Three team members from the Haley Street Society in North Sydney staffed a table Saturday for the Haley Street Festival at the Emera Centre. The table was selling products made by other team members of the non-profit organization. Above from left are Brad Ross of Sydney Mines, Betty Rees of Sydney Mines and Carlo Nardocchio. Haley Street offers programs that support choice and independence for adults with disabilities to overcome barriers in their lives and communities. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN /CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentPeople of all ages enjoyed the Haley Street Society’s summer festival Saturday at the Emera Centre in North Sydney. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle content“It’s really good to get people out,” summer student and event organizer Catherine Hoare said as she looked around at the centre’s front entrance filled with vendors, silent auction items, games and some Haley Street team members staffing tables. Article contentArticle contentHaley Street Society is a non-profit organization for adults with disabilities. It provides support, programs and employment for its team members – some of whom attend the site daily for work and make handmade products such as candles, bracelets and earrings. Article content Food trucks were on site at the Haley Street Festival Saturday at the Emera Centre, but the most popular lunch is always the good old hot dog and pop. All the money from the hot dog sale went to the Haley Street Society, a non-profit in North Sydney that supports and provides programs and employment for adults with disabilities. From left Catherine Hoare, a student working for the society over the summer who organized the event. At the barbecue was Koady Young and serving the public was Ally Quinlan, who both showed up to volunteer for the event. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN /CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentHoare said it’s good that the team members have a place to go every day and stay involved with community. Article contentThe centre started in the late 1960s as a drop-in activity centre run by volunteers. It was a place for people to gather and socialize after they had finished their education. Over the years, the centre evolved into an adult services centre model through a partnership with the former Department of Social Services. Article contentThe focus changed over the years to one where transferable skills and self-advocacy are encouraged. Today, it is an ever-evolving organization with a strong person-directed drive serving dozens of participants. Article contentThe society also operates a thrift shop called Nora’s New to You Thrift Store in Sydney Mines as a way of raising funds and providing team members with work. Article contentArticle content There were all kinds of games and fun things to do at Saturday’s Haley Street Festival at the Emera Centre in North Sydney. From left to right are Ellen Keagan, a staff member at Haley Street Society; her granddaughter, Ameila Leyte, 8; and volunteers Layla Bonar and Lilly Long – both Grade 11 students at Memorial High School in Sydney Mines. Amelia was taking part in a lollipop pull game at the fundraiser for Haley Street Society – a non-profit that supports adults with disabilities. Photo by ROSEMARY GODIN /CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentArticle contentPERSON-DIRECTED APPROACHArticle contentThe website explains that Haley Street “supports choice and independence for individuals with disabilities to overcome barriers in their lives and communities.” Article contentThe services that Haley Street provides are unique to the CBRM community. The centre serves individuals who come with a wide range of skill sets as well as people who have varying support needs including complex medical needs and one-to-one staff support. Article contentThe agency provides an opportunity for people to have choices in how they spend their day and learn skills that will assist them along the continuum of independence. Article content“We strongly believe in creating employment opportunities that will bring growth to our economy and sustainability within our organization,” the website says. Article contentThe organization and its person-directed approach emphasizes self-advocacy and achievement of goals determined by the individual being supported. Article contentAt Haley Street, members are offered choice in daily activities and programs, diverse opportunities, and regular goal planning and consultation with trained staff. They also have a daily meal together and socialization opportunities.
Haley Street Society’s festival means plenty of Cape Breton summer fun
