Tel: (902) 893-7228
Fax: (902) 895-9120

USED CLOTHING AND NEW TO YOU DEPOT

The Used Clothing and New To You Depot opened in January 1996 in the basement of the workshop. The clothing is received from the community and the clients and staff wash, dry, and press all items before they are made available for sale. Clients and staff are always available in the area to greet the customer and this program is going very well. Financially it has been a success but better still the program is very client friendly and is being received well by the community.

COMMUNlTY EMPLOYMENT

The aim of the Community Employment Program is to integrate adults with a handicap in the general workforce.

Various skills are taught, either before the job placement or on-the-job, by a staff member who provides support until the individual has mastered the job. This support is at no additional cost to the employer.

Employment is sometimes preceded by volunteer placements.

BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYERS

Employers are able to secure employees that have a real desire to succeed. A changing labour force has forced many employers to look at non-traditional methods of filling their needs. Handicapped employees have proven to be both valuable and productive.

C. C. W. RETAlL OUTLET

The outlet allows the public to view and purchase items, but also provides an opportunity to clients to train and work in a retail setting.

PRE-RETIREMENT

The Pre-Retirement program is a new program, developed to meet the needs of several of our aging clients. Due to declining health and/or diminished energy levels, some of our clients are no longer capable of meeting production demands as they once were. Therefore, it is recognized that an alternative day program is required. The program focuses on the need to further develop social, leisure, and recreation skills, in preparation for retirement and life outside the workshop setting. Activities include health and fitness, current events, crafts, outings, group discussions and quiet times. It is our aim that these clients can maintain their optimal level of functioning, in a supportive, personalized environment.

The clients in this program are still involved in the production process, but only on a part-time basis, and with contracts which have less pressing deadlines. Colchester Community Workshops operates under the supervision of a community based Board of Directors. It is partially funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services.

Through a variety of programs, C.C.W. offers meaningful employment and Vocational Training. These programs assist clients in the development of vocational and life skills, which will allow individuals to create choices and assume greater responsibility for their lives. Program participation will enhance employability and general quality of life. Aspirations of the C.C.W. are that each client reach his/her full potential as a productive and integrated member of the community.

Clients are working in this environment according to their abilities and interests; they are given tasks and responsibilities that allow them to learn new skills, develop their potential, and work as a productive member of society. Training takes place on vocational and prevocational levels, according to the abilities of the individuals. Those levels are determined through consulting of previous records, and regular evaluations in the various departments.

(Pre-) Vocational skill training is integrated in the production process and is closely monitored in individual program planning, which will also reflect the needs for life skills training. Leisure skill training gets extra attention during the low-production periods.

The goal of financial independence will be facilitated by operating the C.C.W. on a sound business basis, seeking contracts and product lines which can be sold at competitive market prices. Contract revenue is supplemented by the proceeds of several annual fund-raising events.

COLCHESTER RE-INKING

A new and innovative idea: RE-INKING of old and used-up fabric printer ribbons instead of discarding them in the landfill areas. Ink is directly applied to the original ribbon. It is of a vegetable base and contains no solids, therefore environmentally friendly.

By the introduction of this system, inventories can be cut, and savings of up to 40% realized on ribbon budgets. Ribbons can be re-inked up to 50 times.

This is one of the very few recycling programs which actually see a great reduction in dollars spent.

GENERAL CONTRACTS, RIBBONS & BUTTONS

Award ribbons are manufactured for exhibitions, shows, schools, teams, etc. throughout the Atlantic Provinces. These ribbons come in thirteen standard styles but may be customized to meet the needs of the different organizations.

The buttons are custom designed to promote organizations or events. Customers can order 1 1/2", 2 1/4" and 3" round buttons, as well as, 1 3/4" x 2 1/4" oblong buttons.

The general contract department offers the following services: photocopying, collating, folding, envelope stuffing, mail outs, assembly, etc. A way for busy companies to get rid of those time consuming "odd" jobs.

PRE-VOCATIONAL

The goal of the Prevocational Department is to provide a program to individuals who require a smaller supervision ratio: one Instructor for every three, four, or five clients. They often need assistance in areas of everyday living: self-help and life skills, communication skills, community awareness and behaviour management. Maximizing potential and helping individuals to meet their goals is a priority in this department. This is achieved by treating the individual with respect, compassion, and patience and with continued support and direction.

FURNITURE REFINISHING AND GENERAL WOODWORKING

Under the supervision of the Refinishing Instructor, clients are directly involved with the stripping, repairing, sanding, and/or refinishing of furniture pieces. Customers place their orders with the Woodworking Supervisor or the Comptroller.

The Woodworking Department is responsible for the construction of various wooden articles. Because of the mandate of the Workshop, construction of these items must be "client friendly": allowing maximum involvement from the clients. This is best guaranteed through a well developed line of products, i.e. birdhouses, shelving, coat racks, cutting boards, knife holders, etc. Items are available through custom orders as well as in the display area of the Workshop.

Supported by
Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre
Technical Resource Centre