With the departure on Friday of Michèle Gagnon, the Western Quebec Literacy Council (WQLC) is looking for a new Executive Director to lead its Campbell’s Bay based effort.

Gagnon was hired almost five years ago to replace the . . .

previous director, Marilee DeLombard, one of the WQLC founders. Marilee had devoted twenty-five years toward practical efforts promoting English literacy, actively recruiting and training tutors throughout the Outaouais region and directing their efforts toward helping English learners.

The original inspiration behind the creation of the WQLC was to help adult English learners gain confidence and skills with reading, writing, listening and speaking English. The on-the-ground activity at the WQLC is built around the participation of volunteers who provide tutoring and other educational services tailored to the needs and goals of each individual learner. The original mission is still there, but the type and scope of services they provide has expanded.

Leadership comes naturally to some people, and Gagnon stepped into her role with purpose. With a mandate to provide services across the Outaouais, she worked to extend and increase the availability of literacy services throughout the region.

“I really worked on expanding our services, geographically as well as the types of programs we offer” she told The Equity, explaining that when she joined the organization, she saw a need for new programs and was eager to take on more diverse projects.

Fortunately, the WQLC Board was on board. Donna Cushman, current Board President, recognized the benefit these services would bring to the community. She volunteers her time and expertise as an experienced educator to help the WQLC. In an interview on Friday, she explained how the organization has responded to anticipate and meet the changing needs of the community it serves.

“The meaning that we have of literacy has evolved. Now we are thinking about computer literacy, numeric literacy, financial literacy, and essential skills. Michèle has broadened the scope of our organization,” said Cushman.

With the Board’s approval to move forward with her vision, Michèle went into motion, applying for grants. She obtained sufficient long-term funding to hire Outreach Coordinator Krishnan Sundaram, whom she says has been a tremendous asset in his work training and coordinating volunteers, and has been particularly helpful in reaching English learners in the Gatineau area where there is a strong need for English language educational support programs within the community.

Implementing an expansion of WQLC services — especially computer literacy classes — turned out to be a prescient decision. Having to suspend in-person tutoring in response to the Covid pandemic made it clear there was an urgent need for computer literacy services in the community.

“The demographic of people accessing WQLC services has changed a lot since the organization was founded” explained Gagnon.

“There are a lot of people who struggle with literacy, and the pandemic added another layer of difficulty for people who also struggle with technology,” she said.

The programs offered have changed in other ways too, including the recent addition of one called Reading Buddies.

“It’s a new thing for us to be delivering services to elementary school aged children” said Gagnon.

“The project aims to foster a love of reading for students in early elementary school while also providing family literacy services to support parents of young readers.”

The search for a new Executive Director is happening at a time when there is both forward momentum and flexibility. Projects are underway and partnership initiatives are being coordinated.

In addition to searching for a new Executive Director, the WQLC is always looking for volunteers to help tutor English learners. And anyone in the Outaouais who would like to receive support services in English is invited to contact the WQLC at 1-888-647-3112 or visit their office at 106 rue Front in Campbell’s Bay.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Michèle Gagnon started her new position with Connexions Resource Centre, working in its Shawville satellite office as a Community Engagement and Outreach Manager.

“I am thrilled to be staying in the community sector. I get to continue working with people and delivering services to English-speaking residents in the Outaouais,” she said.

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