Local Ottawa Programs

Volunteer With Us!

 

Cathy Dickson - Recipient of the OCDSB Chair’s Award

The Excellence in Literacy Foundation is so pleased to announce that one of our very own ELF volunteers, Ms. Cathy Dickson, has been awarded the OCDSB Chair’s Award for her outstanding contribution to our community. This honour is in recognition of Cathy’s consistent and dedicated work with the youth at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School and a testament to her impact on young lives. Since 2015, Cathy has been a cherished volunteer and member of the ELF family, offering laughter, thoughtful sensitivity, and encouragement as a literacy tutor. In a time of unprecedented challenges for the world, and particularly for communities facing barriers, we need more kindness and more joy, and Cathy has both in abundance. She brings her unwaveringly sunny disposition to every interaction and a genuine interest to truly know the youth she serves. We are so grateful and proud to have Cathy on the ELF team.

 Please consider becoming a Volunteer Literacy Superhero at one of the following Ottawa program sites.

  • A temporary residential facility for newcomer, refugee, and homeless immigrant families (Byward Market Area)

  • A shelter for homeless refugee claimants (Hunt Club area)

  • A drop-in center for homeless and street-involved youth (downtown Ottawa)

Our volunteer superheroes bring our programs to life through the magic of literacy, kindness, and joy. Volunteering provides our team with experience in a variety of disciplines.

 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email us at sageyouth@hotmail.com or call 613-838-5539.

 
 

Programs operate from August to June. We recruit volunteers throughout the year.

Prior to any interaction with our program participants, you will be asked to:

·      provide two references

·      provide a vulnerable sector police check (this police check must be completed annually throughout your time with us)

·      participate in an intensive training session

In your initial training session, we will review the application of our literacy and life-skills methods, our workbooks and modules, and our policies. We expect strict adherence to our policies and codes of conduct.

Ongoing support and guidance will be provided by our staff in every session. ELF staff members are present in every volunteer-participant interaction.