Grants to Help Disabled in Central Nova Scotia

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Grants to Help Disabled in Central Nova Scotia

Residents of central Nova Scotia who have disabilities or other barriers to employment will be among the people who benefit from a $2-million enhancement of vocational day training programs, Community Services Minister David Morse announced today, Feb. 15.

"This investment will strengthen programs that enable Nova Scotians with disabilities or barriers to employment to achieve their individual goals and improve their quality of life," said Mr. Morse.

About $1 million in one-time grants will go toward infrastructure or capital purchases and improvements for adult service centres across the province that provide vocational day programs for people with intellectual, mental health or physical challenges. In central Nova Scotia, these centres include Anchor Industries Society, Halifax Adult Services Society, New Leaf Enterprises, Lake City Employment Services and DASC Industries. The centres already receive core funding from the department.

Another $1 million will create similar grants for the province's six work activity programs. These programs provide support to people who have barriers to employment. In central Nova Scotia, the programs include Dartmouth Work Activity Society and Options Work Activity Program.

The funding is part of the department's $11-million investment to improve programs for seniors, low-income earners and people with disabilities, announced by Mr. Morse in December.