Breton Ability Centre Expands Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
News Release
Government of Canada supports social enterprise expansion in Cape Breton
April 18, 2017 – Sydney River, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Breton Ability Centre (BAC) will offer expanded opportunities for individuals with disabilities as a result of a Government of Canada investment for the expansion of its learning and development centre for people with disabilities. This project will enable the non-profit organization to diversify and generate new revenue streams through its social enterprises, resulting in the creation of between 20 and 30 new employment opportunities.
The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, recently visited the Centre to share news of the funding with residents and staff on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, will provide a non-repayable contribution of $173,730 to assist with the expansion of BAC’s Life Work Centre, a learning and development centre for people with disabilities. The project involves a two-story multi-use addition to the existing building, as well as a new bottle sorting facility to increase the capacity of BAC’s Community Bottle Donation social enterprise.
BAC currently supports over 100 adults with disabilities in achieving their greatest potential. The new centre will allow residents to develop personal, social, employment and educational skills, while making a valuable contribution to the local economy.
BAC operates six social enterprises including: the Best of Cape Breton Gift Shop and its online e-commerce store; Future Links Mini Putt; a full-service print and copy shop; a custom woodworking enterprise; a community garden and greenhouse; and the Community Bottle Donation Centre. A new café and boutique are planned for the expanded Life Work Centre as well as a multi-use area for learning and skills development workshops, meetings and community functions.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with organizations, such as the Breton Ability Centre, that significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This investment in inclusivity provides invaluable resources and opportunities to members and their families.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Social enterprises, such as those operated by the Breton Ability Centre, fulfill a valuable need in our communities while helping to raise much needed funds to fulfill and expand their mandates. These enterprises help provide job skills for individuals, development opportunities for volunteers, and an unparrelled sense of community pride.”
- The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
“Organizations like this are the fabric of our community. This funding will allow the Breton Ability Centre to continue to help adults with disabilities develop the skills they need to lead healthier lives and participate in their communities.”
- Pam Eyking, MLA for Victoria-the Lakes
“The residents, staff, and Board of Breton Ability Centre are thrilled with the annoucment of this funding for this project which will benefit residents from BAC and individuals from our community. This expansion will allow for our innovative social enterprises to grow and afford inidvidauls the opportunity to learn valuable. This funding is a great milestone for the organization and it will allow BAC to further inclusion and awareness for persons with disabilities within our community.”
- Millie Colbourne, CEO, Breton Ability Centre
Associated Links
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: alex.smith@canada.ca
Millie Colbourne,
Chief Executive Officer
Breton Ability Centre
Phone: 902-577-8983 (cell)
Email: mcolbourne@cb-bac.ca