Skills enhancement program helping non profit groups

Since April 28, eight men and women plus their supervisor, Doreen Guy-O’Connor have been working to provide services such as painting, landscaping, and minor repairs. The project supplies the labour free of charge; the non-profit groups supply required materials.

Guy-O’Connor says those working on projects have gained valuable experience working on these community projects.

Participants are also learning safe workplace practices, project costing and materials listing. The NS Community College Shelburne Campus and SWSDA will also provide assistance in job searching, updating of resumes/portfolios, and learning interview skills.

A variety of non-profit groups have been served already. They include Little Peoples Place, the Beulah Burman Animal Shelter, Shelburne and Area Chamber of Commerce, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society, the Tri Counties Multicultural Group, the Shelburne and Barrington Exhibitions, the Roseway Cemetery, the Shelburne Historical Society, the Shelburne County Arena, the Shelburne County Museum, the Osbourne Church, and Camp Jordan.

Joan Bower,

Development Officer South West Shore Development Authority, says there has been a positive response to the work that has been done noting that volunteer organizations often do not have the time to complete this kind work. Many groups are largely composed of senior citizens and it is really difficult for them to climb a ladder or to repair a broken step.

The project was created through a partnership between SWSDA and Service Canada (Job Creation Partnership). The authority designed the project, and is managing it. In-kind services are provided as well. Service Canada contributes the labor portion of the funding. The non-profit organizations also partner by providing needed materials.

The program will continue until Dec. 16.

Although most projects are already booked, coordinators note that there may be room a few more small ones. There is also the possibility of a renewed project next year. Any non-profit organization wishing to be on the list can write to: Joan Bower, South West Shore Development Authority, PO Box 223, Barrington Passage, NS, B0W 1G0 and state what services are needed.