Sydney social enterprise to equip new facility
News release
Horizon Achievement Centre increases training and employment opportunities for clients
June 3, 2021 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Social enterprise organizations are essential for building strong communities and an inclusive, resilient economy for all Canadians. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing to help the Horizon Achievement Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia improve its facilities and expand its support services for those who face barriers to employment.
Federal government growing an inclusive economy in Cape Breton
Today, Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, announced a non-repayable contribution of $971,133 to the Horizon Achievement Centre Society. The facility upgrades will enable the Centre to provide improved support, skills training and paid employment opportunities for clients in fields such as business, catering and retail.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
The funding will allow for the purchase of new equipment, fixtures, and furnishings. The improvements will enable the Centre to help more clients achieve personal goals and successes, like increased independence, social participation, self confidence and economic self-sufficiency.
Strategic investments like this one help ensure that Canadians of all abilities have the chance to participate in the economy.
Quotes
“As we reflect on our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is committed to building a stronger, more resilient and more inclusive economy. We are proud to support organizations like the Horizon Achievement Centre as they create strong social and economic foundations, and remove barriers to participation in our economy.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Horizon Achievement Centre plays an essential role in our Cape Breton communities. I am so pleased that this contribution will help the Centre strengthen its resources so it can provide more opportunities for clients to grow, learn, connect, contribute, and achieve personal goals and success.”
- Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
“On behalf of clients, staff and board of the Horizon Achievement Centre, we extend our deepest appreciation to ACOA and the federal government for their generous contribution to this project. This project is not only an investment in our community but an important investment in the future of people with varying abilities. Having access to this new and modern equipment and technology will create a more skilled and inclusive labour force, providing increased opportunities for employment.”
- Carol Pendergast, Executive Director, Horizon Achievement Centre
Quick facts
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The Horizon Achievement Centre provides vocational training and employment services for adults with intellectual disabilities who face employment barriers in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
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Horizon Achievement Centre, established in 1984, is the largest provider of services and employment options for adults with intellectual disabilities within the CBRM.
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The Centre’s social enterprises include catering services for onsite and offsite events such as weddings and conferences, a coffee shop, mail services and document scanning.
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The new 20,000 square foot, environmentally sustainable facility in Harbourside Commercial Park brings together the Centre’s three operations under one roof. It is expected to open in October 2021.
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ACOA’s contribution is provided through the Innovative Communities Fund.
Associated links
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 Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
Chris.Brooks@ACOA-APECA.gc.ca
Carol Pendergast
Executive Director
Horizon Achievement Centre
902-539-8553 ext 223
carol.hac@ns.sympatico.ca
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