John
Literacy & Learning Program (LLP)
The Literacy & Learning Program (LLP) has a noble mission – to provide individual tutoring and group learning opportunities for adult learners residing in the community and local correctional facilities. The program strives to increase literacy levels, learner confidence, and preparation for future learning, all in an effort to promote individual success and social inclusion.
The need for such a program is underscored by the following sobering statistics:
- Incarcerated individuals are 3 times more likely to have literacy challenges than the general population.
- In 2022, up to 70% of CJHS learners had less than a Grade 9 reading and writing level.
- In Canada, 82% of incarcerated individuals have literacy rates below a Grade 10 level.
- 79% of those incarcerated do not have a high school diploma, and 65% test below a Grade 8 level.
Source: Government of Canada (2021)
Our trauma-informed literacy educators are making a difference in the lives of many marginalized adult men and women every day. Let’s explore a couple of success stories from the LLP:
What our Learners had to say:
In 2022:
John's Journey:
After years of disengagement due to criminal involvement, John connected with the LLP to complete pre-GED assessments. With the support of the program, he’s now on track to earn his GED by mid-2023. In his own words, John shares, “[I am] very excited to go back to school, and I just wanted to say thank you for helping me out with this part.”
From Anxious to Confident:
Another learner approached the LLP to improve digital literacy skills for employment purposes. Initially struggling with profound anxiety around computers, the learner gradually gained confidence and transformed from an anxious student to a confident mentor, even bringing in extra learning materials for fellow learners.
The LLP’s impact goes beyond individual success stories, contributing to larger societal outcomes such as reduced recidivism rates and increased community safety. By investing in literacy education, we can break the cycle of criminal behaviour and give learners the tools they need to succeed in life.
Impact Stories
DR
This is the inspiring journey of DR, a father battling addiction who sought assistance from the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) in securing employment. As DR navigates through various job hunting stages and personal challenges, we witness the powerful impact of support programs in transforming lives and catalyzing positive change. Join us as we unfold DR’s path of persistence, resilience, and achievement.
Marvin
Discover the compelling journey of Marvin, an immigrant youth navigating life post-incarceration. This tale spotlights his transition from the Calgary Young Offender Centre to a bright future, showcasing the profound impact of comprehensive support programs on immigrant youth lives.
Craig
In the realm of justice, there are stories that defy expectations. This is one such tale—a journey of resilience and redemption. Despite the challenges posed by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a determined individual embarked on a transformative path. With support from the Extended FASD Support Program (EFSP) and a strong network, they surpassed the odds, completed probation, and avoided a criminal record. Join us as we witness their inspiring journey toward a brighter future.