Testimonials

Heather Miller, Team Lead, Women Moving Forward

‘Each LFL facilitator we have worked with comes to the program with a belief that each woman is both capable and deserving of education. Our participants feel this, and thrive under the unwavering support offered. The impact of the work LFL has on the lives of our participants continues long after they have graduated from WMF. One woman, who recently completed the York University Women’s Studies Bridging Program, came back to share her final essay with WMF staff. She received a B+ on her essay, but was even prouder of the professor’s comments, which spoke of her ability to weave her thoughts and argument seamlessly throughout her essay. The woman asked that I pass the comments on to Jo, because, as she stated, “without [LFL], I wouldn’t be where I am today. [They] made me believe that I could do it, and showed me how.” This sentiment is one that all of our graduates share.

The most profound outcome of the LFL program, however, is the impact that LFL’s work has on the families of our participants. As women become more confident in their ability to read, they begin to share this with their children. Women who had never been to the library with their families before LFL are now going regularly, and have started a routine of reading with their children. As the mothers in our program return to school, they become even stronger role models for their children. They are able to help with homework, and many share that they now sit at the kitchen table with their children, doing homework side-by-side. As a result, their children are also beginning to see a different future. As one woman shared, her nine-year-old daughter is now planning to go to university like her mother, “and she won’t accept any grade lower than a B+”.’ (Read entire letter here).

Lindsay: Reading Circle and Program Graduate

“When I first walked into a Book Circle I was 17, pregnant and had little hope for my future. Today with the aid of this incredible program I am both a high school and college graduate who has been featured in the media for numerous accomplishments, including being awarded the YWCA of Greater Toronto’s Young Woman of Distinction in 2003. Today I work for a youth serving agency as a Program Director and continue to support the work of Literature for Life with a great belief in what they do for the young women and children they serve.

Since its conception in 2000 Literature for Life has and continues to provide programs and service designed to enhance the lives of thousands of young mothers and most importantly their children throughout Toronto, with a heavy concentration on our city’s low-income priority neighbourhoods.”

Julie: Reading Circle Participant

“Imagine not knowing how much joy a simple page and pen could bring, or not realizing the intoxicating powers of a single book! That was me!!! Pregnant at 17, with very few ways to express myself yet still searching.

I found myself sitting with a group of young women, my eyes to the floor and so scared of taking that first step. We were all there for support, encouragement and most of all to better ourselves. I remember the first poem I wrote with Jo. It was about being a woman – independent, successful and beautiful, using words to create a base for who I wanted to become. The weeks rolled on and friendships were formed. I evolved into a writing machine, I couldn’t stop filling up my pages with random thoughts and ideas – using rhyme as my weapon.

I’ve had so many amazing experiences and met so many fascinating people along the way. Conquering fears and pushing myself to leap in front of a crowd that actually wanted to hear MY poetry. Now I am a personal trainer with my own business. I write a health and fitness column for Yo’Mama and look forward to seeing more young women accept this challenge and learn the beauty of their words, and themselves.”

Jackie: Reading Circle Participant

“It was because of a book group I attended in 2004 that I started reading consistently. Before then, I never would have read a book-not even for a book report.

I remember a couple of the first books I got were “Lovely Bones” and “Rush Home Road” at Jessie’s Centre. Each book was brand new and mine to keep, igniting some interest to read. Time went on and I started to attend Humewood House, a school for young mothers where I crossed paths again with Literature for Life’s reading circle.

I now see that knowledge and insight can be just a book away, whether an encyclopedia or novel. Reading opened up a whole new world for me and at times served as my escape.

I rank the importance of literacy so high on my scale that I spend a lot of time promoting it. I believe that the ability to read and write sharpens the mind and enables one to discover who they are, where they’re coming from and where they’re going. I am currently a student at Mothercraft College pursuing my ECE diploma.”