Social & Community Services Organizations in Halifax

We are a community-based peer support service for adult survivors of childhood (0-18 yrs) sexual abuse in Nova Scotia. Currently, all peer support, one-on-one or group, is offered online. The training is also online. All Peer Supporters must themselves be survivors of childhood sexual abuse and are assessed for suitability before acceptance into our program. We offer support to, and need peer supporters of, all genders. We encourage male survivors to apply. Peer supporters are not professionals or therapists and cannot give any medical or psychological advice. A peer supporter is expected to offer confidentiality, a good listening ear and a non-judgmental approach. Through training and personal experiences, a peer supporter understands difficulties and can provide empathy, guidance, support and access to resources such as reading materials and techniques to help one through a stressful time. S.O.A.R. regularly offers free peer supporter training for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse who have progressed sufficiently in their recovery that they feel ready to assist others in healing. A peer supporter is taught to offer a survivor: - Respectful listening - Acceptance - Confidentiality - Understanding - Hope - Reassurance that one is not alone - Strategies and information to help one feel more in control Volunteer Peer Supporters are asked to commit to at least two years following the end of training. Trainees must attend all 16 sessions to receive a certificate of completion.

The 7th Step Society is first and foremost a peer support group. It is designed to help support formerly incarcerated individuals successfully transition out of institutions and into society at large. We do this by helping those formerly incarcerated change their self-identity, by changing their thoughts and behaviors so they no longer see themselves as criminals. New members can use the success of long-standing members as a model for their own recovery. Formerly incarcerated individuals who have adapted their behavior are a source of motivation for new members looking for inspiration. These older members illuminate a road to recovery. A key difference of 7th Step from other peer support groups is the presence of volunteer members. The volunteer role is to assist formerly incarcerated individuals with their recovery and reintegration. This can be done in a variety of ways from informal problem solving, connection building and emotional support.

Altruistic Current is an incorporated not-for-profit society designed to inspire kind and altruistic actions through education, promotion, and community-led initiatives.  Altruism is for everyone. We aim to improve the world one person, community, and country at a time. Reflect the world you want to see. We support initiatives and events that promote altruistic behaviour within the community.  Further, we unite a network of altruistic leaders with the goal of promoting positive community change and social growth.

The CVITP is a collaboration between community organizations and the Canada Revenue Agency. This means that ideally, the organization plans and hosts the tax preparation clinics, arranges & manages volunteers and resources, and keeps taxpayer information secure. While the CRA offers guidance, arranges training for volunteers, provides tax preparation software, and operates a dedicated help line for volunteers.

The Loaded Ladle provides accessible, sustainable, locally-sourced free food on Dalhousie Campus. Our non-hierarchical co-operative offers an alternative food service, that opposes capitalist food systems. We also offer events and workshops that critically examine barriers to food sovereignty, food security and food justice.

Mission & Values The Salvation Army is an international Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible; its ministry is motivated by love for God and the needs of humanity. Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Core Values There are three core values of our faith – Salvation, Holiness and Intimacy with God. Rooted in these three values are the seven core operational values which guide all aspects of The Salvation Army in Canada & Bermuda. - Compassion: We reach out to others and care for them. - Respect: We promote the dignity of all persons. - Excellence: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate. - Integrity: We are honest, trustworthy, and accountable. - Relevance: We are committed to the pursuit of innovation and effectiveness. - Co-operation: We encourage and foster teamwork and partnerships. - Celebration: We give thanks by marking milestones and successes. Today, approximately three million Canadians, or one in 10 people, live in poverty. The Salvation Army recognizes that poverty is a critical issue, and that everyone has a right to access basic necessities such as nutritious food, health care, education and economic opportunity.

The Youth Project is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing support and services to youth, 25 and under, around issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. We have a provincial mandate so although we are located in HRM, we travel around the province to meet with youth in other communities. We provide a variety of programs and services including support groups, referrals, supportive counselling, a resource library, educational workshops, social activities.

United Way Halifax is a local impact organization that alleviates and reduces local poverty. We are trusted by donors, communities, organizations, and governments for our ability to achieve lasting change. Our knowledge about community gaps and needs informs what we do. Our core values of respect, trust, collaboration, compassion, equity, and adaptability guide how we do it. And donations from individuals, families and organizations makes our progress and impact possible.

The Upper Hammonds Plains Community Development Association operates the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Centre for all residents, businesses and organizations in the greater Upper Hammonds Plains, NS area to enjoy – with the primary focus to provide programs and services for the benefit of the African Nova Scotian residents of Upper Hammonds Plains as we work together and stand on the shoulders of our ancestors to preserve, strengthen and build the African Nova Scotian community of Upper Hammonds Plains.

If you or someone in your family was recovering from an illness, struggling with a disability or dementia, dealing with a chronic or terminal illness, where would you turn? For more than 118 years, people have been turning to VON (Victorian Order of Nurses), Canada’s largest not-for-profit home and community care organization. VON is known and trusted for in-home nursing care, and while that service is at the core of our organization, we also offer a vast range of personal support programs, community support and volunteer services, to help our clients manage in difficult times and to improve their quality of life.

Veith House is a multi-service non-profit located in Halifax's north end. Our mission is to meet the needs of children, families, and individuals living with the effects of poverty, with empowerment as an ever present goal. We to this through programs such as Summer Day Camp, Preschool, counseling and trustee services, and more.

At Volunteer Halifax, we take pride in linking people with local nonprofit community organizations, supporting persons with disabilities, new Canadians, corporations and professionals connect to organizations in and around the city, helping individuals develop skills to advance their careers, and developing knowledge resources that support effective and efficient volunteer capacity.