This document summarizes the mission and programs of the organization Twice Upon a Time, which aims to support early literacy and foster a love of reading in families. Their vision is to open welcoming bookstores where children can choose their own book to keep each visit. They operate programs at various community centers and housing developments in Ottawa, distributing over 4000 books so far. Their goal is to address the high percentage of children in some Ottawa neighborhoods who begin kindergarten without adequate reading skills.

1. “It is a great thing to start life with a
small number of really good books
which are your very own.”
– Arthur Conan Doyle
Twice Upon a Time

2. Our mission
To support early literacy skills and foster a love of reading within families
through book ownership and by making books available in the home.
Our vision: To create welcoming storefronts where children will be able to
browse and choose a book of their own to keep, each time they visit.
Twice Upon a Time

3. Fostering reading ability
• In Canada 1 child in 4 begins
kindergarten without the skills needed
to learn how to read.
• In Ottawa, 25% of children are at risk of
poor educational outcomes.
• In Vanier 43% of children are at risk; in
Overbrook the number rises to 56%
Community profiles: Ottawa. Parent
Resource Centre. 2014

4. Propelling children to lifelong learning
Book ownership enables children to re-read books -- which they love to do
-- and in so doing, to improve their reading skills. As few as 20 books in the
home has a significant impact on propelling a child to a higher level of
education.
Twice Upon a Time

5. Our group
Twice Upon a Time

6. Our programs
• Heartwood House
• Overbrook Community Centre
• Ottawa Community Housing (Confederation Court)
• Taggart YMCA Housing Support Office
• Boys and Girls Club (McCann Field House)
• Community events
• Special projects: Habitat for Humanity,
Courthouse Angels.
Twice Upon a Time

7. Making a difference:
Over 4000 books given away so far!
Overbrook:
• 20-30 books/week
• 1000+ books so far in 2015
Boys and Girls Club:
• 40 books/week
• 600+ books so far in 2015
YMCA:
• 10 books/week
• 152 books so far in 2015
Confederation Court Community House
• 15 books/week
• 800+ books so far in 2015

8. Get involved!
If you are:
 a reader
 reliable
 someone with an enthusiastic and welcoming spirit!
 interested in working with children up to age 12
 available after 4pm on weekdays or on the weekends for 2h at a time
 interested in making a difference in communities in need
Please contact us at volunteers@twiceuponatime.ca
Applicants will be required to undergo and obtain a clear police records check suitable for
working with the vulnerable sector.

9. “How do you know how to say the words?"
"Last week I couldn't come because I had too many
groceries and my children were really disappointed.
It's really helping them with their reading.“
Where is our bookshelf going to go?
“This is a great project because books are really
expensive.”

10. Mailing address: 404 McArthur Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1K 1G8
Email address: info@twiceuponatime.ca
Website: www.TwiceUponaTime.ca
www.Iletaitdeuxfois.ca
Twice Upon a Time