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ONTARIO

At United for Literacy, we are locally driven and nationally connected.
We have a long history of collaborating with communities across Ontario to make literacy learning more accessible to people of all ages. Our programs serve diverse communities including urban, rural, and remote areas through learner-centered, trauma-informed, and inclusive approaches that respond to the unique realities of each region.

Northwestern Ontario

Programs and Services

United for Literacy has a long history of supporting learners across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, reaching urban, rural, and remote communities through inclusive, learner-centred programs that reflect the unique realities of each location.

Each year, we support learners across Northern Ontario through 4,000 learners served, 5,000 books distributed, 2,500 take-home activity kits, and consistently high satisfaction rates.

📍Our programs span communities including Thunder Bay, Terrace Bay, Schreiber, Marathon, Longlac, Nakina, and 20 First Nations across the region. We offer homework clubs, reading circles and tents, family early-years supports, small group tutoring, Summer Literacy Camps, and online programming. In select locations, we also provide Conversational ESL, Youth Job-Readiness, Workplace ESL, and bilingual programs, developed in partnership with community organizations.

Our flexible, community-driven approach meets learners where they are—in-person or online—to help them build reading, writing, math, and digital skills at their own pace. Programs are designed for children, youth, adults, families, newcomers, and Indigenous communities.

Access programs in Northwestern Ontario

Partnerships

📍Thunder Bay:

Boys and Girls Club Thunder Bay, Evergreen a United Neighbourhood, Communities Together for Children, Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, Schools & Community Centres

📍Regionally:

Schools, Libraries, Elementary & Secondary Schools, Community Centres & Seniors Centres, Municipalities, Remote First Nations

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Southern Ontario

United for Literacy has a long history of serving children and youth learners in Southern Ontario. Our programs serve a wide array of learners from urban and suburban communities through learner-centered, inclusive approaches that respond to the unique realities of each location.

Each year, United for Literacy in Southern Ontario supports learners through 4000 learners served, 6,500 books distributed, 475 volunteers and high learner satisfaction rates.

📍 Regions/Cities served in Southern Ontario: Guelph, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto (Downtown and Scarborough), Ottawa, North Bay, Sudbury

Programs and Services

We offer supports such as homework clubs, reading circles, math clubs, reading tent, parent and professional literacy workshops, and online programming.

Flexible programs reflect grassroots community requests and are designed to meet learners where they are, whether in-person or online, so that each participant can build skills at their own pace.

Specific initiatives include tutoring and literacy programs for children, youth, adults, and families. These programs are typically partnership-based and are dedicated to serving communities through program models that meet their specific needs.

Access programs in South Ontario

Partnerships

Our diverse range of partnerships in Southern Ontario has included the following:

📍Toronto:
All Star Community Outreach, Scadding Court Community Centre, Regent Park Community Health Centre, Warden Woods Community Centre

📍Kitchener-Waterloo:
Somali-Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, Waterloo Public Library, YMCA of Three Rivers Immigrant Services

📍Guelph:
Grange Hill East Neighbourhood Group, Immigrant Services Guelph-Wellington, Ottawa Crescent Public School, Parkwood Gardens Neighbourhood Group

📍Hamilton:
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre, Queen Victoria Elementary School, Westdale Secondary School

📍Ottawa:
Let’s Talk Science, Ottawa Coalition of Community Houses, Ottawa Public Library, Robert E Wilson Public School

📍North Bay:

North Bay Public Library

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Contact our Team in Southern Ontario

Click here to contact the person best suited to your request. You will be redirected to our “Contact” page, where you will find the name and specialty of each member of our team.

Toronto, Ontario

Each year, United for Literacy supports adult learners and volunteers in Toronto. In 2024–2025, over 250 adult learners participated in our programs, with our most popular offerings including Independent Studies, Computer Skills, and Credential Preparation. More than 92% of participants reported improved reading, writing, and digital literacy skills upon completion, and over half transitioned to employment or further education within 12 months.

Programs and Services

Our programs serve a diverse range of learners, including newcomers, visible minorities, and adults with disabilities.

Access programs in Toronto

Support our Programs

Become a volunteer

United for Literacy programs support people as they build literacy skills. These skills provide more opportunities for improved health, better employment prospects, and enhanced social engagement. United for Literacy currently requires volunteers for in-person, remote, and hybrid programs.

Program volunteers participate in planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of the program. It’s a great way to learn new skills and share your knowledge with others.

No teaching experience? No problem! Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds and experiences. Fill out the form below to become a volunteer tutor today!

*Workplaces can also get involved through volunteer activities — from book drives to tutoring and mentoring learners.

I want to be a volunteer

Make a gift

There are many ways to make a difference. You can give a one-time or monthly donation, sponsor an event, donate securities, or even contribute Air Miles. Many employers also match employee donations, doubling the impact.

Every contribution helps provide children, youth, and adults with the skills they need for a brighter future.

I want to support

Programs

United for Literacy believes any place can be a learning place. We deliver our programs in schools, community centres, shelters—anywhere we're invited. Our literacy and numeracy programs are all free.

View all our programs