By Yvette d'Entremont - The Weekly News
Directions Council members are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year by increasing public awareness about their provincial organization and the services they provide for members.
The council supports 28 member agencies across the province. Those agencies provide vocational and life skills training services and opportunities for Nova Scotians with intellectual and physical disabilities as well as those with mental health concerns.
Local agencies represented by the Directions Council include Anchor Industries in Lower Sackville, DASC (Dartmouth Adult Services Centre), Dartmouth's Lake City Employment Services Association, and Prescott Group and New Leaf Enterprises in Halifax.
"One of the big pieces that Directions provides is the professional development for staff," said Directions Council president Marilyn Forrest.
"We've (also) been very active in funding issues our members face, as they have been challenged with limited funding and no funding increases over 17 years for operational costs."
Forrest, who also serves as executive director of Anchor Industries in Lower Sackville, said the Directions Council is trying to spread the word not only about their group but about the work being done by each agency they represent.
"What we're all struggling with now is funding. All of our agencies also operate businesses as part of their model," Forrest said.
"There is also the issue of perception of what our agencies are, and it's an old perception if it was ever accurate."
She said it's important for people to realize the Directions Council member agencies are providing chances and support for people with disabilities and promoting their independence.
To help support the work being done by the Directions Council, Forrest encourages people to find the member agencies in their own communities and assist by volunteering their time or providing a financial donation.
More information about Directions Council and each of its 28 members agencies can be found online at www.directionscouncil.org.
ydentremont@eastlink.ca
