Hants County CAN help more people with challenges through new funds

BY CHRISTY MARSTERS



Helping people who face barriers get back into the service sector will be easier for the Hants County Community Access Network as a result of dramatic improvements in government funding announced April 10.

Nova Scotia MP Gerald Keddy unveiled the new agreement with the Hants County CAN and said the program would receive nearly $642,000 through Service Canada over two years to assist people with disabilities living in Hants County.

“There are huge societal benefits here and chances to help people who don’t have as many opportunities,” Keddy said. “We can provide a service that’s badly needed, we can provide it in a more cost-effective and efficient way, and we can work with people who are already on the ground and know the difficulties other people face here.”

The funding reflects everyone within Canadian society and his government’s commitment to caring, Keddy said. “This is not simply about putting government money on a shelf and saying we’re going to do something good with it. We really are going to do something good with it and we’re going to see results.”

Proven positive results

The Hants County CAN has already proven positive results by assisting those with disabilities through providing one-on-one career counselling, group employment opportunities, client referrals, access to affordable transportation, portfolio development courses and access to computers.

This networked program assisted in providing employment for 87 people facing difficult challenges last year, and those people with disabilities generated roughly $1.7-million in salaries.

“It’s a great example of the return on investment and dollars spent to help people who face barriers find a way,” said Michael Little, the executive director of Hants County CAN.

“We see approximately 2,000 people each year walk through our doors looking for help; a lot of times people who are without hope. I mean, really, they come through our doors looking for that and we can truthfully say 87 people last year found that hope.”

Jason Harvey, a former participant in the Hants County CAN, remembers the personal hope the service offered.

They provided help, strength, confidence and a rewarding experience, Harvey said. “And they gave me one of my first jobs.”

“Every group within the community is important, but this group offers something that others don’t,” Hants West MLA Chuck Porter said. “This funding allows people with disabilities to be part of this community.”