This content is made possible by our sponsors. Learn more about our OBJ360 content studio here.

ALSO Adult and Family Literacy

ALSO Logo
ALSO Logo

ALSO is a charitable organization located in the heart of Ottawa. We have been working with high-risk, low-income adults and families since 1981, assisting them to upgrade their literacy and basic skills improving their daily lives. We serve more than 150 adults and families each year, building on individual and family strengths and supporting the development of the skills needed for family life, education, training and employment. ALSO prides itself on being a safe and caring community learning centre.

Family reading

At a glance

Year founded: 1981

Total revenue in last fiscal year: $548,000

Twitter: @alsoOttawa

Facebook: /alsoOTTAWA

Top funding sources:

  • Government funding: 85%
  • Individual donations: 1%
  • Other sources: 14%

How you can help

Did you know that ALSO has been providing free adult and family literacy services in downtown Ottawa for over 40 years and that all funds raised in support of our work remain right here in your community?

We would be grateful for your support in the following ways:

Adults: Literacy and skills upgrading for adults wanting to make meaningful changes, be the best version of themselves and join the workforce; 

Children: Ensure the children we serve have the toys and equipment needed and that supplies are replenished regularly; and 

ASL RAPP: Supporting families with deaf or hard of hearing children so that they can learn together at home.

Corporate engagement: Whether it’s the sponsorship of one of our programs, the establishment of a corporate matching-gift program or the planning of a fundraising event, we will gladly work with local businesses to determine the best option to support our work.

Volunteer

Children’s program: Volunteers are needed to engage with the children and to provide additional support where needed.

Board of directors: We are looking for individuals passionate about literacy and the social service sector with expertise in social media and/or donor stewardship. Please reach out to Kim Oastler at kim@also-ottawa.org to explore any of these opportunities further.

ALSO

Fundraising priorities

ALSO’s programs support Ottawa adults and families to gain the skills they need in order to reach their goals. For example, we work with children and parents in our children’s program to ensure each family member is ready for the child’s transition to full-time day care or school. We also focus our attention on helping adults gain the skills they need to successfully transition to their next step. Our ASL RAPP program is designed to support parents who have deaf or hard of hearing children by contributing to positive changes in family communication and family connection. ALSO’s programs and services address significant social issues. 

With community support, we are able to fund many aspects of our programs ensuring Ottawa’s most vulnerable adults and families have access to a safe and caring community-based program where they can flourish and succeed.

Ways to give

Champion monthly giving program: When you become a monthly donor through our champions program, you are helping to empower more than 150 adults and families right here in Ottawa with tangible and real results. Visit also-ottawa.org/monthlygiving

Corporate giving: We would be happy to discuss how your company can best support our important work. Regardless of how you choose to support our mission, we want to assure you that the impact of your generosity will be significant and will stay local.

Lasting legacy: We’ve successfully managed a grassroots learning program for more than 40 years and we could not have enjoyed this rich history without the support of generous individuals. Leaving a gift in your will to ALSO will be one of the most meaningful gestures you make this year.

Donate your celebration: What better way to honour a special celebration than by transforming gifts you may or may not want into gifts of hope for children and families in our community?

In honour or in memory gifts: When you make a donation in honour or in memory of a loved one, you celebrate them in a special way and your gift to ALSO becomes especially meaningful.

Board members and executives

headshots

Kim Oastler
Executive director

Kevin Scully
Board president

Board Members

Tim Klodt
Vice-president

Laura Hillier
Member at large

Lynn Asselin
Member at large

Robert Mawoko
Treasurer

Get in touch

Heartwood House, 404 McArthur Ave.
Ottawa, Ont.
K1K 1G8

also-ottawa.org
kim@also-ottawa.org
613-233-8660
 

Twitter: @alsoOttawa
Facebook: /alsoOTTAWA