Agency Stories
Profile: Quinte Literacy Group
by Shannon Brant
Edie Sharpe spends her Tuesday afternoons at 358 Main Street in Deseronto, the town’s only public library. At age 76, she’s a big believer in continuous learning.
Today, she’s honing her computer literacy skills, thanks to a program being offered by QLG Skills Training, a free program designed to provide academic upgrading, personalized tutoring and employment preparation for local residents.
“My friend and I saw a sign posted in the library, talking about this new computer course being offered,” Edie says. “We decided to sign up right away.”
With the help of the United Way, QLG Skills Training offers courses in outreach locations in Tyendinaga Township and Deseronto. The training group consists of a diverse group of locals, aged 40 and up, who are learning programs like Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the basics of the Internet and using email.
“A few people in the Deseronto program are still working,” explains Pat Melling, Executive Director of QLG Skills Training who also acts as a course instructor. “Some run businesses from their homes and find Excel to be particularly beneficial and some are just looking to learn new skill sets, in case new employment opportunities arise.”
Others, like Edie, are simply learning for learning’s sake.
“Pat is such a wonderful teacher,” Edie says. “She is so easy to understand and she is so patient – which is definitely a good thing. Many of us here are in our second childhood!”
Another element of the course is teaching keyboarding skills, something Edie is enjoying. She is hoping to eventually go from being a one-finger typist to using two.
“I can’t say enough good things about this course – I am enjoying it so much, and we are all learning a lot,” Edie adds. “My friend and I are just so glad to be here.”
Not to mention that it’s a great way to spend a Tuesday afternoon.
For more information about Quinte Literacy Group, call (613) 813-6523 or email pat_qlg@cogeco.net.
Profile: Hospice North Hastings
by Sarah Tummon
Elaine Dodge recalls her husband Patrick’s last days at Hospice House with mixed emotions.
"People don't realize how important the Hospice House is to the patient and also to the family,” she says. “The patient gets the best loving care, and when the family visits, they are always met by a smile and a warm hug".
The comfort Elaine and Patrick received from staff and volunteers at Hospice House was exactly what they needed during the most difficult time of their lives.
For the past five years, Hospice North Hastings has been offering care to terminally ill patients and their families. Located in rural Bancroft, Hospice House is a non-profit, community based organization committed to providing around-the-clock care for terminally ill patients. The service is provided by specifically trained volunteers who work closely with professionals and patient caregivers.
The house itself is a beautiful, old building that offers patients a notably un-institutional feeling. With staff offices tucked away in the former garage, the house has the feeling of a real home. Family members of patients are always welcome, and play essential roles in providing care to their loved ones.
“Some weekends I will come in and there will be 20 to 30 family members at the house making a turkey dinner,” says Heather Brough, Program Co-ordinator for Hospice North Hastings.
Recently, Hospice House introduced a new End of Life Care Program specifically designed for rural patients during the last weeks of their lives as an alternative to hospital care. The program is the first rural residential hospice of its kind in Ontario, and has been applauded for its innovative approach, and the support and commitment of its caring and dedicated staff.
Thanks to the ongoing support of the United Way of Quinte, Hospice House is now considered to be a role model for other rural communities throughout the province.
For more information about Hospice North Hastings, please call (613) 332-8014 or e-mail hospicenh@nexicom.net.
Profile: Navy League of Canada
by Nicole Stacey
“This building is like a home for the kids,” says Letecia Leadbeater, President of the Navy League of Canada (Belleville Branch).
This afternoon she is preparing hot chocolate for the cadets of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Quinte. Volunteers have cleared a patch of the Bay of Quinte behind “the Boat” -- a term used to identify their building-- for the cadets to skate.
“The kids here have the opportunity to interact with others, and take part in activities that they may not otherwise get to participate in,” explains Letecia.
In the summertime when the Bay has melted, the cadets will launch sailboats, maintained by the League, and learn sailing techniques.
The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Quinte is a youth organization modeled after the Canadian Navy that works to promote leadership, citizenship, and physical fitness. The organization is completely run by volunteers.
While many costs associated with the program are covered by the Department of National Defense, many of the expenses for enhanced youth programming are not. These items are largely paid for through fundraising activities, along with a grant provided by the United Way of Quinte.
One example of enhanced youth programming includes the cadet marching band which is visible at special events throughout the community. Thanks to the support of the United Way, the League is able to provide cadets with a variety of musical instruments, and maintain them throughout the year.
The marching band often gathers on the weekend to practice at the Boat. Not only is the maintenance of the Boat covered by the League, but also all meals and snacks for cadets on these activity weekends.
What makes this youth program stand out for volunteers like Leticia is the fact that it changes lives.
