along with a host of other social and recreational programs. JT: In Antigonish at the CACL, we’ve really been inspired by the incredible programs being offered by other member organizations in places like Shelburne. Their entrepreneur- ial spirit has really radiated throughout the province and all through DIRECTIONS. We also have a very supportive com- munity here in Antigonish. We have a tremendous amount of local support from community members, the Chamber of Commerce, and several local private enterprises. In fact, local businesses couldn’t be more supportive. We have a lot of people from our organization who are out in the com- munity working because of the support of many employers in town and in the county. Everyone knows who we are and what we have to offer. It’s an incredible time to be a part of DIRECTIONS. Two of the guys who we support here have broken out on their own and started a business – and you wouldn’t believe the support of the business community. Local business leaders like Steve Smith, the owner of Central, Aaron MacDonald of Steel Mac Limited, and Joe Boudreaux from BioNova- tions, are all examples of people who will they stop what they’re doing and drive to town and troubleshoot and help the guys with whatever project they’re working on. Seeing what the CACL does for the community is humbling and powerful. If someone has a dream, we have people to get behind them. We have people who want to volunteer, be involved with recreation, and people who want to start
to other member organizations. But being located in such a small area can have its advantages. We are well-known and when an opportunity does present itself, the community or surrounding communities, are that much more likely to buy-in to what we offer. We’ve had a lot of success promot- ing individuals because they’re already well-known in the community. “We work as a collective in order to expand the service delivery options and the programs that are offered. It may play out a little differently in every organization, but it’s a good model.” HS: I think in terms of shared best practices that a number of our agencies share philosophies and values around the client and putting the client at the center of the operation. Deborah is right, though, because how that translates is very different from place to place. The various social enter- prises that the 29 organizations take-on are numerous. We have two commercial bakeries, a café, a green space main- tenance team, a laundry service, a home care service that provides non-medical supports, and a trophy and engrav- ing service for community sporting associations. Our clients can participate, at many levels, in these programs
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