Educate. Empower. Elevate.
We offer literacy services and support for children & youth, newcomers, and adults in Hope, BC.
Choose the path that's right for you:
You don't need to qualify for a specific program to get help. If you have a question, are unsure of where to go, or want a chance to sit and talk about your journey, our door is open.
Children & Youth
Swetexel
Newcomers
Adults
Children & Youth
Every child deserves the chance to love learning.
EmpowerEd Hope supports families in many ways.
Through our Fostering Literacy program, we support school-age children who struggle with reading. Each child works one-on-one with a trained tutor, and we keep it fun.
If your child struggles with reading, you are not alone. About 1 in 4 children struggle with reading at grade level. (Source: Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network, National Strategy for Early Literacy: Summary Report, 2009.)
We also support parents with workshops, resources, and materials.
As a Legal Aid Community Partner, we can help with information, resources, and referrals related to child and family support, including parenting time, support agreements, and Child Protection matters.
Thank you so much for your help and support. Your work is so important, and your contribution to our Hope community has a huge impact on families like ours.
As we navigate this difficult period of time in our lives, your continuous support and help are highly appreciated.”
— Jay and Family
We are grateful for the guidance of local Elders, including Halq'emeylem language teachings, and for the ongoing support of Yale First Nation, Seabird Island Early Childhood Development, and Many Voices, One Mind.
Swetexel
A unique partnership and commitment to belonging.
Swetexel provides licensed care for children from 12 months of age, including children who need additional support, and preschool programs for three and four year olds.
Swetexel opened in September 2019 through the support of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, EmpowerEd Support Services Society, Grace Baptist Church, and Yale First Nation.
Swetexel (pronounced swa tay hil) is a Halkomelem word that means rainbow, a symbol of diversity and of the unique partnership that brought this centre to life.
Swetexel is an opportunity for meaningful reconciliation through partnership. EmpowerEd Hope and Grace Baptist Church came together with Yale First Nation to build a space that supports children and families while growing relationships built on respect, learning, and community.
This partnership continues through a commitment to listening, learning from Indigenous knowledge and teachings, and creating opportunities for children to grow with understanding and respect for the cultures and communities around them.
Swetexel nurtures children's curiosity through a curriculum that honours all cultures, with a special focus on Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and learning.
Swetexel is the first group-licensed child care provider in Hope to welcome children this young. This supports families returning to work after parental leave while creating a warm and inclusive environment for children.
Swetexel has had such a positive impact on our family.
Both of my children have attended, one since they were 12 months old and the other since just after turning two. We have had a beautiful experience, and I truly appreciate how closely the caregivers communicate with me through thoughtful notes and photos.
My children have benefited from both the daycare and preschool programs. Preschool has been a definite highlight because Ms. Robbi’s classes are always exciting, creative and fun.
Swetexel allowed me to return to work and focus on my goals, knowing my children were safe, happy, learning and building friendships with other children.”
— Amanda F., Swetexel Parent
Newcomers
You don't have to navigate Hope alone.
Through our BC Newcomers Settlement Services, we help newcomers build a life and a sense of community in Hope.
We offer weekly conversation circles, special events, settlement support, guest speakers, workshops, and one-on-one tutoring. We can also refer you to Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes.
As a Legal Aid Community Partner, we offer resources and referrals for newcomers, including employment standards information, tenancy rights, and referral to a lawyer or legal aid navigator for refugee or deportation matters.
When I moved to Hope, the first person to reach out to me was the volunteer coordinator at EmpowerEd Hope. I've made more connections through her welcome than I had in 10 years of living in another city. Now I volunteer at many different events and organizations in the community!
EmpowerEd Hope gave me a head start and is a valuable resource for any newcomers that are happy to benefit from it.”
— Bobbie S., former newcomer and current volunteer
Adults
It's never too late to take your next step.
Our Community Adult Literacy Program has been the foundation of our work since 2008. We offer literacy workshops and one-on-one support to adults ready to move forward.
At EmpowerEd Hope, literacy is about more than reading. It's about knowing what support, services, and options are available to you, and having the confidence to use them.
We offer drop-in support, workshops, and one-on-one tutoring. We can help with digital literacy, financial literacy, filling out forms, and more.
As a Legal Aid Community Partner, we can help parents seeking Family Law support or facing Child Protection matters. If you are facing criminal charges, you may also qualify for legal aid.
I personally would not be able to understand and fill out all my important papers without their expertise. It's very reassuring to know someone is there to help.
These volunteers bring peace of mind and comfort into our lives.”
— Margo L., Adult Literacy Participant
Want to deepen your connection to our community?
We always have opportunities for volunteer placement and support.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
General
Is there a cost for any of your programs or services?
Most of our services are free.
Swetexel Daycare & Preschool has its own program fees. Everything else, from literacy support to legal aid referrals, comes at no cost. Donations are always welcome but never required.
What if I'm not sure which service I need?
That's okay. Reach out to us, and we'll talk with you about your needs and connect you with the right support.
Are you lawyers?
No, we are not lawyers.
We are a Legal Aid Community Partner. We can give you information, help you fill out applications, and connect you with Legal Aid and other resources.
How do I become a volunteer?
We'd love to have you join our team!
Please contact Lesley for information about current volunteer opportunities and how you can take action with EmpowerEd Hope.
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No experience is needed.
Everyone has gifts and life experience to share. We will help you find a role that fits you.
Can volunteering count toward school credit or work hours?
Yes. Volunteer hours may count toward school credit or work experience. Contact Lesley to talk about your goals.
Services for Children & Youth
How do I register my child for the Fostering Literacy Program?
Contact Lesley or call our office to learn more about the program and how to register.
Can you help with legal questions related to my family or my children?
While we cannot give legal advice, we can help you apply for Legal Aid and connect you with the right legal services and resources.
Swetexel Daycare & Preschool
How do I pronounce Swetexel?
Swa tay hil.
How do I apply for a spot at Swetexel Daycare & Preschool?
Contact Alejandra for information about availability, registration, and our waitlist.
What programs do you offer?
We offer an Infant & Toddler Program (12 to 36 months), a program for children 3 to 5 years old, and a Preschool Program for 3 and 4 year olds.
Is there a cost for Swetexel programs?
Yes. Each program has its own monthly fee. Contact Alejandra for current rates.
What ages does Swetexel serve?
Swetexel Daycare & Preschool serves children from 12 months to 5 years old.
Services for Newcomers
What is the BC Newcomers Settlement Service, and who can access it?
Our Newcomer Settlement Services support immigrants, refugees, and temporary residents as they adjust to life in British Columbia.
We help you access information, resources, and referrals to community services.
Can you help me find a lawyer or legal aid for an immigration issue?
Yes. We can help you apply for Legal Aid.
If you qualify, Legal Aid will assign you a lawyer.
Legal Aid may cover some refugee and humanitarian immigration matters, but it does not cover most economic or family class immigration applications.
What are Conversation Circles, and how do I join one?
Conversation Circles are informal, welcoming groups where you can practice speaking English, build confidence, and meet new people.
Contact Lesley to learn about upcoming Conversation Circles.
Services for Adults
What does the Adult Literacy program involve?
We support adults with all areas of literacy and connect you with staff and volunteers who can help with your individual needs and goals.
We also offer classes and workshops throughout the year.
Do I need to already know how to read to join?
No. Everyone is welcome.
You don't need any specific reading or writing skills to take part. We meet you where you are and work at your own pace.
Can you help me with digital or financial literacy, not just reading?
Absolutely. Literacy is about more than reading and writing.
We can help with digital, financial, health, and everyday life skills, through one-on-one support, group classes, or workshops.