For five years, Jennifer has been a Financial Literacy Facilitator at MCC Employment Development. She runs ‘Fair Gains' and the ‘Owen Hart Home Owners Program'. These programs are for low income Calgarians who learn money management skills while participating in matched savings toward the purchase of a house, schooling, starting a business or another major asset. The Fair Gains program is a year-long process for learners – a long time to keep adults actively learning.The transformation of confidence in her students inspires awe in Jennifer's colleagues.
Jennifer is a passionate facilitator who treats her participants with kindness and respect. Many people talk of her approachability and willingness to assist participants during and after class. A Fair Gains graduate described Jennifer's commitment to her students, “There were many times we saw Jennifer staying behind to help someone with their questions or to give a listening ear.” She draws upon people's experiences and helps them recognize the strengths they bring rather than focusing on their deficits. Jennifer brings hope for a better future and helps her participants to find their own power. According to those who work with her Jennifer strengthens both the spirit and the capacity of adult learners in Calgary .
Congratulations Jennifer!
Laureen MacKenzie: Designer/Director
(Laureen’s mom (centre) family and colleagues display her award as she was unable to attend due to a prior commitment)
Laureen brings over 35 years of experience in the education field—as a language arts teacher, administrator, facilitator, counselor, volunteer and program developer—to her current position as co-executive director of the Further Education Society of Alberta (FESA). Ten year ago, Laureen and fellow adult educator Elaine Cairns founded the FESA, an organization dedicated to strengthening communities through family learning. Laureen co-authored FESA's award winning Literacy and Parenting Skills (LAPS) a program which has been taken across Canada . Over a thousand people have taken LAPS training nationally.
Laureen knows—and teaches—that every learner has a story, everyone has something he or she can contribute and everyone's life experience should be valued. As her colleague Ann McLean says, “Laureen believes in people's ability to change; to improve their lives. She is committed to that end and to breaking the inter-generational pattern of low literacy. Laureen is, quite literally, part of the solution.”
Congratulations Laureen!
Dee-Ann Mercer: Adult Learner
(Dee-Ann with her award)
Dee-Ann recently lost all of her hearing due to a rare disease. This radical change in her capacity to communicate has been a huge challenge, as she is also visually impaired. Dee-Ann is working proactively to overcome these tremendous obstacles—using her skills of an outstanding lifelong learner. She enrolled in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service's (DHHS) Family Focused American Sign Language (ASL) course, a new learning opportunity for those learning sign language for day-to-day family communication.
From her class notes Dee-Ann created a study booklet that she then shared with her instructor and fellow classmates. The booklet has become a very useful companion study guide for other learners in the course. Suzanne Belisle , Executive Director of DHHS says, "As someone who is still taking baby steps in ASL, I found Dee-Ann's ASL book to be a wonderfully clear sign review. This book will be a great resource for every current and future Family Focused ASL student.”
Dee-Ann champions the learning of others. She inspired her husband, family members and best friend to join her in ASL classes. She also donated her own time and resources so that other families are successful in learning and using ASL. Marilou Toews, Dee-Ann's award nominator, summed it up well, “Dee-Ann represents the best in adult learners. She overcomes barriers, she gets involved, she provides feedback and she gives back.”
Congratulations Dee-Ann!
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