Reading, Writing and Reaching

Literature for Life is giving teenage mothers at risk the confidence to change their lives through the power of the written word.

The program was developed to encourage single mothers aged 13-to-19 to become good parents while improving their literacy skills. Many of the Literature for Life members are young women who had dropped out of school and became pregnant or had to leave school because of their pregnancies. Most had never thought of turning to reading or writing for relaxation or enjoyment.

Since Jo Altilia, a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award winner, founded the organization six years ago, Literature for Life has been directly involved in improving the prospects for more than 800 young women.

By focusing on certain key fundamental skills, young mothers are finding that they can break the cycle of poverty and create successful lives for themselves and their children.

The Women with Words reading circles is one of several reading-focused programs Literature for Life offers. Books are chosen for their literary merit and content that has special meaning for young women who are trying to cope with the stresses of motherhood, family problems or isolation.

Once a week, the moms meet in groups or circles of 12 to 20 members to discuss what they have read. Each session also has a writing segment, where group members are encouraged to express themselves in poetry or text.

Many of these works go on to be published in Yo’Mama, a Literature for Life quarterly publication that is compiled, edited and produced by members.

“Programs like the ones provided by Literature for Life offer hope and a light in the middle of a storm that sometimes seems like it will never break,” says Rebeca Maralit, an intern at Literature for Life who is herself a single mother. “Lit for Life provides support and helps young women to gain the confidence they need to face the situation they are in.”

For some, it also is providing a vehicle to help them move out of those situations.

As the women read and write more, Rebeca says their language and communication skills improve. Speaking in front of a group and expressing their ideas helps them develop their verbal and presentation skills and become more fluent with language. Working on Yo’Mama magazine helps them improve their writing skills and teaches them techniques related to publishing and printing.

Jackie Graham is one young mother who is carving out a whole new future for herself, thanks in part to Literature for Life. She came to the organization when she was 18, out of school and the single mother of a baby girl.

“I needed to be educated about childcare and remotivated about my own life,” says Jackie. “The books we read at Literature for Life raised lots of thought-provoking questions. They helped me to get focus and insights about life.”

Jackie kept up with her reading and began to contribute articles to Yo’Mama magazine. Today, she’s back in school, studying biology and world issues and plans on working towards her Bachelor of Education degree at York University.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) grant helps Literature for Life build its capacity. Funders like the Foundation are making this program possible, allowing the organization to buy books and writing materials and print Yo’Mama magazine.

The final result is confident and motivated young mothers who are building better lives for themselves and their children.