About Us

Our Mission Statement

Through a positive and supportive environment, the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre is committed to providing the residents of Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas with opportunities to realize their education, employment, and immigration goals.

Our governance

The affairs of the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre are governed by a Board of Directors. Board members may be elected at the Annual General Meeting or be invited to join the Board by a simple majority vote of the Board.

The Board of Directors is the acknowledged final authority of PLLC.  Its objectives are as follows:  (1) To ensure that services provided are within the Objects of PLLC, Inc.;  (2) To ensure that the highest possible standards of service are offered and available to the community at reasonable cost; (3) To ensure the financial health of PLLC, Inc.

The PLLC Board holds an Annual General Meeting, usually in May each year. The AGM Report provided by the Board Chair (reviewing major highlights from the past year) can be picked up at our office or through email upon request.

PLLC's COMMITMENTS TO ANTI-RACISM AND EQUITY

The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable organization for all members of our community. Our work takes place on Treaty 1 Territory, and we recognize the histories and ongoing realities of Indigenous Peoples, as well as the diverse experiences of newcomers and other equity-deserving groups who call Portage la Prairie home.

We acknowledge that racism, discrimination, and systemic inequities exist in Canada and that these barriers limit access to education, employment, safety, and full participation in community life. While many anti-racism and equity practices are already part of PLLC’s daily operations, we recognize that meaningful progress requires continuous commitment, accountability, and action.

PLLC commits to:

  • Zero tolerance for racism, discrimination, harassment, bullying, or violence in any form.
  • Recognition of systemic racism, including the ongoing impacts of colonial structures on Indigenous Peoples and other equity-deserving communities.
  • Equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural safety across all programs, services, and workplace practices.
  • Reconciliation and relationship-building, including meaningful engagement with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, and community partners.
  • Safe and respectful environments where clients, staff, and volunteers can work and participate free from harm.
  • Ongoing learning and accountability, including regular training, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement of policies and practices.

These commitments guide how PLLC designs programs, engages with the community, and makes decisions at every level of the organization. They reflect our responsibility to uphold dignity, fairness, and inclusion for everyone who walks through our doors.

Management

The day-to-day operations of the organization are overseen by the Executive Director, working closely with the Lead Teacher. The Education programs (Mature Grade 12 and Literacy) are overseen by the Lead Teacher, and the Employment, Skills Training & Work Experience (for youth and for persons with disabilities), Settlement Services (including ESL) for all newcomers to Canada, as well as smaller programs such as Money Management Training, ID Services (including passport photos), and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program are all overseen by the Executive Director. The PLLC has 25 full-time staff, at least 12 part-time staff positions, and over 40 volunteers working together to provide the best quality services and programs to help individuals in the Central Plains region meet their needs and achieve their goals.

Funders & Partners

The PLLC receives support from a number of different funding bodies. These include government, foundations, and community funds. We want to thank our funders for their on-going support of the PLLC. Your contribution allows us to better serve and assist the residents of Portage la Prairie and surrounding communities.

The PLLC works with a myriad of partners including educational institutions, service providers, settlement agencies, youth serving agencies and community-based organizations. We believe that working together in partnership allows us to further our mandate by building stronger supports for our community. Thank you to all of our partners for their solidarity, support and collaboration.

Current Job Openings

Check out our listings on Local Job Shop by visiting:  https://localjobshop.ca/companies/149

Thank you for your interest in working with us. Please also consider volunteering! It looks great on your resume, adds to your skills and experience, and it is definitely rewarding to help others.