Building Affirmative Industries
We are a non-profit society run by a volunteer board of directors. Since 1991, with support from the Nova Scotia Hospital, we have provided the mental health community with supported employment within businesses owned and operated by Affirmative Industries.
The work experience gained in this supportive environment helps consumers of mental health services return to the workplace. We have a successful track record of creating enterprises that generate employment opportunities and fountains of self-worth for consumers of mental health services. Our success is based upon the appropriate blending of client special needs with the creative application of sound business principles.
Employment Training
We focus on personal and professional development through skill enhancement and interaction with the community. PetStuff on the Go is a pet supplies packaging and delivery business operated by Affirmative Industries. Many mental health consumers have been trained and employed in this and other Affirmative Industries businesses over the years. A full time job coach works with the clients to develop employment goals and work skills. People who have been employed in Affirmative Industries businesses are referred to other agencies for job development in a targeted position of their choice.
The Neighbourhood Dollar Store, which recently opened in Halifax, provides supported employment where clients can learn retail skills and gain confidence. All clients attend an employment orientation program in order to assess their employment goals.
The employment orientation program is a component of the
Next Step Project. Funded by HRDC, this is a partnership between three organizations: the Independent Living Resource Centre (providing life skills training); the Canadian Mental Health Association, Metro Branch (providing asset mapping); and Affirmative Industries (providing employment training). The goal is to enable persons with disabilities to move towards employment opportunities.
Andrew Peacock Fund for Enterprise Development
Over the past 10 years, the amount of supported employment available to mental health consumers has increased. But entrepreneurship and self-employment are also viable options for persons with disabilities. Access to credit resources for persons with disabilities wishing to consider self-employment as an option is not readily available. The Andrew Peacock Fund meets the needs of the disabilities community in Nova Scotia by serving as a loan resource.
Building for Independence
Mental health consumers have difficulty accessing affordable housing. Affirmative Industries sees a need to develop a model which not only provides a modern housing environment, but one which speaks to the vision and mission of the organization.
A model has been developed whereby mental health consumers who are at work, or acquiring an education, may be tenants of the Building for Independence. The model will enable them to pursue their goals while they earn equity in their apartment. When they leave, the equity is available to help buy a home or return to school.
