Our Programs in Ontario

United for Literacy runs literacy programs for children, youth and adults across Ontario. We are present in over 50 Ontario communities, including cities, towns, and Indigenous communities. To reach learners who will benefit the most from our programs, we partner with libraries, schools, shelters, settlement agencies, health centres, and other community-based organizations.

A Network Rooted in Ontario’s Communities

Our programs are adapted to local realities to meet the needs of learners in a variety of settings, from small, remote communities to large urban centres. We also strengthen local capacity through training for staff and volunteers, parent workshops, book donations, and online learning opportunities.

Our programs are delivered by three regional teams:

Northern Ontario: serves children and youth in Thunder Bay, small towns, and Northwestern Ontario First Nations communities out of our Thunder Bay office.

Southern Ontario: serves children and youth across a large geographic area from Ottawa to Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto to Sudbury.

Toronto Adult Programs: provide programming for adults who want to build their literacy, numeracy, and digital skills either online or at our Toronto or Scarborough offices.

All our programs are driven by the vision that:

Ontario residents who face barriers will thrive and reach their full potential in school, work, and life.

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Testimonials

The Difference It Makes

  • As a volunteer tutor in this after-school program, I have had the opportunity to work with learners across a wide age range, and the experience has given me valuable insight into how children develop academically and emotionally in a supportive environment. The program also creates a space where different learning styles can coexist.

    Volunteer

    All-Stars Community Outreach

  • You are the best. No doubt about it. You have helped me in so many ways and built my self confidence in all that I do and the way I communicate. Just to let you know that I DID it!  I would not have had the courage to do this a few months back, your patience and kindness is much appreciated.

    Kevin, learner

    Terrace Bay

Present Across Ontario

Ontario (35 locations)

  • Big Grassy First Nation
  • Big Trout Lake First Nation
  • Eabamet Lake
  • Fort Albany First Nation
  • Greater Sudbury
  • Guelph
  • Hamilton
  • Kenora
  • Kingston
  • Kingsville
  • Kitchener
  • Landsdowne House
  • Longlac
  • Marathon
  • Mattagami First Nation
  • Migisi Sahgaigan
  • Muskrat Dam First Nation
  • Nakina
  • Nestor Falls
  • North Bay
  • North York
  • Ogoki Post
  • Ottawa
  • Peawanuck
  • Sandy Lake
  • Scarborough
  • Schreiber
  • Sudbury
  • Terrace Bay
  • Thunder Bay
  • Toronto
  • Wabigoon
  • Waterloo
  • Webequie
  • Whitesand First Nation

Our approach

We work in partnership with communities where staff, volunteers, and interns collaborate with local organizations to respond directly to community requests. By building and supporting community-based literacy programs, we strengthen local literacy services and expand resources, skills, and local support systems to build long-term community capacity.

7,066

Learners served across the province.

9,500

Free books distributed to families.

1,000

Volunteers onboarded and trained.

96%

of children and youth said the program helped them.

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Our Ontario Team Will Respond Within 2 Business Days.

 

Interested in Getting Involved in Ontario?