Province Helps Non-Profit Rebuild, Expand After Fire

All Nova Scotians deserve the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. That is why the province is investing $1 million to help Haley Street Adult Services Centre in North Sydney rebuild and expand programs for adults with diverse abilities.

Haley Street helps participants become more independent and socially engaged through a variety of day programs. One of its buildings was destroyed in a fire in July 2019.

“Haley Street is an amazing organization that has provided participants with incredible support for the past 41 years,” said Premier Stephen McNeil today, Jan. 23. “This investment will allow the centre to rebuild capacity and continue on with their important work.”

Haley Street supports more than 70 people. The new building will provide an accessible space for participants who were displaced by the fire and open the door to expanding services.

The centre offers employment training and personal development opportunities to people through social enterprises, such as a thrift store and wood shop, and programs like art and music therapy.

Quotes:

“Haley Street has had a tragedy that has rallied the community and government to stand by our side. We are overjoyed with the support that we have received from the Nova Scotia government and in particular Premier McNeil. We look forward to the expansion of services that this new building will give us for now and well into the future."

– Debra MacLean, executive director, Haley Street Adult Services Centre

“People think that because we have a disability, we are weak. We aren’t weak, we are very strong.”

– Brad Ross, participant and employee, Haley Street Adult Services Centre

Quick Facts:

• Haley Street also receives $671,000 in annual operational funding from the Department of Community Services under the Disability Support Program
• the centre started in 1979
• on July 27, 2019 a fire destroyed Haley Street Adult Services Centre's Martell Hall
• government is investing in helping disability service providers in the province maintain or expand day programming services. Recent examples include an $800,000 contribution to the Colchester Community Workshops and an $500,000 contribution to the Flower Cart Group in the Annapolis Valley for the expansion of services

Additional Resources:

Haley Street Adult Services Centre Society: http://haleystreet.ca/

Choice, Equality and Good Lives in Inclusive Communities: A Roadmap for Transforming the Nova Scotia Services to Persons with Disabilities Program: https://novascotia.ca/coms/transformation/docs/Choice_Equality_and_Good_Lives_in_Inclusive_Communities.pdf