“As soon as you walk through the door of Community Services, you’re welcomed.”
That’s why Community Access to Literacy and Learning (CALL) coordinator Leonne Beebe said her program was nominated for the ‘Inclusive Environment’ award at the Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards ceremony Friday night.
The 15th annual ceremony honoured non-profits and government programs from communities across the Valley for embracing diversity and standing up for inclusion.
Agassiz Harrison Community Services’ literacy program was nominated amongst the Fraser Valley Youth Society, City of Langley Library, Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts and many more.
The domestic violence team from the Chilliwack Crown Counsel office took the award, but Beebe said her group was proud simply to be nominated next to so many great organizations.
“I was really quite surprised that we would be nominated because we are quite a small community and a small program,” she said. “I thought it was a privilege and an honour to be part of the whole group that was there.”
“I think my students have worked really hard and they’re well-deserving of being recognized.”
The ‘Inclusive Environment’ category nominated organizations for creating a welcoming environment for culturally diverse groups, something Beebe said is an integral part of the literacy program’s work.
“In an English Second Language (ESL) class, and a community literacy class, you have people coming from all levels, all cultural backgrounds and all levels of experience so it’s really about bringing everyone into our classroom,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what your need is, what you’re asking for [or] what information you need, everybody in Community Services, all the staff members, make sure that everybody’s needs are met and they are welcomed.”
Beebe emphasized that the literacy program isn’t just for ESL students, but for people of all backgrounds who want to improve their reading and writing skills.
With hundreds attending Friday night’s ceremony, Beebe said the room was full of inspiring conversations.
“Everyone was deserving. I’m glad I wasn’t a judge, I would have wanted them all to win.”