Our History!

The ELF was started by two sisters (who still help lead our team) who were barely out of their teens.

They were raised to know that life’s gifts are better enjoyed when shared. They started two charities so that they could sit at a bigger table. That table has become large. Thousands now sit with them. The feast is freedom.

It is possible for young people to start movements that change the course of history. Not only is it possible, it’s probable, and it happens all the time.

Sage Youth-Jeunesse Sage (Sage Youth) was launched in 1992 as a community program by these two innovative, young dreamers. In 1993, Sage Youth became a literacy program and a Canadian registered charity.  Thousands of children and youth were served by this local Ottawa initiative.

After several successful years, community organizations from across the country began to ask Sage Youth to share its expertise. The Excellence in Literacy Foundation was created to do just that and became an independent organization in 2005. The ELF team created a series of workbooks to fill critical gaps in literacy and life-skills; developed effective partner support workshops; and launched a granting program. Sage Youth closed as an independent organization in 2015 but its programs continue running under the ELF. Data and case studies shared on our website are from this model program.

The ELF and its partners have reported over 90,000 participant registrations.

The ELF continues to keep love at the heart of the organization, delivering kindness to our participants in the form of shared story and compassionate community.

The best way to put it is: it’s not only our work, it’s our life commitment.