MetroWorks Employment Association

03/03/2025

✨ Rising Stars in the Stone Hearth Sweets Kitchen! 🍪 This month, several participants have stepped up to learn the art of cookies, biscuits, and more—and they’re already making a big impact. One staff member even said, “I wish we could hire them all!” ❤️

02/28/2025

🌞❄ Keeping It Cool: Solar-Powered Cold Storage at BiHi! ❄🌞

Big things are happening at Common Roots Urban Farm BiHi! With the help of OSO Planning and Design and support from Halifax’s JustFOOD team, we’re building a solar-powered walk-in fridge to keep our harvests fresh, reduce food waste, and improve food access. 🍎🥦

This off-grid cold storage will help us store more, waste less, and feed more people — a game-changer for our urban farm!

🚜 Come by and check out the progress or stay tuned for more updates as this project comes to life!

02/24/2025

👏 Tammy Shines in the Stone Hearth Catering Kitchen! 👏

Not everyone thrives in a fast-paced catering kitchen, but for Tammy, it’s where she excels! 🌟

A dedicated participant in our program, Tammy has embraced every opportunity to learn and grow at Stone Hearth Bakery. Recently, she transitioned into the catering kitchen, where her hard work and adaptability have made a lasting impression. One teammate even said, “She’s a natural!” 💪

Tammy’s journey is a perfect example of how our program helps participants build skills, confidence, and independence in real-world environments.

🎉 Keep up the amazing work, Tammy!

02/21/2025

A heartfelt gift for newcomer families! 💖

Lorna from North Sydney handcrafted over 30 beautiful doll dresses, each with a matching headscarf. Before sewing, Lorna took the time to learn from program participants about the colours, fabrics, and styles that hold cultural significance. Her thoughtful donation brings joy, representation, and connection to children in our Newcomer Women’s Program. 🌍✨

Thank you, Lorna, for sharing your kindness and creativity! 💕

02/17/2025

🌟 Glow Big or Go Home! 🌟

EDGE participants took on glow-in-the-dark mini-golf at Putting Edge this month! ⛳✨ But outings like this are more than just fun—they help build confidence, social skills, and independence.

🔹 Why it matters:
✔️ Strengthens friendships & teamwork 🤝
✔️ Encourages patience & problem-solving 🧩
✔️ Supports mental wellness through play & laughter 😄

At EDGE, we believe that personal and professional growth go hand in hand—and that’s why we make space for both! 💡

📸 Swipe through to see all the fun!

02/14/2025

🎉 Celebrating Yehya: Stone Hearth Bakery’s Participant of the Month! 🎉

Every month, we recognize a participant who goes above and beyond, and this January, Yehya has truly earned this honour! His dedication, teamwork, and commitment to learning make him an incredible asset to the bakery.

Yehya always arrives early, takes initiative, and supports his team—whether he’s learning to bake, packaging orders, or making sure everything runs smoothly. His hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!

His advice? 💡 "If you want to get better at something, you have to show up, work hard, and keep learning. That’s how you grow."

Join us in congratulating Yehya on this well-deserved recognition! 👏

01/31/2025

🚀 We're Hiring! 🚀

The OPTIONS Work Activity Program is looking for passionate individuals to join our team! We have two exciting opportunities available:

🔹 Facilitator & Career Practitioner
🔹 Community Engagement & Digital Skills Facilitator

OPTIONS helps Nova Scotians overcome employment challenges through skills development, career coaching, and hands-on training. If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact in the community, we'd love to hear from you!

📌 Learn more here:

👉 Facilitator & Career Practitioner: https://metroworks.applytojobs.ca/facilitator+and+career+practitioner/35846
📅 Application Deadline: February 5, 2025

👉 Community Engagement & Digital Skills Facilitator: https://metroworks.applytojobs.ca/facilitator/35942
📅 Application Deadline: February 9, 2025

Email your resume and cover letter to Kimberly Field, Manager of OPTIONS Work Activity at [email protected].

Join us at OPTIONS, a MetroWorks program, and help build brighter futures in Nova Scotia! 💙

Send a message to learn more

01/17/2025

Check out something Money Path Atlantic is offering the community in Sydney this February! ⬇️

📚✨ February Financial Wellness Wednesdays are here! 💬 Let’s be real — talking about our money can feel a bit uncomfortable, but it really doesn't need to be. Join us every Wednesday in February at Cape Breton Regional Library's James McConnell Memorial Library for hands-on, guided workshops that make financial literacy judgement free and accessible. 🌟 Think of it like taking a hike: sometimes the trail is easy, sometimes it feels a little steep, but no matter what, the view from the top will always be worth it. 🥾🌟

👉 Here’s what’s on the docket:
🗓 Feb 5: Mapping My Money Priorities & Budget Building
🗓 Feb 12: Credit, Canadian Banks & Spotting Scams
🗓 Feb 19: Money Goals: Savings & Managing Debt
🗓 Feb 26: Hiking through Taxes, Benefits & Estate Planning

⏰ Time: 1–3 p.m.
📍 Location: 50 Falmouth Street, Sydney

These free, drop-in sessions are open to everyone. Come for one, some, or all! Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or just get started on your financial journey, we’ll help you get started.

For more info, reach out to us at:
📧 [email protected]
📞 902-209-1739
🌐 www.moneypath.ca

01/03/2025

✂️ A Fresh Start, One Haircut at a Time ✂️

Have you ever noticed how something as small as a haircut can completely change how you feel? Bel the Barber reminded us all of the power of small gestures with a big heart. 💇‍♂️💇‍♀️ From tackling the appointment list and squeezing in those on the waitlist, Bel worked their magic for our program participants, spreading confidence and kindness along the way.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate individuals like Bel who show up, give back, and remind us of the beauty of community care. ❤️

What’s a small act of kindness you’ve seen or experienced lately? Share below—we’d love to hear! 💬

01/01/2025

🎄 Stone Hearth Bakery at the Hope Blooms Holiday Market 🥖✨

We were thrilled to join the Hope Blooms Holiday Market for the final Farmers’ Market of the year!

The event was filled with festive cheer, fresh products, holiday crafts, and (of course) our delicious baked goods. 🍪❤️ The warmth of community spirit made the evening extra special.

Hope Blooms continues to empower at-risk youth, improve food security, and foster social inclusion in Halifax. We’re so proud to support their mission and share in the holiday magic. ✨

Did you visit the market? Let us know your favourite moment in the comments!

12/30/2024

🎨 EDGE Team’s Creative Side Shines!

In between teaching life and employment skills, the team painted the EDGE logo on their wall, turning it into a vibrant centrepiece. But that’s not all! They invited staff and participants to add their handprints around the logo, creating a personal and colourful frame. 🖐️💙

Each handprint is a symbol of the community, connection, and collaboration that makes the EDGE program so special. ❤️ Stop by to see this growing work of art—it’s a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve together.