Social & Community Services Organizations in Halifax

Special Olympics Sackville-Bedford is dedicated to enriching the lives of persons with an intellectual disability – through sport. We are a not-for-profit, grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities.

Spencer House is a unique program and community drop-in centre for older adults, located in the heart of historic Schmidtville, near the corner of Morris and Queen Streets. We offer programs and services to bring seniors together, reduce isolation and help them remain involved and living independently in their community for longer.

The Spencer House Seniors Community Centre is for seniors over 50. The Centre's goal is to provide the services and programs which enable older adults to live independently, contribute to their community and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. The Centre is open Monday to Friday and offers a hot meal and various programs for seniors. Our History Spencer House Seniors’ Centre was officially opened on June 23, 1983 by its two founding members Doreen Fraser and Ida Zifkin. Our centre is named after the late Lady Diana Spencer. After a visit by Prince Charles and Princess Diana to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1983, it was decided that the new organization would be named after the Princess in tribute to the Royal Visit and to express the admiration and affection of the seniors towards the Princess. The seniors wrote to Earl Spencer, Diana’s father, and received permission to use the family name for the new centre. Our Vision Our goal is to provide the services and programs which enable older adults to live independently, contribute to their community and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Stepping Stone is a charitable organization that provides services and support to current and former sex workers, people at risk of entering the sex trade, and people who identify as being trafficked.

Sunday Assembly is a godless congregation that gathers once a month to celebrate life. We are currently meeting on the 4th Sunday of the month at the Halifax Central Public Library. Our motto is: Live Better, Help Often, Wonder More. The Assemblies consist of speakers from the community and singing popular songs together with coffee and cookies afterward.

Support Services Group is a nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities and supports them live independently in the community, providing the necessary supports to enable independence and freedom of choice. We support around 200 members in Nova Scotia(Metro, South Shore, Annapolis Valley) and their families and we work together to fulfill their goals and help them live their good life in the community.

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 is an open cooperative of students and community members fighting unjust global food systems and cooking, serving, and eating meals together. The Loaded Ladle also offers educational workshops on topics such as seed saving, racism in food movements and tincture making, along with a monthly book club and various other opportunities to get involved.

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.