28 members today were present to hear Kathy Kennedy and Robyn Cakebread talk about the programs at the Prince Edward Learning Centre. Their office is in the Rexall Plaza in Picton.

The Centre started in 1996 as a literacy program for adults to help them finish high school and apply to college. It has expanded with new programs, especially during COVID. Its mandate has expanded to “Connect people with the community”.

Literacy & Essential Skills is one-on-one training  for those 18 and older, occasionally 15+ if they are on their own. Asking “what is your dream job”, they are coached to get the appropriate training. 120 people/year are helped in this program.

The Good Food Market, PEC Fresh, addresses food insecurity, helping 100-120 households/week in partnership with foodbanks. Fresh products are sold at 30% less than No Frills. Last year, the sales were $100,000. Gift cards are available to some to assist in these purchases. It operates in Picton and Sophiasburgh and they are looking to start in Consecon. 

Community Development is a new program in the last two years. It deals with understanding the impact of politics at all three levels. A current project is to advocate to build a sun shelter in the Macaulay Mountain Park.

Imagine is a federally funded program to pay for four weeks of training in local industries, then 12 weeks of placement in the industry.

Financial Empowerment helps people file their taxes and learn about other benefits available to low income people re their rent, hydro, medication and child tax credits. There are two full-time staff and 10 volunteers administering this program. So far this year there have been 600 tax filings that will obtain $3 million in refunds that will likely be spent in the local economy.

Addressing affordable housing is an area of concern for which they want to learn about the role of Land Trusts and Community Bonds. Last month they assisted 17 homeless people.

Greater Than: Youth Trust (GT:YT) is a youth driven program to raise the rate of high school graduation. It allows youth voices to contribute to problem solving.

Kathy said that Rotary members could help in the following ways:

• Volunteer at PEC Fresh
• Volunteer to file taxes
• Tutor students
• Support the GT:YT program
• Learn about land trusts and community bonds

The Learning Centre employs 14 full time staff with a budget of $1.5 million of which $200,000 is payment to employers so that amount is a flow-through. Funding is sought for each program and is a combination of government funding and donations.

Club Business

Colin asked for volunteers to sell 50:50 tickets during the dinner after golf.

CML Snider graduation is June 23 at which Lyn and Trudy will attend to give out our scholarship awards.

The Past Presidents’ dinner at WOTL on June 27 needs members to help set-up at 4 pm. Fifty-three are registered.

Roger said he would have the 50:50 tickets for the foodbank draw next week.

David MacKinnon said our nurse practitioner application is to go in today to the Ontario government. The nest step is to lobby to politicians. If the room at the medical centre is not available, the dental clinic has some room.

Howard reminded the candidates for Smart Serve to complete their training by June 30. Credit from employment services saved Rotary about $300.

Trudy reported that 21 kids are going to camp. Ken advised that we should all express our thanks at the golf tournament to the sponsors as their donations are paying the camp fees.

Bill Mitchell asked for volunteers to decorate the Canada Day float at 8:30 Saturday morning at the Bootle Depot, July 1.

The insurance policy for the Wellington celebration at the park will be arranged by Lana.

David MacKinnon’s number was drawn for the 50:50, but he did not draw the ace of spades.