about the programs you are involved in? 2. What reading/writing/numeracy programs do you know of in the Cowichan Region that are 3. What programs that build other types of literacy (civic, social/emotional, workplace, digital, cultural) do you know of in the Cowichan Region that are targeted towards families? 4. Are there other resources that you’re familiar with that support literacy for families? 5. What do you feel are the gaps in programs and resources? 6. What do you feel are the barriers for families who are trying to access literacy programs? 7. What types of programs would you like to see in the Region to help fill those gaps or overcome those barriers? 8. Who else should I talk to? Focus Group Questions 1. What comes to mind when you think about existing literacy programs for street youth and families in the Cowichan Region? 2. Please think about the needs of street youth and families when it comes to literacy. What comes to mind? 3. When you think about obstacles that street youth and families face when accessing literacy programs, what comes to mind? 4. If you were to think 10 years into the future, what changes would you hope to see for literacy for families and street youth? 5. Is there anything we should have talked about, but didn’t? Survey Questions 1. Name of organization 2. Our organization works with families, street youth, or both or neither 3. Are literacy programs a focus for your organization or are they incorporated as part of the wider services you offer? 4. What literacy programs and services does your organization offer for families and street youth that include language skills, numeracy, workplace, emotional/social, digital or civic literacy? 5. Who may enroll in the programs you offer? Are there criteria for enrollment? 6. What do you see as the top three literacy-related needs for the families and/or street youth that you work with? 7. What do you view as the top three gaps in literacy programming in the Cowichan Region? 8. What do you view as the top three barriers for families or street youth when accessing literacy programs? 9. What do you view as the top three challenges in improving literacy services in the Region? 10. If Literacy Now were to develop one program to meet the needs of street youth or families, what would you recommend as the focus of that program?

Documents

Literacy Assets and Gaps for Families and Street Youth ... · Literacy Assets and Gaps for Families and Street Youth Final Report December 10, 2013 ... Participating Organizations