09/02/2026
It has been a busy season of growth and transformation across all of our programs, made possible by the dedicated people who power our organization every day.
At our AGM in June, we took a moment to reflect on everything our team and community have accomplished over the past twelve months. The list is long and brings incredible pride. We will provide just a few highlights here.
Expanding Opportunities in Our Day Program
Our Day Program services reached major milestones this past year.
Sustainable Funding & Fair Wages:
We successfully negotiated with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (DOSD) to transition to a Block Funding model, securing our financial stability for the next two years. Alongside this, we committed to sustainable business plans and fair wages for participants working across our social enterprises (Kuttin Kindling, Handy Wipers, and The Shops on Central).
Launching the South Shore Work Abilities Program:
Following provincial budget cuts that ended the 43-year South Shore Work Activity Program, we quickly pivoted to launch the South Shore Work Abilities Program, our own Employment Centre.
New Activities & Sector Leadership:
Participants enjoyed an expanding lineup of activities based on their interests: yoga, pickleball, art, music, bowling, dances, karaoke, ukulele, soccer, bingo, crafts and more.
As of May 26, we officially joined the Directions Council of Nova Scotia to network with peer organizations providing quality day program services and employment supports for people with disabilities.
Community Connections & Transitions:
We hosted a free Community BBQ at Picnic in the Park; during Fire Prevention Week we held a BBQ for the Chester Volunteer Fire Department to thank them for all they do for our community, while here they delivered a fire safety session; we hosted a community celebration for the official opening of Flemming House; celebrated Stacey Macdonald’s retirement after 38 years; welcomed Anna Whalen as our new Day Program Coordinator; and undertook a major renovation and revisioning of The Shops on Central to include the Garden Café, The Market and Bonny’s Boutique Thrift Shop, with generous contributions from our landlord NILU Holdings and Chester Building Supplies.
“The Shops on Central is a gem. It is bright and cheery and the thrift shop is amazing” - Customer
Strengthening Our Homes and Operations
Growth in our Community Living services has brought historic developments to our organization:
Expanding Community Living Supports:
Two new homes were licensed, including Flemming House, named in honour of Jack Flemming and his family, whose vision ensured this home was built to support our community. In alignment with the NS Human Rights Remedy, two group homes also transitioned to small option models.
Team Growth & Leadership:
Our workforce nearly doubled to 99 employees. To support this expansion, we hired three new Community Living Supervisors and welcomed back David Outhouse as Financial Coordinator, funded by the DOSD Service Evolution Fund grant. We have made a huge investment in recruitment led by our Human Resources Director and Community Living Director.
Our Health Care Consultant continues to oversee the wellness of all participants living in our homes and has moved into the first floor of Flemming House so that she can be more available and accessible to all participants.
Strategic Vision:
The Service Evolution Fund grant is also funding a comprehensive renewal of our Strategic Plan, laying a strong foundation for our future.
Behind the scenes, crucial organizational work took place to support our team and facilities:
We negotiated a new collective agreement with our unionized Unifor employees, including a defined benefit pension plan.
The Maintenance Department kept facilities safe and clear of ice and snow through winter, alongside ongoing infrastructure upgrades, particularly ramps and gutters.
Fundraising underpins our ability to provide the range of opportunities available to participants at Bonny Lea Farm. The Fund Development Director and Fundraising & Events Committee hosted another successful slate of fundraisers and events, including our Annual Campaign, Claws for a Cause Lobster Fundraiser, Annual Benefit Golf Tournament, Chester’s Got More Talent and Picnic in the Park.
Plans are underway to integrate more technology into our organization through an electronic scheduling and payroll program which will see significant investment in new software, hardware and training for all employees.
Honoring Leadership:
As we look back, we must highlight an extraordinary leader. After 9 years as Board Chair, John Biebesheimer is stepping down from the role, though remaining an active board member. John has guided us through some of the most exciting and challenging times in our history with integrity, kindness, and unwavering standards. His dedication, to our participants and staff, set the benchmark for our work. Thank you, John, for your mentorship and visionary leadership.
We extend a warm welcome to Cy Mayo as our incoming Chair. Cy has served on the Board for a number of years and we look forward to working closely with him as we further grow and adapt to the changing interests and needs of participants.
The Future is Bright
The founder of J.C. Penney once said, “Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”
As we look ahead, our direction remains guided by the participants who choose Bonny Lea Farm. Their self-determination shapes everything we do, and with the combined strength and support of our staff, board, government, families, and community, the future is brighter than ever.
Karen Lake | Executive Director
Learn more:
Please take a moment to read through our 2025-2026 Impact Report in the photos.
If you would like a print copy, send Liz an email at [email protected] and she will be happy to send you one.
