The Sunset Community expands facility and employment services

News release

Additional space will enable Pugwash social enterprise to create more vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities

April 14, 2021 · Pugwash, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Organizations that provide training and vocational opportunities for people living with challenges help ensure that Canadians of all abilities have the chance to participate fully in the economy. The Sunset Community in Cumberland County helps adults with disabilities to develop their strengths and build the skills they need to successfully live satisfying and meaningful lives.

Government of Canada supports rural non-profit

Today, Lenore Zann, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester, announced a non-repayable contribution of $44,530 to The Sunset Community. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.

This contribution will help The Sunset Community strengthen its social enterprise division by expanding its commercial laundry service. Upgrades include new equipment, improved accessibility and a more functional workspace. These improvements will allow The Sunset Community to provide more training and programming for clients, improve its financial sustainability and meet growing demand for its commercial laundry service from local businesses.  

Investments like this show the Government of Canada’s commitment to innovative and resourceful community-building initiatives that help provide inclusive opportunities for all residents.

Quotes

“Communities flourish when people work together, support each other and help create opportunities for one another. Our Government is proud to support The Sunset Community because we know that we all benefit when everyone is able to gain the skills they need to succeed, work and engage with their community.”
-  The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Ensuring workplace inclusion takes more than encouragement. It requires thoughtful policies, adequate funding and strong government support. Sunset Industries has been doing this important work, in both Oxford and Pugwash, which is vital for those living with disabilities in our rural communities. The opportunities it provides help make life fulfilling for them – and their families. Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to help adults with disabilities access the training and resources that help them succeed. Together, we can break down the barriers to quality employment and independent living.”
-  Lenore Zann, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester

“The Sunset Community is honoured to receive this acknowledgement and funding from the Government of Canada, thereby supporting the growth of our social enterprise employment programs and service options. This expansion of our commercial laundry will translate to more opportunities for increasing skills and meaningful work, as well as enhancing our ability to meet the needs of local businesses. The Sunset Community is very proud to offer inclusive and rewarding employment for all individuals. Investments in the future of our social enterprise will ensure continued achievement of Sunset’s mission of helping people be the best they can be.”
Julie Hoeg, CEO, The Sunset Community

Quick facts

  • The Sunset Community operates an adult residential centre, an independent living support program and a licensed group home, along with two social enterprises. 

  • Revenue from The Sunset Community’s social enterprise division is reinvested into ongoing programming and future growth.

  • The current laundry facility, operated by members of The Sunset Community, supplies services to several local small and medium-sized businesses as well as to the public.

  • Funding for this project is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Chris Brooks
Communications Director, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Julie Hoeg
Chief Executive Officer
The Sunset Community
902-664-1903
jhoeg@sunsetcommunity.ca

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