Big changes are in the future for the Literacy for the Life program in High River.

Long time Executive Director Sue Stegmeier is retiring.

"I've done what I needed to do and it's time," said Stegmeier. "The organization is strong and there are so many good people involved in it. It just seemed like the right time to do it."

Stegmeier adds some fresh eyes and someone with more energy than what she has now will be a good thing.

She was one of the founding members of the program 21 years ago.

"Rainbow Literacy did a pilot project looking at how to provide family literacy in a rural area."

When the pilot ended the people involved realized they needed to have an organization that focused on literacy.

"There was myself and three other individuals from this area that started as literacy builders and there was an advisory committee."

"So we jumped in and became a society, and then a charity, and it's grown from one program to what it is right now."

As to the future, Stegmeier says that's up to the people that take the reins.

"There is a couple of ways it can go. When you look at our statistics, 47 percent of Albertans have difficulty with literacy in their day-to-day life."

They are trying to focus on the early years so they don't have problems later in life.

"And also providing support to individuals as they go through life. Technology has added a whole different element to what it means to be literate and that is an area we are focusing on. There is lots of work to be done."

The job is posted now and closes April 5th.

"We are really looking forward to seeing the quality of people who will apply for it."

If you go to their webpage you can click on the icon that says things are changing and that will take you to the full description.

They have received a grant from the Calgary Foundation so they were able to get some help with the recruitment of the new ED.

The seven member board will be choosing the new executive director.

"The staff that are here and the volunteers that are here, there is just such a strong foundation. The person coming in needs to trust in what is here and let the people here help them and I am sure it will grow and do lots of good things."

Stegmeier's final day could be a bit flexible.

"The last day according to the letter I wrote was June 30th, but that will change depending on when that new person is available."

She adds she has been busy cleaning up all her projects.

"It's like selling your house. All that work you get done that has been sitting around for 10 years. We have gotten an awful lot of work done."

"I am leaving it in strong hands and it will be a great opportunity for someone to step in and build on what is here."

 

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