Budget cut challenges literacy efforts

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 03, 2013 1:00 AM
Ensuring North Okanagan residents embrace reading has become even more challenging. The Junction Literacy Centre has received a $30,000 cut in government funding and while programs are not at risk, the staff time required to co-ordinate these various efforts has been undermined. “It puts pressure on our ability to maintain the level of community development we have provided,” said Debbie Schiller, executive director. “It impacts our ability to expand and fill any gaps in literacy services.” The full impact of the funding cuts will come in the fall, and one employee will be reduced to part-time. Other staff will try to pick up those duties. “We won’t be able to do as much as we have done,” said Schiller. Programs themselves are not being chopped  because of community partners. “We want to maintain a high level of outreach,” said Schiller of the initiatives targeted towards toddlers, school-aged children and families. “We need to ensure a highly literate population. It stimulates the economy and reduces crime. The impact of literacy is huge.” Efforts are underway to replace the $30,000, which  makes up 10 per cent of the Junction’s overall budget. “I’m writing grant applications so we can make sure we can get through this year,” said Schiller. Possible revenue generators are charging for some workshops or hosting a major fundraiser. Drawing on reserves or a line of credit may also be needed. The $30,000 the Junction received from the government came via Decoda Literacy Solutions, a non-profit agency that supports literacy in B.C. Decoda’s funding from the Ministry of Education has gone from $2.5 million to $1 million a year. (more)