CNH staff Satinder and Karla with a volunteer smiling together

Outreach

Literacy

Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) supports literacy programs and initiatives in the community through the Literacy Outreach program.

Some programs are free of charge. For more information, call 604-435-0323 or email literacyrc@cnh.bc.ca.

Programs & Services

Reading Circle

Through reading simplified English novels and having meaningful conversations, adults and seniors improve their vocabulary and speaking and listening skills. Participants meet and connect with other community members, build healthy relationships, learn from one another, exchange book ideas and enhance their diverse literacy skills.

Seniors E.A.L. (English as an Additional Language) Conversation Group

Guided by volunteers, this program provides a place and time for older adults/seniors to work on basic reading skills, learn everyday conversation skills and have fun grasping the English language in an enjoyable setting. Participants learn the alphabet, pronunciation, and how to read short passages.

Other Programs & Services

Family literacy activities and services are also offered through related CNH programs.

Amlat’si Indigenous Family Drop-in

This program is for parents, grandparents, and caregivers with Indigenous children 0 – 6 years old. The focus is on creating a sense of belonging and community for young Indigenous children, their families and for developing their relationships to their community. 

Children and parents make new friends, learn positive ways to support each other and learn new Indigenous-focused crafts, stories and games. Activities include playing, outings, workshops, guest speakers and traditional arts-and-craft activities. Contact Eileen Tann, 604-726-2739. 

Collingwood Family Place

This is an interactive program for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children newborn to 5 years old. We provide a safe and fun semi-structured space for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to play together, and for parents and caregivers to have the opportunity to build skills, network, and learn from each other while they engage with their children with the support of on-site early childhood facilitators. We offer arts and crafts, music and movement, story Yoga, circle time, and many more fun activities. Contact Katty Mir, 604-435-0323 ext. 241.

Raise a Reader book kiosk

An accessible public kiosk in the CNH lobby, providing the opportunity for children’s book exchanges. Many shelves of gently-used books (picture books through to novels) can be dropped off to share and enjoy. 

These programs are supported by Postmedia Raise a Reader funds provided by Decoda Literacy Solutions in partnership with the Vancouver Sun and the Province of British Columbia.

Read-On Column

A column for low and intermediate ESL learners published in the monthly community newspaper, Renfrew-Collingwood Community News