Community groups receive grants
Three community groups in southwestern Nova Scotia were among the 16 recipients of Age Friendly Community Grants announced by the province on Jan. 17.
In Digby County, the Clare branch of the Canadian Association for Community Living will receive $1,725 to create a feasibility study and business plan for an agefriendly, inclusive residence and therapeutic farm to bring together a diverse community of people to support one another, engage in community economic development and foster personal growth.
The Locke’s Island Players Society in Lockeport, Shelburne County is receiving $9,850 for a project that will provide an opportunity for residents of all ages to share their stories and increase their knowledge of theatre. Senior citizens will be supported to share their talents and will be offered empowering training and leadership.
Also in Shelburne County, the Sable River Community Hall will receive a $1,506 grant to create an innovative resource based on the Health Matters Framework to share with other communities and stakeholders to promote aging in place while staying connected to community life.
In addition, the Directions Council of Nova Scotia received a total of $50,000 in funding for two projects that includes piloting a 12-month project to offer social and recreational programs for older adults in four regions across Nova Scotia, including southwestern Nova Scotia. The Directions Council for Vocational Services Society is a not-for-profit organization representing 29-member agencies throughout the province with a mandate to assist and support member organizations in the delivery of services that promote the abilities and inclusion of perday
sons with disabilities in the every activities of their community.
The Age Friendly Community Grants grant program provides funding of up to $25,000 for projects that fall into one of two categories – age-friendly community planning and community projects. Exploring innovative and supportive housing options, programs that address healthy, active living and social isolation, mentoring programs linking retirees with young adults and those that encourage inter-generational relationships and professional development and training to help organizations plan and support older adults living in their communities are examples of projects receiving funding.