Grant helps literacy council turn page

Jeannine Villeneuve (r) receives a diploma after completing a literacy course as Nipissing MPP Monique Smith (c)and North Bay Literacy Council executive Director Jane Jackson look on. The council received a $29,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

A $29,000 provincial will allow the North Bay Literacy Council to upgrade its Web site, provide students with more
tutoring support and offer a summer reading program.

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith brought the cheque, from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, to the council Friday.

"Our government is committed to help every Ontarian reach his or her potential," Smith said.

"Today's grant to the literary council will help us achieve that goal here in Nipissing."

A part-time tutor/liason will be hired with the one-year grant to coordinate services for more than 200 students this year.

As well an administrative assistant is being brought onboard and the council's Web site is also being upgraded.

The council has been active in North Bay since 1978 and strives to help people improve their reading, writing and math skills and have the tools they need to achieve their goals in life.

"We are delighted to receive this grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to deliver these four special projects," said council executive director Jane Jackson.

"This grant will allow us to enhance the services we provide to the community, to our students, our tutors and our volunteers."