Elgin - Literacy Link South Central

ProcessThe process of literacy service planning varies from year to year, to respond to changes inthe environment in which literacy programs operate. For example, in Western Ontario, manycommunities have been hit hard by the economic downturn. Many people have lost their jobsand are now seeking to take advantage of the Second Career initiative. In order to be eligiblefor postsecondary programming, many displaced workers have to upgrade their academicskills. This year’s Literacy Service Planning discussions revolved considerably arounddisplaced workers, their needs, and the impact of their increasing numbers on local literacyprograms.Next year (2010/2011), it is unfortunately likely that some of the displaced workers willexhaust their Employment Insurance benefits and will look to access Ontario Works as anincome support. In 2010/2011, many Literacy Service Planning groups will develop strongerlinkages with Ontario Works and initiate discussions and partnerships, in an effort to supportthis new group of clients.In addition, literacy networks have been developing stronger linkages with organizations thatprovide literacy services for adults but that have not historically been funded through theLiteracy and Basic Skills system. As Employment Ontario undergoes its transformation, allagencies are now funded through the Employment Ontario and broader community planningis both desirable and required. While it takes more resources to support more organizations,by including all agencies that provide literacy training in literacy service planning, the resultwill be a more comprehensive and effective literacy plan and better service for clients.Each year, regional literacy networks work with their local training board(s) to ensure thatliteracy is well represented in discussions that result in the development of the TOPs Reports(Trends, Opportunities, and Priorities). TOPs reports identify factors that impact local economicdevelopment and it is not surprising that literacy and Essential Skills have slowly been makingtheir way into the top local issues in most communities.2

ProductLiteracy program staff don’t just discuss literacy and associated issues – we documentthem. This documentation serves a number of purposes. First, it makes our planningmore concrete. Second, the documentation enables us to share the results of ourliteracy service planning, and the assumptions upon which it is based, with a broaderrange of stakeholders. Each year, each literacy service planning group produced threedocuments: a plan of literacy services that is folded into a report, an evaluation, anda workplan for the upcoming year. These documents, especially the literacy serviceplanning report, may look differently from year to year. Given the changes withinEmployment Ontario and with Ministry staff, last year’s report provided more of abackground to literacy service planning, in an effort to show how literacy fits withinEmployment Ontario.About Elgin CountyThe data in this local section focuses on plant closures, employment rates, OntarioWorks caseloads, and the Second Career initiative. Year-over-year data collectedfrom literacy agencies on their clients tell us that Literacy and Basic Skills programsserve significant numbers of Employment Insurance and Ontario Works clients. TheOntario Works caseload in Elgin County is up 28% over last year. The EI rate hasjumped considerably as well and is now at 10.9%. As the numbers of people on EI andOW increase, so too will the demand for literacy services.Of all the parts of Western Ontario that have been impacted by the recent economicdecline, no community has been hit harder than Elgin County. The population ofElgin County is approximately 85,000, with 36,000 people living in St. Thomas, 7,000living in Aylmer, and 5,500 people living in West Elgin. While Elgin County has alarge rural component, literacy providers strive to service Elgin residents by offeringservices in St. Thomas, Alymer and West Lorne.3

It is estimated that 6,000 jobs have been lost in this community over the past 18 months, withanother potential 3,000 on the horizon, due to the closure of Ford and the spin-off jobs that willbe lost. When the local Ford plant closes, another 1,500 adults will find themselves out of workand will likely have to switch to another line of work in order to find and keep employment.Elgin County has a significant Mexican Mennonite population as well, the characteristicsof which have been changing over the years. The Mennonite population, as a whole, hasbecome less traditional and has attached a greater value to education. Female Mennonites arebecoming more independent and are seeking education to enhance their independence andtheir ability to attach to the labour market.Second Career InitiativeThe high numbers of clients accessing literacy as part of their Second Career path is promising.All parts of the Employment Ontario system, especially the employment programs, areincreasing referrals to literacy so that clients can be successful in further education andtraining. As a result, employment programs are not only referring clients who lack Gr. 12credentials (a Gr. 12 diploma or its equivalent); they are also referring some clients who have aGr. 12 but who may not have levels of literacy skills that correspond to a Gr. 12.The increase in the number of individuals accessing Employment Insurance for the purposes ofparticipating in Second Career has had a dramatic impact on adult literacy programs in ElginCounty, both in terms of the numbers of clients who require service and on the informationmanagement and problem-solving requirements of literacy program staff. The eligibilityrules for Second Career are constantly evolving and literacy program staff must work closelywith employment counsellors to ensure that reporting mechanisms are satisfactory and thatclients do not jeopardize their EI. There is still a considerable lack of understanding around therules that govern at what point and for what period of time an EI claimant can access literacytraining. This issue, and other arising issues, highlight the continued need for all EmploymentOntario funded agencies to work closely with one another.4

Number of Clients in Literacy ProgramsThis chart is included to show the increased demand on literacy programs, particularly overthe past two years. While all literacy programs received additional funds in 2009/2010, atmid-year some organizations were already at or over capacity, even with the additional funds.If funding is not increased for 2010/2011, and if the increases are not confirmed for programsso that they can plan appropriately, then services will have to be cut and clients will experiencedisrupted service or a lack of service.Literacy Program 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010(year-to-date)Gateway to Learning 51 34 44Fanshawe College 308 248 131YWCA St. Thomas-ElginAdult Basic LearningProgram, Tillsonburg& District Multi-Service Centre144 162 169187 190 163Totals 690 634 5075

Report for 2008-2010Having an annual Literacy Service Planning Report that indicates it’s for two years isconfusing. However, there is a good reason! Literacy Service Planning is both a look behindat the year just finished and a look ahead to the coming year. As a literacy community, weanalyze the data from the year just completed, and we use that data to plan for the serviceswe think we need to provide in the year ahead. For this reason, even though the report is anannual product, it often encompasses information that spans two planning years.As was mentioned earlier, this year’s report is focused on displaced workers and the impactof increasing numbers of displaced workers on the literacy system. Fortunately, all Literacyand Basic Skills programs and support organizations (like regional literacy networks)received additional funding this year (announcement was in June 2009) in order to addressthe increased stress upon the literacy system and to create more spaces for adult literacylearners. As a result of these two forces – increased demand for services and increasedfunding to address them – this year’s Literacy Service Planning Report will have foursections:1. A Western Region Literacy Service Planning Report that outlines the higher levelimpacts of the literacy delivery system in Western Ontario, the additional servicesthat have been provided through the additional funding, and a snapshot of thecapacity of literacy programs in the western part of Ontario. This piece wasdeveloped to assist decision makers and policy makers who may not have time toread all the individual Literacy Service Reports that are developed on acounty-by-county basis.2. A chart of literacy services that will be provided in Elgin County with the annualresources that were traditionally made available to providers (before the fundingincrease).3. Next is a chart that outlines the additional services that literacy providers put inplace as a result of the additional funding they received in June/09. This additionalfunding was for the balance of this fiscal year. If additional funding is not receivedagain in 2009/2010, then the services outlined in this chart may not be provided in10/11.4. Finally, each community has identified additional community literacy needs thatneed to be addressed in order to assist Ontarians in reaching their individual goalsand to contribute to a robust labour market.6

1. Western Region Literacy Service ReportThe full Western Region Literacy Service Report is too lengthy to include within the localplanning reports, so what we have done is we have documented the highlights here. For thefull Western Region Literacy Service Report, please contact Literacy Link South Central.HighlightsClients Served• 85% report serving an increased number of clients compared to last fiscal year (96%report the same level or more)• 88% report serving an increased number of clients compared to April 1, 2009 (98%report the same level or more)• 50% of agencies have already met their increased clients targets tied to the additionalfundingCapacity• 62% report a waitlist as of September 2009 (29)• 64% experienced a waitlist last fiscal year (30)• 45% report being over capacity• 79% of agencies with waitlists at the end of last fiscal year have seen their waitlistsincreased this year (19)• 7 agencies have reported a decreased waitlist after receiving the additional funding7

Enhanced and Expanded Services• 80% of agencies report offering additional hours of training since receiving additionalfunding• 43% of agencies report moving or expanding existing sites• 36% of agencies report adding additional locations• 79% of agencies report adding new types of programming to their services• 84% of agencies report purchasing new resources to better serve its clientsA sampling of the types of news programming options made possible withthe additional funding:• “Math support for apprentices.”• “2 day essential skills program to increase hours of learning for students.”• “expanded existing program to provide more hours of class time to small groups tohave students improve skills and move through quicker.”• “We also added 4 Computer classes to support the existing LBS learners currentlyattending.”• “we have provided short one month programs ( 2 days a week) that offers computersand some certificate programs eg smart serve and WHMIS ...we also plan to grow andadd CPR to the mix as well. short programs to add skills to a persons resume...”• “GED Prep classes”• “Essential Skills assessments for learners with disabilities and employment goals”8

Working with Action Centers• Over 97% of agencies operate in close proximity of an Action Centre.• 50% of agencies report providing some level of service at the Action Centre.• 16% of agencies report delivering Employment Track Express at Action Centres.9

2. Literacy Services That Can Be Provided in Elgin Countywith Status Quo Funding in 2010/2011Note: The Adult Basic Literacy Program, Tillsonburg and Multi-Service Centre attracts 65% ofits clients from Oxford County, 18% from Elgin County, and 17% from Haldimand/Norfolk.Community: AylmerDelivery Agent(s) Client Focus ProgramOutcomesWhich agency/ agencies Relate to the priorities Main Programidentified in the community Focus:profile Employment(directworkforcereadiness) Training/Education (indirectworkforcereadiness) IndependenceTrainingDeliveryModel; Level(LBS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,OBS IV)Advantage/RationaleRelate the delivery information in the planto the needs and gaps identified in theplanning processYWCA St. Thomas -ElginAylmer CommunityServices,West Lorne SupportServicesCommon assessment Training /Education 60%One to one; LBS1-5Common assessment for Elgin CountyYWCA St. Thomas –ElginAylmer CommunityServices,West Lorne SupportServicesTutoringIndependence50%One to one; LBS1-5Flexibility for students requiring upgradingYWCA St. Thomas –Elgin25 Centre St..,Aylmer, ONGroupsIndependence50%Small group;LBS 1-3Comfortable starting place for OW and lowlevel learners doing pre-credit workYWCA St. Thomas -ElginEmployment TrackExpressAdults who have beendisplaced throughmanufacturing downsizingwho want to improve theircomputer literacy, theirknowledge of EssentialSkills and their access tolabour market information.As this is a fee for serviceprogram, there are notargets established for theyear. The program isavailable upon request.Small group (6-15 learners);LBS 1-5 Theprogram isbased on ACEcurriculum so itis mostappropriate forLBS 3-5This program was developed to offer a wayfor displaced workers to re-engage inlearning. This 60-hour, 15 hrs/wk trainingprogram helps displaced workers gaincomputer skills while learning aboutEssential Skills, the labour market, and howtheir individual skills compare to the typesof jobs they are considering. Each workertakes a TOWES test so that they can planrealistically for their next career.Employment Track Express, thanks to thelabour market research component, is anexcellent gateway to Second CareerStrategy.10

Delivery Agent(s) Client Focus ProgramOutcomesTrainingDeliveryAdvantage/RationaleTillsonburg & DistrictMulti-Service CentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Unemployed, DisplacedWorkers, Ontario Works,Seasonal Workers,Mennonite Population,EmployedEmployment60%Training/Education 48%Independence12%One to one; LBS1-3 (LBS 4,5based onexceptional andspecific needs)Provides safe entry for adults seekingliteracy upgrading, low level of literacy,incorporates essential skills, employabilityskills, self-management/ self-directionskills. Also addresses specific & uniqueneeds of LBS 4 or 5 learners.Tillsonburg & DistrictMulti-Service CentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Unemployed, DisplacedWorkers, Ontario Works,Seasonal Workers,Mennonite Population,EmployedEmployment60%Training/Education 48%Independence12%Small group,literacy/computer/ AlphaRoute; LBS 1-3(LBS 4,5 basedon exceptionaland specificneeds)Combines literacy with computer for aworkforce, essential skills andindependence focusTillsonburg & DistrictMulti-Service CentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Unemployed, DisplacedWorkers, Ontario Works,Seasonal Workers,Mennonite Population,EmployedEmployment60%Training/Education 48%Independence12%Small group;LBS 1-3 (LBS4,5 based onexceptional andspecific needs)Provides transition from one-to-one to amore formal learning environment,incorporates essential skills, employabilityskills. Also addresses specific & uniqueneeds of LBS 4 or 5 learners.Tillsonburg & DistrictMulti-Service CentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Ontario Works, DisplacedWorkers Unemployed,Employed, MennonitePopulationEmployment60%Training/Education 48%Independence12%Small group;LBS 1-3 (LBS4,5 based onexceptional andspecific needs)Combines literacy with self-management,self-direction and essential skillsFanshawe CollegeMennonite CentralCommittee Office,Aylmer, ONEast Elgin population -primarily lower levels -October - May delivery(seasonal workers)Employment55%Part time –Evening; LBS 1-5, OBSServes Mennonite population (75% haveless than 9 years schooling) Beginning toattract non-Mennonite learners.Fanshawe CollegeMennonite CentralCommittee Office,Aylmer, ONOW clients (50%) and otherunder or unemployedseeking to upgrade skillsfor entry into employmentor furthereducation/trainingEmployment55%Full-time,daytime class;LBS 1-5, OBSOW clients requiring full-timeprogrammingATN Access Inc.141 Dundas Street,Suite 504London, ONN6A 1G3ATN provides literacy andnumeracy upgrading toclients with disabilities.Many of ATN's clients haveemployment as their longtermgoal.One to one,small group andclass; LBS 1-5ATN specializes in providing upgradingservices through the use of assistive andadaptive technology. ATN has significantexperience in working with adults who areimpacted by learning disabilities. In 2007,ATN served 46 adults in Elgin County.11

Community: West LorneDelivery Agent(s) Client Focus ProgramOutcomesTrainingDeliveryAdvantage/RationaleYWCA St. Thomas -ElginAylmer CommunityServices,West Lorne SupportServicesCommon assessment Training /Education 60%One to one; LBS1-5Common assessment for Elgin CountyYWCA St. Thomas -ElginAylmer CommunityServices,West Lorne SupportServicesTutoringIndependence50%One to one; LBS1-5Flexibility for students requiring upgradingYWCA St. Thomas -ElginEmployment TrackExpressAdults who have beendisplaced throughmanufacturing downsizingwho want to improve theircomputer literacy, theirknowledge of EssentialSkills and their access tolabour marketinformation. As this is afee for service program,there are no targetsestablished for the year.The program is availableupon request.Small group (6-15 learners); LBS1-5 The programis based on ACEcurriculum so it ismost appropriatefor LBS 3-5This program was developed to offer a wayfor displaced workers to re-engage inlearning. This 60-hour, 15 hrs/wk trainingprogram helps displaced workers gaincomputer skills while learning aboutEssential Skills, the labour market, and howtheir individual skills compare to the types ofjobs they are considering. Each worker takesa TOWES test so that they can planrealistically for their next career.Employment Track Express, thanks to thelabour market research component, is anexcellent gateway to Second Career Strategy.Tillsonburg &District Multi-ServiceCentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Unemployed, OntarioWorks, Seasonal Workers,Mennonite Population,EmployedEmployment 72%One to one; LBS1-3Provides safe entry for adults seeking literacyupgrading, low level of literacy, incorporatesessential skills, employability skills, selfmanagement/self-direction skillsTillsonburg &District Multi-ServiceCentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Unemployed, OntarioWorks, Seasonal Workers,Mennonite Population,EmployedEmployment 72%Small group,LiteracyComputer; LBS1-3Combines literacy with computer for aworkforce, essential skills and independencefocus12

Delivery Agent(s) Client Focus ProgramOutcomesTrainingDeliveryAdvantage/RationaleTillsonburg &District Multi-ServiceCentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Unemployed, OntarioWorks, Seasonal Workers,Mennonite Population,EmployedEmployment 72%Small group; LBS1-3Provides transition from one-to-one to amore formal learning environment,incorporates essential skills, employabilityskillsTillsonburg &District Multi-ServiceCentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Ontario Works,Unemployed, Employed,Mennonite PopulationEmployment 72%Small group; LBS1-3Combines literacy with self-management,self-direction and essential skillsATN Access Inc.141 Dundas Street,Suite 504London, ONN6A 1G3ATN provides literacy andnumeracy upgrading toclients with disabilities.Many of ATN's clientshave employment as theirlong-term goal.One to one, smallgroup andclassroom; LBS1-5ATN specializes in providing upgradingservices through the use of assistive andadaptive technology. ATN has significantexperience in working with adults who areimpacted by learning disabilities. In 2007,ATN served 46 adults in Elgin County.13

Community: St. ThomasDelivery Agent(s) Client Focus ProgramOutcomesTrainingDeliveryAdvantage/RationaleThames ValleyDistrict School BoardAdult Learning Centre,10 Ontario Road, St.Thomas, ONN5P 3N4Unemployed,underemployed, OW, EI,WSIBTraining /Education 65%Class; LBS 2-5Preparation for credit courses offered atsame location, employment or greaterindependenceYWCA St. Thomas -Elgin16 Mary St. West,St. Thomas, ONGroups Employment 50% Small Group;LBS 1-3Comfortable starting place for OW andlow level learners doing pre-credit workYWCA St. Thomas -ElginEmployment TrackExpressAdults who have beendisplaced throughmanufacturing downsizingwho want to improve theircomputer literacy, theirknowledge of EssentialSkills and their access tolabour market information.As this is a fee for serviceprogram, there are notargets established for theyear. The program isavailable upon request.Small group (6-15 learners);LBS 1-5 Theprogram isbased on ACEcurriculum so itis mostappropriate forLBS 3-5vvThis program was developed to offer away for displaced workers to re-engagein learning. This 60-hour, 15 hrs/wktraining program helps displaced workersgain computer skills while learning aboutEssential Skills, the labour market, andhow their individual skills compare to thetypes of jobs they are considering. Eachworker takes a TOWES test so that theycan plan realistically for their next career.Employment Track Express, thanks to thelabour market research component, is anexcellent gateway to Second CareerStrategy.Tillsonburg &District Multi-ServiceCentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Unemployed, OntarioWorks, Seasonal Workers,Mennonite Population,EmployedEmployment 72%One to one; LBS1-3Provides safe entry for adults seekingliteracy upgrading, low level of literacy,incorporates essential skills,employability skills, self-management/self-direction skillsTillsonburg &District Multi-ServiceCentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Unemployed, OntarioWorks, Seasonal Workers,Mennonite Population,EmployedEmployment 72%Small group,LiteracyComputer; LBS1-3Combines literacy with computer for aworkforce, essential skills andindependence focus14

Delivery Agent(s) Client Focus ProgramOutcomesTrainingDeliveryAdvantage/RationaleTillsonburg &District Multi-ServiceCentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Unemployed, OntarioWorks, Seasonal Workers,Mennonite Population,EmployedEmployment 72%Small group;LBS 1-3Provides transition from one-to-one to amore formal learning environment,incorporates essential skills,employability skillsTillsonburg &District Multi-ServiceCentreThe Livingston Centre,96 Tillson Ave,Tillsonburg, ONN4G 3A1Ontario Works,Unemployed, Employed,Mennonite PopulationEmployment 72%Small group;LBS 1-3Combines literacy with self-management,self-direction and essential skillsFanshawe College120 Bill MartynParkway,St. Thomas, ONEI and OW clients seekingentry level employmentand/or further training(GED, BTSD, AdultTraining and post-sec)Employment 55%FT/PT day &eve, classroom& small group;LBS 1-5, OBS50% of existing students had securedemployment in 01/02Fanshawe College120 Bill MartynParkway,St. Thomas, ONStudents requiringacademic credential forentry to apprenticeship orpost-secondary programsTraining /Education 50%Full-time,technical stream;OBSStudents prepared for direct entry to postsecondaryand apprenticeship programs.ATN Access Inc.141 Dundas Street,Suite 504London, ONN6A 1G3ATN provides literacy andnumeracy upgrading toclients with disabilities.Many of ATN's clients haveemployment as their longtermgoal.One to one,small group andclassroom; LBS1-5ATN specializes in providing upgradingservices through the use of assistive andadaptive technology. ATN has significantexperience in working with adults whoare impacted by learning disabilities. In2007, ATN served 46 adults in ElginCounty.15

3. New Services and Programming in 2009-2010 Put in Placewith Additional Funding in Elgin CountyThe services below were put in place in Elgin County as a result of the increased funding thatflowed to adult literacy programs in September 2009. If the additional funding is not repeatedin the 2009/2010 fiscal year, then these services may be discontinued in Elgin County – acommunity that has been very hard hit by economic decline. Approximately 165 clients wouldbe affected.Program Service Number ofParticipantsGateway to Learning(TVDSB)A class is being offered at Oneida Nation of theThames (20 hours/wk).20Fanshawe College Has set up a portable learning lab with technicians. 30YWCA St. Thomas-ElginAdult Basic LiteracyProgram, Tillsonburg& District Multi-Service CentreProgram in St. Thomas is now full-time (20hrs/wk). This increase represents another 10 hoursof service per week.Computer classes in Aylmer and St. Thomas (10week sessions), geared to job search, have beenadded. Four classes in total, each serving about 15adults each.Extra supports have been provided in the classroom– specialized instructors to increase the progress oflower-level learners.Extra technological supports have been added (bothin terms of hardware and software and in terms ofinstructor support) for lower-level learners who arepursuing distance learning.Tillsonburg: The Literacy/Computer, internet, andE-mail class has been enhanced and hours ofinstruction have increased by 4 hours per week.256015151016

4. Outline of Other Literacy Priorities in Elgin CountyWhile literacy programs are very busy working with clients who walk in their doors, we try toregularly look at additional services we could offer in the community, should funding becomeavailable. The following chart outlines priority areas identified by literacy providers for thenext fiscal year.Gap in services withinthe communityCurriculum related to theenvironment (green jobs)Community literacy intakeand referralNeed for additionalservices in Aylmer,specifically for olderMennonite women.Need for one-on-oneservice for clients whohave significant learningbarriers.Why is this animportant gap to fill?This is an emerging areaof postsecondary forliteracy clients seekingfurther education for thepurposes of employment.Clients need to have oneplace to go, in order tohave their learning needsidentified, to develop acomfort level withlearning, and to developbasic computer skills.The YWCA has a waitinglist in Aylmer. TheMennonite population isbeginning to attach greatervalue to education as thepopulation becomes lessmigratory and farmingcontinues todecline/increase intechnological applications.Some clients need extraassistance to identifylearning needs (likelearning disabilities) andto develop learning plansthat identify strategies andadaptive and assistivetechnology to meet theseneeds.What would theservice/program looklike?Providers discussed looking atthe green opportunities andthen looking to see how greencurriculum could be added toexisting programs.All clients would be referredto have an educational actionplan developed, and to beginto take basic computer classessuch as Employment TrackExpress (ETE).This service would be a smallgroup (8-10) women,continuous intake, for 15hours/wk.This service would be highlymobile. It would need toservice Aylmer, West Lorneand St. Thomas. It wouldfocus on in-depthidentification of learningissues and then documentingthe learning issues and thestrategies for resolving themin the clients’ educationalplans.Who would deliver it,when, and where?Literacy Link SouthCentral will look to applyfor research anddevelopment funding todevelop curriculum.The YWCA of St. ThomasElgin would deliver thisservice. It would becontinuous intake, withETE classes being offeredevery eight weeks, or onan as needed basis (if lessfrequently).The YWCA of St. ThomasElgin would deliver thisservice as they alreadyhave a program running inAylmer.ATN would provide thisservice, in cooperationwith the YWCA of St.Thomas Elgin andEmployment ServicesElgin.It is anticipated thatapproximately 60individuals/yr wouldbenefit from this service.Need for funds to pay forEducational EssentialSkills Assessments(EESA)The need to identifyclients’ literacy levels atthe beginning of theiremployment journey isbecoming increasinglyclear, so clients can makethe best use of both theirEI and of governmenttraining programs.This service would beintegrated with the Elgincommunity referral process.Referrals would be madethrough Employment ServicesElgin. There are five trainedEESA assessors in ElginCounty who can respond toneed.The five trained EESAassessors, through LiteracyLink South Central.17