Do you want to read and write better?
Join us! We can help.
Contact us today to learn more.
Call: 604-527-5409
Email: icare@douglascollege.ca
Who can join?
Adults who speak English well or communicate through ASL interpreters and want help with basic reading and writing.
Each learner:
- Works with their own tutor.
- Has their own learning plan.
- Learns at a pace that works for them.
How to join
To find out if I-CARE is a good fit for you:
- Call the Program Coordinator (604-527-5409) to chat or leave a message.
- Meet with the Faculty Coordinator for an assessment of your learning needs.
Next steps
- Once we have reviewed your learning needs, I-CARE will:
- Work on matching you with a volunteer tutor.
- When the match is complete, you will:
- Have your own learning plan.
- Meet with your tutor for two hours every week.
- Practice your reading and writing skills between tutoring sessions.
Helpful links for learners
- Budgeting (Financial Literacy Part One)
- Banking (Financial Literacy Part Two)
- Reading Nutrition Fact Labels (Health Literacy)
- Stay Safe Using Emails and Texts (Digital Literacy)
Current I-CARE LearnerReading is important because you can understand what you are looking for.
Current I-CARE Learner
Want to volunteer with I-CARE?
Our volunteer tutors are committed to helping adult learners build confidence, improve reading and writing skills for everyday life and work toward their individual literacy goals.
Frequently asked questions about volunteering
Previous training is not needed as all our volunteers go through required sessions, including:
Successful completion of 30 hours of comprehensive training led by the I-CARE Program’s Faculty Coordinator. This training is free and covers key material, tutoring techniques and strategies for supporting adult learners.
Successful completion of three 3-hour practicum sessions in a basic literacy classroom. These sessions are offered during weekday evenings.
After this, volunteer tutors are matched with an adult learner to start making a difference.
We expect our tutors to be respectful and patient, bringing kindness and encouragement to every tutoring session. No teaching experience is required, but applicants must enjoy helping others learn.
To join our team of volunteer tutors you must be:
- at least 19 years old
- have a high school diploma
- be fluent in English
- have strong reading and writing skills in English
- pass a criminal record check
Our process is simple: fill out our online application, sit for an interview, complete reference checks and pass a criminal record check.
About the I-CARE program
The Individualized Community Adult Reading Education (I-CARE) Adult Literacy Program delivers cost-free, flexible, one-on-one literacy tutoring for English-speaking adults who want to improve their basic reading and writing skills.
We believe that:
Opportunities to learn to read and write are not a privilege but a basic right.
Everyone is entitled to a second chance at learning.
We all should have the opportunity to learn to whatever level we can reach.
Returning to learn basic literacy skills takes courage and this should be recognized and respected.
The I-CARE Adult Literacy Program began in 1978. It is part of Douglas College and has served the community for more than 40 years. The College provides reliable, cost-free support to help I-CARE run well. This includes tutor training, space for tutoring, learning materials and staff to manage the program. With this support, I-CARE can use all donated time and resources to help learners directly. This includes one-on-one tutoring and special events in the community that support learning and bring people together.
Breakthrough is a publication of the I-CARE Adult Literacy Program at Douglas College.
Small Changes for a Healthier Me (Breakthrough 2026 Fall Issue)
Stay Cool in Hot Weather (Breakthrough 2026 Summer Issue)
A Year of Celebrations (Breakthrough 2026 Winter Issue)
Make Every Loonie Count (Breakthrough 2025 Summer Issue)
Former I-CARE Faculty CoordinatorFor our learners, literacy is the key to so many things: a driver’s license, a citizenship test, a FOODSAFE certificate, the ability to help their kids with homework, or just to read a story together.
Former I-CARE Faculty Coordinator
Join today
If you want to improve your reading and writing skills in English, get in touch to see if I-CARE is a good fit for you. Please call us at 604 527 5409 (leave a message if we are unable to answer) or email us at icare@douglascollege.ca.
Interested in joining as a volunteer tutor? Please apply now.