100 WOMEN WHO CARE HELP THE CAUSE

Funding will allow CALA to provide more opportunities for students

e Colchester Adult Learning Association is the latest recipient of funding from 100 Women Who Care, Truro.

CALA was chosen as the recipient during a gathering on Tuesday at First United Church. e organization will receive between $7,000 and $10,000.

“It’s absolutely fabulous,” said Mary Teed, executive director of CALA.

“Some of the things that we’re going to set this money aside for… will certainly give our students some opportunities we wouldn’t be able to provide them.”

CALA is a community-based literacy organization that o ers adults the chance to return to learning. It helps them prepare to enter the Adult High School Diploma program at the NSCC, study for the GED tests, and take part in family learning activities.

CALA has been operating in Colchester and surrounding rural areas since 1994.

e latest windfall will be used for learning aids and programs, specialized books and appropriate- level learning materials, adaptive aids and to provide real-life experiences to reinforce learning.

During a ve-minute presentation, Teed outlined how CALA and its programs, such as reading, writing, math and technology, change students’ lives and provide future opportunities.

“It’s not just about reading, it’s not just about math, it’s about all those things that come as you improve those skills,” she said. “So more opportunities in the workforce, more opportunities for higher education, de nitely opportunities for happiness and being proud of yourself.”

CALA was one of three presenters on Tuesday. Others were Jane Norman College Institute for Human Services and Serenity Room at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre.

Melissa Stone, co-chairwoman of 100 Women Who Care, said her organization was once again thrilled to provide funding for community organizations.

“It’s a wonderful thing that we do and it’s instant and all the money stays in the community,” she said.

The next 100 Women Who Care meeting will be March 6 at Redcli Middle School.

JOEY SMITH/TRURO DAILY NEWS Mary Teed, executive director of the Colchester Adult Learning Association, is all smiles after her organization was named recipient of funding from 100 Women Who Care, Truro.