The three-year Literacy, Welfare and Work Longitudinal Research Project was made possible through generous funding from the National Literacy Secretariat (Human Resources Development Canada). The research was sponsored by the Coalition for Brandon Literacy Services.

I wish to thank my advisory committee members - Lauren Gawletz, Jan Mason, Roger Loewen, Allana Hillis, and Caroline Slimmon - who assisted me at various stages of the research project. Thanks also to Marie Matheson, the Province of Manitoba's Rural and Northern Adult Literacy Coordinator for her support and guidance over the past three years.

This research is dedicated to the many adult learners who shared their stories of struggle and success, and to the literacy instructors and other agencies who support them in their efforts to achieve their personal, educational and employment goals.

Janet Smith
Brandon, Manitoba Canada
October, 1999