The Read Right Society has been changing lives in Hope and surrounding areas, since its inception in 2008. The non-profit organization helps individuals to shape their perceptions of the world through enhanced literacy skills.
Aiming to empower people through their life skill literacy programs, with the unique vision to create a community that is engaged in the benefits of improved reading acuity, Read Right, has created the distinct opportunity for participants to walk the path of higher learning and greater independence.
“People have issues, but by working together and with client follow through, there is huge progress,” Executive Director, Jodi McBride told The Hope Standard. “We play word games and it helps build confidence and good vocabulary skills.”
Through volunteer efforts and community engagement, individuals seeking improved literacy are given the chance to alter their own circumstances, and seek out a life conducive to inclusion, self-actualization, self-determination and the ability to navigate successfully through tasks that many take for granted; tasks, such as filling out a job application, or insurance forms.
Rural areas are often at risk for poor literacy rates, according to McBride, with roughly 40 per cent of B.C. adults unable to effectively read a newspaper, or complete rudimentary tasks.
By increasing awareness, education, and simply extending a helping hand to those who are willing to take that first initial step toward a more progressive and fulfilling life, Read Right is there with innovative programs that provide connectivity by personalized tutoring sessions, workshops and classes.
“Low literacy is often cyclical in families, so by helping people to learn coping skills, reduce stigma and bridge the literacy gap, we are able to make people more comfortable doing those basic tasks,” said McBride.
Read Right offers youth programs (iHomework, funded by Valley Youth Partnership for Engagement & Respect for highschool students,) jam nights and adult literacy, while encouraging its clients to complete education certifications, or in some cases complete a degree, as was the case with one of McBride’s mature client’s.
“We wanted to engage with the youth in the community and through surveys we conducted — we found the overwhelming response, indicated they wanted a safe place to learn without judgement” she said.
The society also provides programs like ‘Show Me The Money,’ which teaches essential money management skills like sticking to a household budget, as well as a computer literacy program geared toward seniors to help them navigate the digital divide.