Government of Canada supports new wood-pellet venture for adult services centre
July 27, 2015 – North Sydney, NS -- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Haley Street Adult Services Centre Society is expanding its portfolio of social enterprises ahead of the 2015 home-heating season. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund, is providing a $37,323 contribution to help Haley Street Adult Services Centre Society purchase equipment to establish a home-heating pellet manufacturing facility at its site in North Sydney.
The equipment to be acquired through this project includes a mill, chipper, grinder, collection drum and bagging system, allowing the Society to begin manufacturing pellets in time for the 2015 heating season. The pellets will be sold at the Society's main facility on Haley Street, North Sydney, as well as through its “Nora’s New to You” thrift store on Main Street, Sydney Mines, and several other local retailers. The expanded business venture will create one full-time position, and provide part-time employment for an additional four program participants.
Haley Street Adult Services Centre is a vocational training facility for adults with disabilities. The Centre started in the late 1960s as a drop-in activity centre run by volunteers. It was a place for people to gather and socialize after they had finished their education. The Resource Recovery Fund Board (RRFB) Nova Scotia also contributed $12,580 to the project.
Quick Facts:
- Haley Street Adult Services Centre Society’s range of programs and services assist more than 60 adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of life and the community. The Centre is funded through government contributions and through revenues generated by the Society’s various social enterprises.
- The Centre’s programs offer participants opportunities to improve skills and move toward independence. Program support ranges from personal care needs to securing employment.
- The Centre recently opened “Nora’s New to You” thrift store, located at 1161 Main Street, Sydney Mines. The store sells household items and clothing and provides valuable work experience for program participants.
- The Centre’s expansion into the home-heating pellet industry will create one full-time position, and four part-time positions for program participants.
Quotes:
“Our Government recognizes the vital role that community-based endeavours such as Haley Street Adult Services Centre play in creating local jobs and generating economic growth in our communities. This project illustrates the benefits that can result from well-thought out partnerships between social enterprises and the communities they serve.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Haley Street Adult Services Centre is very pleased to be able to purchase the pellet maker. It gives us the opportunity for much needed revenue as well as the ability to hire people with intellectual disabilities.”
- Debra MacLean, Executive Director, Haley Street Adult Services Centre Society
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Debra MacLean
Executive Director
Haley Street Adult Services Centre Society
902-794-3517
