Elgin - Literacy Link South Central

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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
Page 4 and 5: ProcessThe process of literacy serv
Page 8 and 9: Report for 2008-2010Having an annua
Page 10 and 11: Enhanced and Expanded Services• 8
Page 12 and 13: 2. Literacy Services That Can Be Pr
Page 14 and 15: Community: West LorneDelivery Agent
Page 16 and 17: Community: St. ThomasDelivery Agent
Page 18 and 19: 3. New Services and Programming in

Elgin - Literacy Link South Central

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