'Pure joy and excitement' as East Hants non-profit gets closer to opening new $10M facility

A Nova Scotia non-profit that offers programming for adults with intellectual disabilities is hopeful a new, larger space expected to open in mid-October will eliminate the organization's waitlist.

Corridor Community Options for Adults (CCOA) has called the former Enfield Elementary School home since 2000. It offers recreational, employment, volunteer and education programs and social enterprises for over 40 adults who can learn, work and socialize in a shared space. 

But the old school building has its limitations, including accessibility issues, the constant need for upkeep, and a lack of space. There are around 55 people waiting to get into programs.

"It's time for a new building, a modern building, a building where we can run all types of different programs in addition to what we do now and we can provide service to more people," said executive director Ross Young.

The organization needs to raise more than $10 million for a brand new building — and it's nearly reached its goal thanks in large part to the community's help.

The non-profit got donations from local businesses and individuals in the community, and fundraised through Chase the Ace style games hosted by a local restaurant. All three levels of government also pitched in.

"If we took a drive down the street … on our way to the new building, I could show you that almost every organization, business on that drive has some connection to this organization," said Young.

So far, $10.5 million has been raised, and the group says it needs another $600,000 to finish construction.

New building will be a point of pride

Young said the elementary school served CCOA well for many years, but now it's at capacity.

Once complete, the new building in Elmsdale Business Park will be able to accommodate 125 participants. The project is nearing completion after six years of development, which involved input from staff and program participants. 

"The reactions of the people in the programs here to the new building [is] excitement, like pure joy and excitement," said Linda Coolen, program manager at CCOA. "This new building will … allow people to feel really proud of where they are and that they had a part in it." 

CCOA's website says the new building will be fully accessible and environmentally sustainable, with 17,569 square feet to operate programs.

Ailyn Clow, an instructor who has worked at CCOA since 2020, said the building will optimize how the organization functions. 

"We're pretty stuck right now. We were able to use the [school] building for what we needed and we're flexible in our operations. This new building will be built for purpose," Clow said. 

"We'll be able to operate at a higher rate and maximize the support we provide … This will open more doors for people coming in, [getting] some support and reaching their goals."

CCOA offers eight programs at its current location in addition to residential sites and home services for seniors in East Hants. The new building will allow it to expand those programs into multiple rooms and a new interactive garden outside, and create new programs based on suggestions from participants and staff. 

Coolen said she is in awe of all the ways her community has helped the organization.

"When you think in terms of how much we've been able to raise and what we have left, that's huge. Without them, we wouldn't be going to this new building. I find it very humbling to sit back and think of where we started and where we are now," said Coolen.

"We still have more to raise, but we'll get there. We'll get there."