Literature for Life’s International Women’s Day Celebration is 1 Night Away!
Friends and Supporters of Literature for Life!
The time has come to celebrate International Women’s Day with us during The Opening Night Party of our “Voice” art exhibit!
Tomorrow night, March 7th, 2012 from 7-11pm at Steam Whistle Gallery you will not only have the opportunity to view our mixed media art exhibit that has been fused with the spoken word poetry of our programming participants.
In addition to the art, other event features will include live spoken word poetry readings from Literature for Life’s publication “Holla! “; a collection of poetry written by program participants AND a screening of “Women with Wordz” a documentary by Anna Piszczkiewicz about our missions, visions and values and the unique reading circles we facilitate with teenage mothers in the GTA, empowering them to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Take a minute to view the “Women with Wordz” documentary trailer:
“Holla” Anthologies will be on sale for $10 and each attendee will receive a FREE Literature for Life bookmark.
Dress Code: Casual
Admission: FREE with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. All ages are welcome. Donations will be accepted.
Address: Steam Whistle Brewing, The Roundhouse, 255 Bremner Blvd. Toronto, ON
Event links:
Literature for Life: www.literatureforlife.org
Women with Wordz: http://womenzwordz.wordpress.com
Steam Whistle Event Page: www.steamwhistle.ca/events/eventdetail.php?id=646
Women’s Words Give ‘Voice’ to International Women’s Day Art Exhibition
The exhibit is a collaboration of two groups of artists exploring women’s issues in theme with the International Women’s Day (held annually in March).
The Opening Night Party on Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 from 7-11pm at Steam Whistle Gallery will feature spoken word poetry readings from Literature for Life program participants AND a screening of “Women with Words” a documentary by Anna Piszczkiewicz about charity Literature for Life, and the unique reading circles they facilitate with teenage mothers in the GTA, empowering them to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Literature for Life’s exhibit entitled, “Voices” explores the complicated journey towards women finding their voice in modern times. In this exhibit, women have found a means of expressing their voices, their unique identities, and the many challenging and exciting moments that surround them.
The mixed media presentation is a fusion of art, photography and poetry, speaking to the journey of women, as they move from uncertain and questioning tones of voice, to a war cry in the fight for justice; and all of the voices in between.
The poetry is from an anthology entitled “Holla!’ created by the young mothers who participate in Literature for Life’s Women’s Words Reading Circle groups. The photos and artwork are contributed by many women who are connected with Literature for Life as volunteers, supporters and program participants.
The exhibition entitled Exposed: The Female Perspective highlights female artists of this generation, who are representative of the art movement today. This work shares a common focus by commenting on contemporary art as whole through the female perspective while, emphasizing the significance of process. Putting their most intimate selves on display this group of female artists explore their inner most thoughts, feelings and desires while creating a statement on societal expectations in an unedited and paradoxical movement. The audience is invited to define their own interpretation of these works. (more…)
Matt Galloway Interviews Jo Altilia on CBC’s Metro Morning
Matt Galloway Interviews Literature for Life's Jo Altilia
On Monday September 26, 2011 at 8:20am, Matt Galloway sat down with founding Executive Director of Literature for Life, Jo Altilia to discuss the charity’s involvement with the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards and the missions of the Literature for Life organization.
Jo discusses Literature for Life's involvement in the TD Children's Literature Awards
This Saturday, you will have a chance to meet children from the Literature for Life Chalkfarm Reading Circle. They are taking part in CBC Radio’s TD Kids Book Club. The students will be at the CBC Studios as part of this Saturday’s Open House in Glenn Gould Studio, along with children’s author, Alma Fullerton, to discuss her book, “Burn”.
Click the link to hear the interview: Jo Altilia LIVE on CBC’s Metro Morning
Fundraiser Dj’d by Juno- Award- winning artist K-os raises $21 000 to Facilitate Literature for Life Reading Circles
Photos courtesy of Ryan Emberley for www.thecdaily.com, Spiro Mandylor for www.itsallstyletome.com, and Melissa Curry
Over 500 patrons gathered at the spa-inspired venue C Lounge on July 28th, 2011 for “Words;” a fundraiser celebrating the power of words and literature presented by Kobo and Hamilton Watches to benefit Toronto charity Literature for Life.
Hosted by Literature for Life, Lauren Shirreffs, and The Gingerich Group, the evening featured a lineup of crowd favorites including spoken word poetry by Dwayne Morgan and Jelani “Jwyze” Nias, and live music by Andria Symaniw, Mike Celia and Don Cash.
All performances were introduced by CBC News Toronto co-host, Dwight Drummond and were followed by the highly anticipated dj set orchestrated by Juno Award- winning artist K-os.
Drummond answered the call for his support by saying “Literacy and a single mom played very important roles in my life, so I’ll be there.” Co-host Anne-Marie Mediwake also took to the stage to lend support for the cause.
Named as one of the weekends can’t miss events in NOW Magazines Big 3, the long- weekend, bbq themed party with a purpose, accessorized with cotton – candy and popcorn machines, a photo booth, rose petals, tea lights and cupcakes raised $21, 000 with popular installations that included, a silent auction, raffle and live fashion art sketches by acclaimed fine artist Becky Dileo.
All proceeds will go towards Literature for Life’s unique reading circle programming that unleashes the intellectual potential of marginalized young mothers by helping them discover the joys and benefits of reading and learning.
For pictures of the WORDS event including the red carpet check out the Events section of LiteratureforLife.org
Stay tuned for more pictures and footage from WORDS and dont forget to join our Facebook page!
For more information please contact: Tamara Shelly, 416 203 9830 x 2 tshelly@literatureforlife.org
Teen Mothers participate in Univ. of Windsor Study
At Literature for Life, we are always interested in articles that support our missions, visions, and values in which we promote the benefits of reading and family literacy. Our approach begins with young mothers who are pregnant and parenting with the core belief that a Mother is her childs first teacher. The following article highlights a study being conducted on Teenage Mothers based on the belief that there is need for teen pregnancy prevention because of the consequences that can affect both mother and child. Literature for Life takes a special interest in preventative measures for the children of these young mothers. Through our one of a kind reading circles we and help young families realize that preparation for a successful future begins with Mom as their child’s primary care giver and it begings with literacy.
Excerpts: Are impulsive teen girls more likely to have a baby?
ZOSIA BIELSKI
From Monday’s (Jan. 3 2011) Globe and Mail
Dr. Carlin Miller, an associate professor in the psychology department and the University of Windsor is conducting a study on teen pregnancy to determine if impulsive girls are at a greater risk of becoming pregnant.
“Girls who become pregnant as teens or in very early adulthood- 20 ir 21- are far more impulsive, ont only in
their own behaviours but also in their parenting styles. And their children have the worst outcomes.”
In the Globe and Mail article, Dr. Miller said, “Prevention is important, because teen pregnancies can lead to poor outcomes for both mother and child.”
“Consequences extend into the long term…moms are less likely to finish high school, more likely to live in poverty, be unemployed and involved in domestically abusive situation. The children of teen moms are more likely to become teen parents themselves.”
To read the full article click here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/family-and-relationships/are-impulsive-teen-girls-more-likely-to-have-a-baby/article1854679/
Support initiatives that support the futures of children born to young mothers : Donate to Literature for Life using the CanadaHelps.org link on the homepage.
New Study Shows ‘A Mother is a Child’s FIRST Teacher’
Literature for Life’s core belief is that a Mother is her child’s first teacher. A new study supports this belief and shows why Literature for Life’s programming is effective in educating two generations for the price of one.
Infants give mother tongue new meaning
ANNE McILROY — SCIENCE REPORTER
From Friday’s Globe and Mail
Published Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010 6:58PM EST
Last updated Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010 7:06PM EST
The newborns slept peacefully, cradled in the arms of their mothers, while researchers gently attached 128 electrodes to their tiny heads.
Each infant then heard two recordings, one of their mom pronouncing a single syllable and one of a female nurse making the same sound. But the reaction in their brains – as recorded by the electrodes – was completely different, scientists at the University of Montreal discovered.
Continue reading the article here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/infants-give-mother-tongue-new-meaning/article1841469/
Literature for Life’s Meet & Greet Pictures!
Thank you to all who attended!
Literature for Life’s Meet & Greet
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
We’ve moved!
This past September, Literature for Life joined the community within the Centre of Social Innovation located at 215 Spadina Avenue after 6 years at our former offices located at Labatt Avenue.
We formally introduced ourselves to our CSI neighbours and had a house warming with our old friends in the 120 Suites of The Centre of Social Innovation in “The Connector Room” on Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
There, visitors learned more about the Literature for Life charity and met the board and staff including founder and Executive Director, Jo Altilia, recently named as one of ‘Toronto’s Vital People’ by the Toronto Community Foundation.
Thank you to all who were able to attend!
Special thanks to Arlene Duncan, Brenda Clarke, Hazel Sam Noelle Richardson and Rosanna Tanti.
Extra Special Thanks to our sponsors:
- Wanda’s Pie in the Sky
- Mr. Sub
- Pizzaiolo
- Fresh Restaurants
- Terry O’ Reilly
- and Metro
Congrats to the winner of our Fresh Gift Bag – Nicole Snape! And the winners of a signed of Terry O’ Reilly’s The Age of Persuasion - Nick and Mayaan!
For more information contact Tamara Shelly: tshelly@literatureforlife.org 416-203-9830 x 2
Literature for Life Thanks You!
Landmark year, landmark celebration!
Thank you for your generosity and support in celebrating 10 years of Family Literacy with Literature for Life on November 10th, 2010 at the RBC Plaza with our annual fundraiser Black White & Read All Over.
It was fun to see many of those present in the event theme colours, black, white and red, while enjoying delicious food and drink provided by venue sponsor RBC.
The evening’s event was hosted by Andria Case who along with pianist JD Keys, entertained the crowd as we honoured Chief Diversity Officer for the Ontario Public Service, Noёlle Richardson. Thanking her for years of support as an advisor to the Literature for Life Board.
The address made by our keynote speaker, Terry O’ Reilly on the topic of “The Power of Storytelling” highlighted the influence stories have in our lives.
And let us not forget the demonstration of just how powerful words can be with the insight displayed within the spoken word poetry of Literature for Life’s program participants, Dahlia Eagle- Ellis, Michelle Vogn, Roots K, and MsCola.
Together we raised $45, 000!
We would like to thank you for supporting Literature for another year…
Literature for Life Documentary Screening Fundraiser Benefit
Resilience Toronto Community Screening
Storyline Entertainment is thrilled to announce the Toronto community screening of Resilience: Stories of Single Black Mothers, directed by Lana Lovell, on Saturday October 23rd, 2010.
This event will benefit Literature For Life, a non-profit organization that works to empower at-risk teenage mothers through literature.
A panel discussion will follow the film. Panelists include :
Nancy Blades – social work manager and documentary participant
Dalton Higgins – author of Hip Hop World and facilitator who works to promote positive fathering in the African-Canadian community
Wendy Komiotis – Executive Director of METRAC, an organization that works to eliminate violence against diverse women, youth and children
Director Lana Lovell
Please stay afterwards to celebrate the completion of the film at the reception!
Resilience: Stories of Single Black Mothers
Film screening and panel discussion Fundraiser for Literature for Life
Sat Oct 23, 7 pm Innis Town Hall
2 Sussex Ave.
(near the intersection of St. George & Bloor, and close to the St. George suway station)
Admission fee $10 or Pay What You Can
Doors will open at 6:30 pm
Screening and panel discussion to be followed by a reception- all are welcome!
www.resiliencedocumentary.com
www.literatureforlife.org
Literature for Life presents Black White & Read All Over
Literature for Life presents invites you to our premiere fundraising event…
Black White and Read All Over
Who: Literature for Life
What: Black White & Read All Over ~ A Fundraising Event
Where: RBC Plaza 200 Bay St. Toronto, ON M5J 1E3
Why: Celebrating 10 years of Supporting Young Mothers
When: November 10, 2010 @ 7pm
Save November 10th to celebrate Literature for Life’s 10th year empowering young mothers!
Join keynote speaker Terry O’Reilly host of CBC’s Age of Persuasion
CTV Newscaster Andria Case and Noelle Richardson, Chief Diversity Officer
for the Ontario Public Service to commemorate this milestone.
In the past ten years Literature for Life has touched 1700 young women
and their children and given them 20,000 books.
This years event will be held at the RBC South Tower, 40th Floor, 200
Bay Street. Food and Beverage will be provided and sponsored by RBC.
Tickets cost $100 and availablefor sale on our site below.
Tax receipts will be issued.
If you are unable to attend and wish to donate the cost of a ticket to
Literature for Life so one of our program participants can attend please go to address your cheque to Literature for Life and mail to:
Literature for Life
215 Spadina Ave. #169
Toronto, ON
M5T 2C7
or donate through the Canada Helps link located on our site.
Literature for Life is still accepting sponsors for the premier fundraising event Black White and Read All Over !
To get involved please view the Black White and Read Sponsorship package below:
Black White and Read All Over Sponsorship Package
Please note: Ticket purchases through our online application are currently available but the confirmation message is currently unavailable. All transactions are processed and an email confirmation with a confirmation number will be sent to you from IATS shortly thereafter.
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