Holly Nauss likes to dance before she sits down to create her jewelry. The 40-year-old says it helps her focus. “I started making jewelry in 2011 and it has been my passion for 15 years,” she says. Although that changed when the Nova Scotia budget released in February and $130 million dollars in grants were cut including funding for programs and employment support with Autism Nova Scotia. As a result, Holly lost her job. “My biggest fear was what would happen to her,” says her father, Paul. He credits Autism Nova Scotia with creating an inclusive and accepting atmosphere for his daughter. One where she could be herself. “It has given her a purpose, and again everybody in life needs a purpose. Everybody needs to have a reason to put their feet on the floor in the morning and be productive,” he said. “When it was announced that her job was cut, you could see the sadness and feel the sadness,” says friend and former co-worker, Jillian Burton. Before long another employment opportunity became obvious. “Working with Holly, I was able to experience firsthand how talented she was at making jewelry. Then when I heard about Holly being laid off, I knew that her story couldn’t end with a layoff,” Burton says. That was when ‘Holly’s Creations’ became a reality. “I did some orders and gave it to customers and I’m doing jewelry to give it to some boutiques,” Holly says. Following intense criticism from the public, the province has rescinded some of their budget cuts. Autism Nova Scotia is one of the organizations having its funding returned but there’s no word if Holly will be rehired. For now, Holly is doing just fine as she dances and makes jewelry at home, fulltime. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
