Regent Park Learning Centre
417 Gerrard Street East, 2nd Floor

Regent Park Learning Centre  offers basic literacy, numeracy and computer skills to residents of the downtown east Toronto area. The Centre is set squarely in the community, on the second floor of a Regent Park apartment building, and is a place where adults and children learn and share experiences and achievements. The Centre's goal is to teach the basic skills that will help learners to participate more fully in their communities and move into more productive lives, and to know their rights through the development of literacy skills.

Letters for Literacy was a very successful art auction held in April 2002 to raise funds for our Literacy Program and to raise awareness of literacy issues in the City of Toronto. You can view the art at the Letters for Literacy web site.

Literacy Program
(416) 363-8025

The Literacy Program helps adults to read, write, and learn math. It also builds their self-esteem and assists them in planning their futures. The program provides daily small group instruction in a supportive setting. The curriculum is based on individually established learning goals. Students can:

• Improve reading, writing, grammar and speaking and listening skills
• Learn to understand math basics -from adding and subtraction to percentages and basic geometry
• Work towards employment or further education goals

Family Computer Literacy Program 
(416) 363-7026

The Family Computer Literacy Program  includes “Hands On”, a new peer training program officially launched in November 2001 supported by
   
The computer centre was created with support the Institute for Computer Studies.  It provides residents of Regent Park with access to computers, the Internet and E-mail.

This is a program where children and adults can use computers to:

• Improve keyboarding skills
• Learn various software (Microsoft Windows 95 Tutorial, Word, Excel)
• Surf the Internet or use an email account
• get help with reading, spelling, grammar, math and problem-solving skills while playing on the computer

The computer room consists of 19 workstations with access to the Internet.

This site is a public access computer site partially funded by Industry Canada as a member of ETIA (East Toronto Internet Access)

Regent Park Learning Centre Mission Statement  
The Regent Park Learning Centre is for residents who live in the Dixon Hall catchment area, with a special focus on those who live in Regent Park, Moss Park, and River Oak Co-op. We help adults to read, write, and learn math. It is a place where adults and children can learn, play, and develop their computer skills. It also helps them to feel good about themselves and to know their rights.

7 Labatt Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M5A 1Z1 

T (416) 860-9991 

F (416) 860-9995

Follow this link to the LabourLink website!

Labour Link is a project that finds casual or temporary work for homeless or marginally housed workers. We match employers with people who have the skills they're looking for, whether it be in construction, industry, office or home - anywhere help is needed. Service Canada funds the program to address the homelessness issue in Toronto. We operate within a not-for-profit basis, so it's affordable and efficient.

We are located just east of River St. between Queen St. and Dundas St.

Career Steps

58 Sumach Street
416 864-1511

Career Steps is a multi service employment resource for women on Social Assistance with a particular focus on sole-support mothers. We work together to support women in meeting their highest potential in the world of work.

• Microsoft Computer training programs
• Employability workshops
• One on One Career & Employment Consultation
• Individualized Action Plan Assessments
• Job Placement Services

Career Steps is a member of the ACTEW CAP Network. The Community Access Program is a Government of Canada initiative, administered by Industry Canada, that aims to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively.

58 Sumach Street
416 864-1511

FutureSmart is a unique 45-week training program that focuses on the software, media and information technology skills required by successful Technical Office Professionals. Dixon Hall provides the trainees with internships, mentors and job search assistance toward the achievement of fulfilling, sustainable employment.

The FutureSmart program is delivered in partnership with Centennial College's Centre for Creative Communications. FutureSmart is funded by the Ontario Women's Directorate through the Province of Ontario Ministry of Citizenship.

FutureSmart Mentoring Program is looking for volunteers. A Mentor is to act as a resource and support for a Protégé 1-2 hours/week for at least six months. During this time a Mentor would assist their Protégé by providing guidance and support in the right skills to achieve sustainable economic self-sufficiency as technical office and information professional.
To become a Mentor, simply send an email with your name and contact number to Julie Callaghan to receive:

• Overview of FutureSmart and mentoring program
• Key dates for the mentoring program, including next mentor orientation date

We'd like to hear from you by mid October if you are interested in being a mentor from November 2003 to April 2004. We are looking for a few good women! Surprise yourself as to what you can offer someone else! !

SEED (Self Employment Entrepreneur Development)
44 Blevins Place
416 203-7885

Follow this link to the SEED website!

Dixon Hall supports members of the Regent Park community with employment and self-employment options. Free services to Regent Park residents include:

• counselling and support; access to computers, e-mail and Internet
• access to information and resource materials
• accessible, people-centred services at one convenient location in the community.

Calico Marketplace
Located in Toronto's St. Lawrence Market, this marketplace features the products of community businesses.

For more details, follow this link to the Calico Marketplace website!

Small Business Development
This course provides on-line and one-on-one assistance to residents in the area wanting to start their own business. On average, 3 to 4 out of every 12 participants begin their own enterprise. Many others enter into jobs that provide additional experience and knowledge towards their own business. This program also carries a loan fund, for entrepreneurs in need of a small loan.

The Mill Centre
A woodworking/welding centre that supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to develop both technical and social skills and the opportunity to earn an income. The centre uses work as a means of improving people's lives.
For further information, follow this link to the Mill Centre website!

Community Economic Development
Support is available to community groups interested in developing a community business. The successful S.O.S. Childcare Network was started thanks to the SEED program.

 etia (east toronto internet access)
Public access computer sites partially funded by Industry Canada 

Sites at Dixon Hall include:

58 Sumach Street
417 Gerrard St E
191 Mill Street
44 Blevins Place
4 Labbatt Ave

* Also available at:
Central Neighbourhood House and 
Neighbourhood Information Post