With the recent economic downturn Liz found herself out of work for the first time in over 20 years.  While everyone looking for new employment faces challenges, Liz was confronted with what seemed an insurmountable problem.  Most factory jobs now require a high school diploma; Liz left school in the seventh grade.  As she explains it, that’s the way things were when she was growing up in a small Maritime village.  Her father got sick, and Liz and her sister left school to earn money to support the family.

A dependable, hard worker, Liz needed new skills to get back into the workforce.  She got help with computers and math at Action Read Community Literacy Centre.

As she puts it, “Action Read gives people an idea of what skills they need to get their next job, and sends them in the right direction.”

Action Read provided Liz with more than hard skills.

“When you aren’t working, you always feel alone out there,” says Liz. “When you come here, you feel like there’s a family, you feel like you’re part of something.”  Liz met other people in the same situation, and valued the social interaction she had with them.

Liz also got help in searching for a new job and building her resume. She learned about online job sites and other ways to find work, building her computer savvy while hunting for jobs.

For Liz, like 88% of clients who reach their learning goals, her training at Action Read paid off.

“I have just found a job and am back at work.  I love it!”

Your donations to United Way of Guelph & Wellington support Action Read as they provide people with the skills that will lead to brighter futures for them and their families.  Maybe like Liz, you are a long-time United Way donor that never expected to need the services you’ve been supporting.  Your donations ensure programs are there for your family and friends when they need them most.