1989<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Father-and-daughter-in-a-Family-Literacy-Program-1989-e1336155052389-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Father")
<\/a><\/h2>\n\n- Family Literacy Program launches. The United Way of Guelph and Wellington quickly recognizes its value and becomes an early supporter.<\/li>\n
- The United Way also becomes a strong supporter of our adult program.\u00a0 It\u00a0recognizes the diverse supports\u00a0needed to provide effective and accessible adult\u00a0literacy and numeracy services.<\/li>\n
- Action Read hosts a community picnic and a holiday party. Due to their success, they become annual Action Read community events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1990<\/h2>\n
![\"Action](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Action-Read-staff-celebrating-International-Literacy-Year-1990-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Action")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Action Read staff use International Literacy Year\u00a0to help raise community awareness about adult literacy issues in Guelph.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1991<\/h2>\n
![\"Learners](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Moving-from-Gummer-Bd-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Moving")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- “Action Read Community Literacy Centre of Guelph” is registered as a charitable non-profit incorporation.\u00a0 Action Read moves from the Gummer Building to Cork Street in September.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1992<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Shirley-Almack-Street-Mother-Cover-Picture-e1336499757544-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Shirley")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- GARLIC (‘Guelph Action Read Learners In the Community’) Press is created to allow the voice of the people who use the program to be publically heard, as well as to produce literacy practitioner resources.<\/li>\n
- Three\u00a0GARLIC Press Publications are launched this\u00a0year, including “Women…Where are you going?” by the Women\u2019s Group,\u00a0“Street Mother” by Shirley Almack and “A Mixed Bag” by Action Read learners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1995<\/h2>\n
![\"First](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/First-Womens-Group-150x150.jpg\" "\\"First")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- GARLIC Press releases “Growing Bolder” by Anne Moore\u00a0and the Action Read\u00a0Women’s Group (above),\u00a0 as well as “A Treasure Chest” by Action Read learners.<\/li>\n
- Action Read becomes a member of Project READ Literacy Network of Waterloo-Wellington.<\/li>\n
- An outreach program is launched at the Guelph Detention Centre (now closed).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1996<\/h2>\n
![\"Male](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Dean-Palmer-Photos-097-e1336501101239-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Learner")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Action Read hosts its first all-candidates meeting in order to ensure that learners have an opportunity to participate in civil matters by voicing their questions and concerns. In the years that follow, Action Read continues to host all-candidates meetings for municipal, provincial and federal elections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1997<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Diversity-Action-Group-Being-Different-Banner-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Diversity")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- The Diversity Action Group (DAG) is launched as a way to bring learners and volunteers together to address diversity and accessibility\u00a0issues through education and training.\u00a0 This very active group plans many workshops\u00a0over the years, on subjects ranging from ‘Living with Tourette’s Syndrome”, to “Racism 101”, to “Native Spirituality”, to name a few.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1998<\/h2>\n
![\"Author](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Author-Kim-Anderson-reading-at-For-the-Love-of-Words-1999-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Author")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Poets and musicians read and perform at the first annual “For the Love of Words\u201d event.\u00a0 This event is such a success that it becomes our annual fundraiser. Poets\u00a0who perform over the years include Alison Pick, Christian Bok, Dave Hudson, Dionne Brand, Esta Spalding, Janice Kulyk Keefer, James Clarke, John B. Lee, John Terpstra, Karen Houle, Kim Anderson (above), Lee Maracle and Morvern McNie, among others. Fundraiser continues until 2007.<\/li>\n
- Following\u00a0a period of\u00a0program-wide evaluation and long-term planning, Action Read hires Anne Moore as its first Executive Director.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1999<\/h2>\n
![\"Shirley](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Learner-Bonnie-Ford-talking-about-her-felt-art-and-stories-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Shirley")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- The Shirley Almack Memorial Award is established to honour a courageous community leader and learner. Each year it is given to recognize a learner with outstanding leadership abilities. The first recepient is Bonnie Ford (pictured here).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2000<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Action-Read-authors-Myrna-Hanna-and-Jan-Sherman-with-their-books-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Action")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- National Literacy Secretariat grants support the release of the GARLIC Press publications “Claiming Our Place” by Jan Sherman, and “A Dream That Walks\u201d book and film, both by Myrna Hanna.<\/li>\n
- With new\u00a0funding from the County of Wellington, the Family Literacy Program gets a major boost. The program expands into more locations. The Rotary Club of Guelph assists with setting up small lending libraries at five locations.<\/li>\n
- Executive Director Anne Moore receives City of Guelph Mayoral Award for her commitment and literacy advocacy.<\/li>\n
- Action Read moves to the Quebec Street Park Mall building, a wheelchair-accessible building closer to bus routes in downtown Guelph.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a02001<\/h2>\n
![\"Strategic](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Strategic-Planning-Brain-Storm-Image-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Strategic")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Building a Dream: The Five Year Plan. Twenty five Action Read learners, volunteers,\u00a0staff and supporters come together to create a five-year strategic plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2002<\/h2>\n
![\"Smiling](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Brenda-using-adaptive-technology-software-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Brenda")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Adaptive Technology Project: Learner-volunteers test and provide feedback on various software programs such as Co-Writer, Kurzweil, Word Q, Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Inspiration. Two GARLIC Press publications are released based upon the knowledge and experience gained from the project.<\/li>\n
- Action Read receives an Access Recognition Award for its efforts to make the community accessible for all citizens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2003<\/h2>\n
![\"Action](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Action-Read-Snack-Stand1-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Action")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- The Snack Stand (above) is developed to give learners skills and experience at running a small business. They learn about customer service, how to use a cash register and\u00a0track inventory and\u00a0what’s involved generally in operating a small store. In 2011, learners write a manual based upon their experience.\u00a0 They use the manual to train other organizations on how to start\u00a0their own snack stand.<\/li>\n
- An outreach program launched at Stonehenge Therapeutic Centre.<\/li>\n
- The Betty Bean-Kennedy Award is established to honour a passionate, highly committed volunteer each year.\u00a0 The first recipient is Tom Ashby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2004<\/h2>\n
![\"Doris](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Doris-Middleton-reading-her-poetry-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Doris")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- The Doris Middleton Award is established to honour a beloved member of Action Read. Through creativity, humour and commitment to learning, Doris (seen above) overcame immense barriers and inspired others to do the same. The first recipient is Edith Casler.<\/li>\n
- Mira Clarke replaces Anne Moore as Executive Director. Anne stays on to oversee special projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2005<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Skills-of-Success-Graduation-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Skills")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- A year-long\u00a0‘Literacy and Housing’ project aims to help learners develop literacy skills within the context of housing issues. The\u00a0‘Skills of Success’ women’s group (pictured above) is part of this\u00a0Human Resources & Skills Development Canada-funded project.<\/li>\n
- GARLIC Press releases “A Dream That Walks II” by Anne Moore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2006<\/h2>\n
![\"Author](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Anne-Moore-Making-it-Work-book-launch-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Author")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- \u00a0GARLIC Press releases two new books; “Making it Work” by Anne Moore (above)\u00a0and “Learning in Peace” by Jenny Rizk, with Anne Moore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2007<\/h2>\n
![\"Staff](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Staff-member-Sarah-D.-at-the-Time-Capsule-Launch-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Staff")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Action Read’s\u00a020th Anniversary is celebrated with the creation of a time capsule, which will be opened in 2017.<\/li>\n
- Action Read becomes part of the government’s newly created Employment Ontario network as an employment training support agency.<\/li>\n
- The “Tongues in Trees” Shakespeare Project: Working with artist Dawn Matheson, eight Action Read learners recite Shakespeare outdoors at the ‘Made in Canada’ festival.<\/li>\n
- The Starbuck\u2019s funded \u2018Colour Wheel Stories Project\u2019 art and literacy project is launched in partnership with local schools.<\/li>\n
- Action Read creates and launches “The Talking Leaves” Aboriginal family literacy program in partnership with Anishnabeg Outreach. The Rotary Club of Guelph actively supports the program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2008<\/h2>\n
![\"Employment](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Employment-Track-Express-Program-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Employment")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Employment Track Express: The economic downturn creates a recession. Action Read responds by offering the Employment Track Express mobile computer program (above) to teach basic computer and literacy skills for employment.<\/li>\n
- 3-Year Strategic Plan: Learners, volunteers, staff and supporters come together for visioning, planning and goal-setting.<\/li>\n
- Action Read’s Board Chair is quoted in the Ontario Legislature. Like many Ontario individuals and agencies, Action Read is working\u00a0to demonstrate the need for increased financial commitment to adult literacy. Jenny Rizk\u2019s letter\u00a0powerfully outlines\u00a0to politicians\u00a0why literacy programs are so valuable. It is successful in helping to achieve an increase in funding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2009<\/h2>\n
![\"'Good](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/First-Healthy-Living-Group-20091-150x150.jpg\" "\\"First")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- \u2018Healthy Living\u2019 programs are created to support literacy development and healthy living goals. Groups include \u2018Good Eats\u2019 (2009), \u2018Healthy Living\u2019 (2010), \u2018Walk This Way\u2019 (2011), \u2018Simply in Season\u2019 (2011),\u2018Staying Well\u2019 (2012) and the ‘Food Literacy Project’ (2014). The Guelph Community Foundation and Rotary-Trillium lend their financial support.<\/li>\n
- Action Read volunteers win the Downtown Board of Management’s 2009 Volunteers of the Year Award.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2010<\/h2>\n
![\"Action](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/United-Way-Fundraiser-2010-150x150.jpg\" "\\"United")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- A Games Night, Halloween Party (above) and book sale are organized to raise funds for the United Way. Action Read receives United Way Awards in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 for outstanding campaigns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2011<\/h2>\n
![\"Storytime](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Adult-Readers-Storytime-Edition-Event-e1336581634136-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Storytime")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Slumber Party: Storytime Edition. Action Read and artist Dawn Matheson host a public bedtime story hour at the Via Train Station. Children are read stories by Action Read learners.<\/li>\n
- Matheson and\u00a0learner Cheryl Turner then launch the film \u201cSo Much Depends Upon\u201d. Living with a lifelong disability, the film explores Cheryl\u2019s everyday joys through her pursuit of beauty, growth and community.<\/li>\n
- \u00a0As part of the Wee Read Committee, Action Read participates in\u00a0the PLAY (Play with Literacy All Year) Early Literacy Conference in Fergus.<\/li>\n
- The Ontario Trillium Foundation awards Action Read a community grant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2012<\/h2>\n
![\"Volunteer](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Volunteer-Appreciation-25-years-of-building-literacy-in-Guelph-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Volunteer")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Action Read kicks-off its year long 25th Anniversary Celebration with Drumming and Singing at the Volunteer Appreciation event.\u00a0 Mayor Karen Farbridge and Member of Parliament Frank Valeriote send letters of celebration, which\u00a0are read with appreciation. Action Read will celebrate its 25th anniversary in various ways throughout 2012.<\/li>\n
- Action Read partners with both ABC Life Literacy Canada and TD Bank employees to deliver a financial literacy project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2013<\/h2>\n
![\"2013](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/2013-06-06-Strategic-Planning-4-e1380153821288-150x150.jpg\" "\\"2013")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Action Read develops more GED and computer learning programs.<\/li>\n
- Strategic planning\u00a0provides\u00a0fresh goals and plans for how to achieve them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\n2014<\/h2>\n
![\"Edgar](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2014-02-10-14.56.44-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Action Read learner Edgar Riel and staff member Joanne Morant win ‘Agency Speakers of the Year Award’ at the United Way’s February 2014 closing ceremonies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\n2015<\/h2>\n
![\"Action](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/2014-09-10-15.17.37-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Action Read offers new employment readiness programs such as Cash Register Training, Receptionist Training, Numeracy at Work, both at our offices and in the community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Action Read continues to help learners develop the skills for self-expression and self-care through such initiatives as our Aboriginal writing course \u201cTaking Care of Your Learning Spirit\u201d; The Health Action Group; The Wellness Fair; \u2018StoryMash\u2019\u2014A\u00a0community story written by\u00a0over 40 individuals; Creative Writing Retreat with Dr. Karen Houle; Mural painting with Cliff Smith: Reiki and Social Wellness Workshops.\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\n<\/h2>\n2016<\/h2>\n
![\"Youth](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/P1020584-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Action Read provides assessment and training support to Lutherwood’s and Second Chance’s Youth Job Connect program.\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2017<\/h2>\n
![\"Sign](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/2017_8-Cork-Street-East-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h2>\n\n- April 2017 – What goes around, comes around: Action Read moves back to Cork Street! Our fantastic new downtown location at 8 Cork Street East has street access, and is close to other service providers such as HOPE House, Lutherwood and the Volunteer Centre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2018<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Guelph-community-foundation-kindness-150x150.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- An anonymous donor generously creates the \u201cAction Read Community Literacy Centre of Guelph Fund\u201d held at The Guelph Community Foundation. Every year the original gift will generate interest and income that will be given back to Action Read, FOREVER! Check it out at www.guelphcf.ca!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2019<\/h2>\n
![\"Kids](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3635072-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Celebration of National Family Literacy Day at the Children\u2019s Art Factory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Action Read staff member Joanne Morant wins Woman of Distinction award in the Education category.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2020<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/20191213-UWGWD-045-Harper-150x150.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n- Action Read learner and Board member Colleen Harper (above) wins United Way Campaign Agency Speaker of the Year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Launch of Action Read Strategic Plan 2020-2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Centre closed March 2020 due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Online learning programs launched April 2020<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2021-2022<\/h2>\n\n- Launch of numerous new remote learning programs including Rainbow Connections, YouTube video learning, and new Modular Employment Groups. Return to in-person learning, but remote learning still a learning option used by many people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2024<\/h2>\n
Action Read Press Release on the GED Ending in Canada<\/a><\/p>\n2025<\/h2>\n\n- Passing of beloved and deeply missed colleague Joanne Morant, who served as One to One Coordinator from 2010-2015.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
1987 Action Read, Guelph’s first community-based adult literacy project, is launched as a project of ‘The Centre for Employable Workers’. One-to-one tutoring and small learning groups are offered to adults… Continue Reading 1987 to 2026<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":498,"parent":31,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-490","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/490","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=490"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/490\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2818,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/490\/revisions\/2818"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Father-and-daughter-in-a-Family-Literacy-Program-1989.jpg\" "\\"Father")
<\/a><\/h2>\n- \n
- Family Literacy Program launches. The United Way of Guelph and Wellington quickly recognizes its value and becomes an early supporter.<\/li>\n
- The United Way also becomes a strong supporter of our adult program.\u00a0 It\u00a0recognizes the diverse supports\u00a0needed to provide effective and accessible adult\u00a0literacy and numeracy services.<\/li>\n
- Action Read hosts a community picnic and a holiday party. Due to their success, they become annual Action Read community events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1990<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Action Read staff use International Literacy Year\u00a0to help raise community awareness about adult literacy issues in Guelph.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1991<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- “Action Read Community Literacy Centre of Guelph” is registered as a charitable non-profit incorporation.\u00a0 Action Read moves from the Gummer Building to Cork Street in September.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1992<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- GARLIC (‘Guelph Action Read Learners In the Community’) Press is created to allow the voice of the people who use the program to be publically heard, as well as to produce literacy practitioner resources.<\/li>\n
- Three\u00a0GARLIC Press Publications are launched this\u00a0year, including “Women…Where are you going?” by the Women\u2019s Group,\u00a0“Street Mother” by Shirley Almack and “A Mixed Bag” by Action Read learners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1995<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- GARLIC Press releases “Growing Bolder” by Anne Moore\u00a0and the Action Read\u00a0Women’s Group (above),\u00a0 as well as “A Treasure Chest” by Action Read learners.<\/li>\n
- Action Read becomes a member of Project READ Literacy Network of Waterloo-Wellington.<\/li>\n
- An outreach program is launched at the Guelph Detention Centre (now closed).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1996<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Action Read hosts its first all-candidates meeting in order to ensure that learners have an opportunity to participate in civil matters by voicing their questions and concerns. In the years that follow, Action Read continues to host all-candidates meetings for municipal, provincial and federal elections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1997<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- The Diversity Action Group (DAG) is launched as a way to bring learners and volunteers together to address diversity and accessibility\u00a0issues through education and training.\u00a0 This very active group plans many workshops\u00a0over the years, on subjects ranging from ‘Living with Tourette’s Syndrome”, to “Racism 101”, to “Native Spirituality”, to name a few.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1998<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Poets and musicians read and perform at the first annual “For the Love of Words\u201d event.\u00a0 This event is such a success that it becomes our annual fundraiser. Poets\u00a0who perform over the years include Alison Pick, Christian Bok, Dave Hudson, Dionne Brand, Esta Spalding, Janice Kulyk Keefer, James Clarke, John B. Lee, John Terpstra, Karen Houle, Kim Anderson (above), Lee Maracle and Morvern McNie, among others. Fundraiser continues until 2007.<\/li>\n
- Following\u00a0a period of\u00a0program-wide evaluation and long-term planning, Action Read hires Anne Moore as its first Executive Director.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1999<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- The Shirley Almack Memorial Award is established to honour a courageous community leader and learner. Each year it is given to recognize a learner with outstanding leadership abilities. The first recepient is Bonnie Ford (pictured here).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2000<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- National Literacy Secretariat grants support the release of the GARLIC Press publications “Claiming Our Place” by Jan Sherman, and “A Dream That Walks\u201d book and film, both by Myrna Hanna.<\/li>\n
- With new\u00a0funding from the County of Wellington, the Family Literacy Program gets a major boost. The program expands into more locations. The Rotary Club of Guelph assists with setting up small lending libraries at five locations.<\/li>\n
- Executive Director Anne Moore receives City of Guelph Mayoral Award for her commitment and literacy advocacy.<\/li>\n
- Action Read moves to the Quebec Street Park Mall building, a wheelchair-accessible building closer to bus routes in downtown Guelph.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a02001<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Building a Dream: The Five Year Plan. Twenty five Action Read learners, volunteers,\u00a0staff and supporters come together to create a five-year strategic plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2002<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Adaptive Technology Project: Learner-volunteers test and provide feedback on various software programs such as Co-Writer, Kurzweil, Word Q, Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Inspiration. Two GARLIC Press publications are released based upon the knowledge and experience gained from the project.<\/li>\n
- Action Read receives an Access Recognition Award for its efforts to make the community accessible for all citizens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2003<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- The Snack Stand (above) is developed to give learners skills and experience at running a small business. They learn about customer service, how to use a cash register and\u00a0track inventory and\u00a0what’s involved generally in operating a small store. In 2011, learners write a manual based upon their experience.\u00a0 They use the manual to train other organizations on how to start\u00a0their own snack stand.<\/li>\n
- An outreach program launched at Stonehenge Therapeutic Centre.<\/li>\n
- The Betty Bean-Kennedy Award is established to honour a passionate, highly committed volunteer each year.\u00a0 The first recipient is Tom Ashby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2004<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- The Doris Middleton Award is established to honour a beloved member of Action Read. Through creativity, humour and commitment to learning, Doris (seen above) overcame immense barriers and inspired others to do the same. The first recipient is Edith Casler.<\/li>\n
- Mira Clarke replaces Anne Moore as Executive Director. Anne stays on to oversee special projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2005<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- A year-long\u00a0‘Literacy and Housing’ project aims to help learners develop literacy skills within the context of housing issues. The\u00a0‘Skills of Success’ women’s group (pictured above) is part of this\u00a0Human Resources & Skills Development Canada-funded project.<\/li>\n
- GARLIC Press releases “A Dream That Walks II” by Anne Moore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2006<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- \u00a0GARLIC Press releases two new books; “Making it Work” by Anne Moore (above)\u00a0and “Learning in Peace” by Jenny Rizk, with Anne Moore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2007<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Action Read’s\u00a020th Anniversary is celebrated with the creation of a time capsule, which will be opened in 2017.<\/li>\n
- Action Read becomes part of the government’s newly created Employment Ontario network as an employment training support agency.<\/li>\n
- The “Tongues in Trees” Shakespeare Project: Working with artist Dawn Matheson, eight Action Read learners recite Shakespeare outdoors at the ‘Made in Canada’ festival.<\/li>\n
- The Starbuck\u2019s funded \u2018Colour Wheel Stories Project\u2019 art and literacy project is launched in partnership with local schools.<\/li>\n
- Action Read creates and launches “The Talking Leaves” Aboriginal family literacy program in partnership with Anishnabeg Outreach. The Rotary Club of Guelph actively supports the program.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2008<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Employment Track Express: The economic downturn creates a recession. Action Read responds by offering the Employment Track Express mobile computer program (above) to teach basic computer and literacy skills for employment.<\/li>\n
- 3-Year Strategic Plan: Learners, volunteers, staff and supporters come together for visioning, planning and goal-setting.<\/li>\n
- Action Read’s Board Chair is quoted in the Ontario Legislature. Like many Ontario individuals and agencies, Action Read is working\u00a0to demonstrate the need for increased financial commitment to adult literacy. Jenny Rizk\u2019s letter\u00a0powerfully outlines\u00a0to politicians\u00a0why literacy programs are so valuable. It is successful in helping to achieve an increase in funding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2009<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- \u2018Healthy Living\u2019 programs are created to support literacy development and healthy living goals. Groups include \u2018Good Eats\u2019 (2009), \u2018Healthy Living\u2019 (2010), \u2018Walk This Way\u2019 (2011), \u2018Simply in Season\u2019 (2011),\u2018Staying Well\u2019 (2012) and the ‘Food Literacy Project’ (2014). The Guelph Community Foundation and Rotary-Trillium lend their financial support.<\/li>\n
- Action Read volunteers win the Downtown Board of Management’s 2009 Volunteers of the Year Award.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2010<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- A Games Night, Halloween Party (above) and book sale are organized to raise funds for the United Way. Action Read receives United Way Awards in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 for outstanding campaigns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2011<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Slumber Party: Storytime Edition. Action Read and artist Dawn Matheson host a public bedtime story hour at the Via Train Station. Children are read stories by Action Read learners.<\/li>\n
- Matheson and\u00a0learner Cheryl Turner then launch the film \u201cSo Much Depends Upon\u201d. Living with a lifelong disability, the film explores Cheryl\u2019s everyday joys through her pursuit of beauty, growth and community.<\/li>\n
- \u00a0As part of the Wee Read Committee, Action Read participates in\u00a0the PLAY (Play with Literacy All Year) Early Literacy Conference in Fergus.<\/li>\n
- The Ontario Trillium Foundation awards Action Read a community grant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2012<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Action Read kicks-off its year long 25th Anniversary Celebration with Drumming and Singing at the Volunteer Appreciation event.\u00a0 Mayor Karen Farbridge and Member of Parliament Frank Valeriote send letters of celebration, which\u00a0are read with appreciation. Action Read will celebrate its 25th anniversary in various ways throughout 2012.<\/li>\n
- Action Read partners with both ABC Life Literacy Canada and TD Bank employees to deliver a financial literacy project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2013<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Action Read develops more GED and computer learning programs.<\/li>\n
- Strategic planning\u00a0provides\u00a0fresh goals and plans for how to achieve them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
2014<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Action Read learner Edgar Riel and staff member Joanne Morant win ‘Agency Speakers of the Year Award’ at the United Way’s February 2014 closing ceremonies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
2015<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Action Read offers new employment readiness programs such as Cash Register Training, Receptionist Training, Numeracy at Work, both at our offices and in the community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Action Read continues to help learners develop the skills for self-expression and self-care through such initiatives as our Aboriginal writing course \u201cTaking Care of Your Learning Spirit\u201d; The Health Action Group; The Wellness Fair; \u2018StoryMash\u2019\u2014A\u00a0community story written by\u00a0over 40 individuals; Creative Writing Retreat with Dr. Karen Houle; Mural painting with Cliff Smith: Reiki and Social Wellness Workshops.\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
2016<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Action Read provides assessment and training support to Lutherwood’s and Second Chance’s Youth Job Connect program.\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2017<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/h2>\n- \n
- April 2017 – What goes around, comes around: Action Read moves back to Cork Street! Our fantastic new downtown location at 8 Cork Street East has street access, and is close to other service providers such as HOPE House, Lutherwood and the Volunteer Centre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2018<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- An anonymous donor generously creates the \u201cAction Read Community Literacy Centre of Guelph Fund\u201d held at The Guelph Community Foundation. Every year the original gift will generate interest and income that will be given back to Action Read, FOREVER! Check it out at www.guelphcf.ca!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2019<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Celebration of National Family Literacy Day at the Children\u2019s Art Factory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Action Read staff member Joanne Morant wins Woman of Distinction award in the Education category.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2020<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Action Read learner and Board member Colleen Harper (above) wins United Way Campaign Agency Speaker of the Year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Launch of Action Read Strategic Plan 2020-2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Centre closed March 2020 due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Online learning programs launched April 2020<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2021-2022<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Launch of numerous new remote learning programs including Rainbow Connections, YouTube video learning, and new Modular Employment Groups. Return to in-person learning, but remote learning still a learning option used by many people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2024<\/h2>\n
Action Read Press Release on the GED Ending in Canada<\/a><\/p>\n
2025<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Passing of beloved and deeply missed colleague Joanne Morant, who served as One to One Coordinator from 2010-2015.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
1987 Action Read, Guelph’s first community-based adult literacy project, is launched as a project of ‘The Centre for Employable Workers’. One-to-one tutoring and small learning groups are offered to adults… Continue Reading 1987 to 2026<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":498,"parent":31,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-490","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/490","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=490"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/490\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2818,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/490\/revisions\/2818"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.actionread.com\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=490"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Passing of beloved and deeply missed colleague Joanne Morant, who served as One to One Coordinator from 2010-2015.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
- Launch of numerous new remote learning programs including Rainbow Connections, YouTube video learning, and new Modular Employment Groups. Return to in-person learning, but remote learning still a learning option used by many people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Centre closed March 2020 due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Online learning programs launched April 2020<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Launch of Action Read Strategic Plan 2020-2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Action Read learner and Board member Colleen Harper (above) wins United Way Campaign Agency Speaker of the Year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Action Read staff member Joanne Morant wins Woman of Distinction award in the Education category.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Celebration of National Family Literacy Day at the Children\u2019s Art Factory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- An anonymous donor generously creates the \u201cAction Read Community Literacy Centre of Guelph Fund\u201d held at The Guelph Community Foundation. Every year the original gift will generate interest and income that will be given back to Action Read, FOREVER! Check it out at www.guelphcf.ca!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- April 2017 – What goes around, comes around: Action Read moves back to Cork Street! Our fantastic new downtown location at 8 Cork Street East has street access, and is close to other service providers such as HOPE House, Lutherwood and the Volunteer Centre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Action Read provides assessment and training support to Lutherwood’s and Second Chance’s Youth Job Connect program.\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Action Read continues to help learners develop the skills for self-expression and self-care through such initiatives as our Aboriginal writing course \u201cTaking Care of Your Learning Spirit\u201d; The Health Action Group; The Wellness Fair; \u2018StoryMash\u2019\u2014A\u00a0community story written by\u00a0over 40 individuals; Creative Writing Retreat with Dr. Karen Houle; Mural painting with Cliff Smith: Reiki and Social Wellness Workshops.\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Action Read offers new employment readiness programs such as Cash Register Training, Receptionist Training, Numeracy at Work, both at our offices and in the community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Action Read learner Edgar Riel and staff member Joanne Morant win ‘Agency Speakers of the Year Award’ at the United Way’s February 2014 closing ceremonies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- A Games Night, Halloween Party (above) and book sale are organized to raise funds for the United Way. Action Read receives United Way Awards in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 for outstanding campaigns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \u00a0GARLIC Press releases two new books; “Making it Work” by Anne Moore (above)\u00a0and “Learning in Peace” by Jenny Rizk, with Anne Moore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Building a Dream: The Five Year Plan. Twenty five Action Read learners, volunteers,\u00a0staff and supporters come together to create a five-year strategic plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Shirley Almack Memorial Award is established to honour a courageous community leader and learner. Each year it is given to recognize a learner with outstanding leadership abilities. The first recepient is Bonnie Ford (pictured here).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Diversity Action Group (DAG) is launched as a way to bring learners and volunteers together to address diversity and accessibility\u00a0issues through education and training.\u00a0 This very active group plans many workshops\u00a0over the years, on subjects ranging from ‘Living with Tourette’s Syndrome”, to “Racism 101”, to “Native Spirituality”, to name a few.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Action Read hosts its first all-candidates meeting in order to ensure that learners have an opportunity to participate in civil matters by voicing their questions and concerns. In the years that follow, Action Read continues to host all-candidates meetings for municipal, provincial and federal elections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- “Action Read Community Literacy Centre of Guelph” is registered as a charitable non-profit incorporation.\u00a0 Action Read moves from the Gummer Building to Cork Street in September.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Action Read staff use International Literacy Year\u00a0to help raise community awareness about adult literacy issues in Guelph.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n