Harvesting Hope: Empowered Summer Street clients find ways to give back to the community
Summer Street Industries’ clients embody a spirit of caring and generosity, as well as a desire to give back to the community that has long supported them.
The New Glasgow-based charitable organization, which has been in operation for over 50 years, has been changing minds and creating a difference for adults with diverse abilities since its inception. Its services are designed to create and facilitate opportunities for people with varying needs, and its programming includes vocational training and employment in social enterprises, life enhancement programming and supported employment in the community.
Bob Bennett, executive director at Summer Street, said the programs are reaping rewards for the 200 clients it serves, who have been empowered through a participant council to have more direct input into how the organization operates.
Bennett went on to say that it’s crucial throughout the organization that people with diverse abilities are seen as contributors to a healthy society.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) also shares the belief that all Canadians should be able to contribute to the economy and be empowered to live their best, fullest lives. Over the years ACOA has supported Summer Street Industries to enhance their program offerings, expand their social enterprises, and increase client capacity.
Most recently, following Hurricane Fiona, ACOA assisted Summer Street with upgrades to become a designated climate comfort centre, allowing clients to be there for members of the community experiencing weather events.
VALUABLE JOB, LIFE SKILLS
Summer Street is also close to the official opening of a long-awaited, closed-environment accessible farm.
Liz LaPier, lead of the farm project, says it will provide valuable training and meaningful jobs to participants, and teach life skills.
“Growing your own food gives people a sense of autonomy that they can nourish themselves.”
“This farm project started through the direction of the participant council,” says farm operations manager, Cathy Munro.
“It was their desire to grow food and gift it to those less fortunate and this vision has led to the development of the Summer Street Farm. It feels incredible to see it come to fruition. It’s such a fantastic project because the way the greens will grow has been set up to create very specific, task-oriented jobs based on people’s interests and abilities. It’s why it fits the Summer Street model so well.”
LaPier explained that efforts to make the growing facility net-zero is what ultimately connected Summer Street back to ACOA.
“A rising tide lifts all boats. I think it’s really valuable that ACOA, whose mandate is economic development, also recognizes the importance of community economic growth at this level for organizations that support people of diverse abilities. I think Summer Street always wants to make sure that not only are we supporting people who are vulnerable, but also demonstrating their value.”