Mission Statement

Literature for Life is a charity aimed at empowering at-risk teenage mothers through literature. We work with young mothers who are primarily residents of local parenting centres/ agencies. Our main goals are to help teenage mothers gain confidence, build literacy skills and develop administrative and life skills so that they can create a better life for themselves and their children. We are also committed to educating the community about teenage mothers to help reduce stereotypes that pose barriers to their success.

Description

Literature for Life runs book groups for teenage mothers and their children in the GTA. The book groups take a holistic approach to literacy by using novels as an opportunity to debate and discuss issues of relevance to young mothers. Participants have the opportunity to publish and perform their poetry.

Once a month book group leaders conduct Literature for Life’s “Babies and Books” program, teaching young mothers that they are their child’s first teacher, and introducing early childhood education strategies.

Written entirely in their voices, the young mothers of the program produce a quarterly, journalism-style magazine, Yo’Mama, with articles relevant to teenage mothers.
Research shows that young mothers, when supported, can change the direction of their lives. Literature for Life continues to grow and support these women through its unique programming, and has impacted the lives of hundreds of at-risk women and children throughout Toronto.

Address

7 LABATT AVENUE
TORONTO, ON
CA
M5A1Z1

Contact Information

Contact Name:Jo Altilia
Email:jaltilia@literatureforlife.org
Website:www.literatureforlife.org