Clients are what make Community Workshops special

There is something special about Colchester Community Workshops on Arthur Street in Truro.

It is true, they have a great board of directors who have guided decision making over the years, and who continue to move CCW into the future. Those decisions support and enhance the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities.

The CCW also has a great network of business leaders and caring individuals throughout Colchester County who provide financial support through charitable donations. These contributions help maintain, enhance and expand the services and opportunities for clients.

There is a great network of staff and volunteers who give tirelessly of themselves, each and every day, to ensure the clients are cared for and supported while at CCW or out in the community.

But the most special part of the organization is the clients themselves. They work hard, they greet you with a smile, they are filled with pride and purpose, they learn and practise new skills every day, they become more independent and they make a valuable contribution to society. The Colchester Community Workshop is their home away from home. The CCW is a not-for-profit society that provides professional development, educational and social programs and training for their clients. CCW partners and supporters are passionate about removing barriers for Nova Scotians with intellectual disabilities. Currently, 80 clients are served.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, CCW launched their Capital Campaign, one designed to raise funds for their next project. In Phase I of the project, the former Hallidays building, adjacent the existing CCW was purchased. This will not only allow space for expansion of the training and skills area, it will include housing units for some current and future clients. What an exciting opportunity for these adults to experience a more independent lifestyle.

Through the Department of Community Services, and with the full support of our Premier, Stephen Mcneil, I was both pleased and proud to contribute $800,000 toward their Capital Campaign. This will support all aspects of Phase II, and the opportunities for their clients are huge. Whether it is training and skill development, life enhancement opportunities, pre-employment skills building or job coaching, it will make a huge difference. The pride and confidence on the faces and in the minds and hearts of the clients should move all of us, both as business leaders, as various levels of government and as individuals to reach out and support those less fortunate, and who face life-long challenges each and every day. They need our love and support.

Karen Casey is MLA for Colchester North.