It was a day of celebration and laughter, as participants of the Prescott group entered their new facility called Progress Place in downtown Halifax. The Prescott Group community engagement manager, Charlene Kuhn, says this is the first time the team and all of the participants had a space where they can all be under the same roof. “Our north end location has offered so many opportunities but its still kind of out of the way and not everyone was being seen in Halifax. This opportunity really brings us down and we showcase everything we have to offer to everybody downtown,” said Kuhn. The project received a $1-million pledge from the Canadian Progress Club Halifax in March during the 52nd Desjardins Sports Charity Dinner in Halifax. “We wanted a trauma informed design so a lot of natural colours, natural features so you feel like you are in nature when you in the building, we looked at making sure there are wide hallways so it’s always a sense of flow and lots of access to different things,” says Alice Evans, the Prescott Group CEO. Around 92 participants arrived onsite for opening day and for many of them this space means new opportunities and more fun. “We are close to everything, and we are all together finally, I love that,” says Jennifer Richardson, a participant at the Prescott Group. “Its huge,” says Brenda Pottie, a participant with the Prescott Group “I like this place,” says Rob Bucks, a participant with the Prescott Group. “Its awesome, really cool its the new prescott on the block,” says Michelina DiBacco. For Jessica Watson, this is her eighth year with the Prescott Group, she says this facility will help her learn more. “Hangout with my co-worker friends, hangout with them and do new stuff”,” said Watson. The building is designed to provide social engagement, professional development and community integration for the participants. It is fully accessible and has a number of special rooms for the members to engage with. “When creating this space it was really trauma informed, ensuring accessibility, comfort and that was thought about through the whole thing. Through the colour through our table set up. Our cafe is fully accessible but there are not certain sections that are for accessibility. Everybody belongs and everybody has a space here and we wanted everybody to feel that,” says Kuhn. The space has sensory rooms, arts and craft areas, board rooms, large dining spaces, and quiet rooms. But the main draw is the location and being downtown. “It’s fantastic because we are right here. We are next to the library, the YMCA, the stores, and the public gardens. We already work with all those groups, Halifax Dance, The Halifax Lancers, we do lots of equine therapy with them. It’s fantastic to be here and we are really looking forward to working with our community partners,” adds Evans. “Being able to leave here and be at the public gardens, Citadel Hill, and a number of businesses within minutes is huge for us. also, employment opportunities where we can find jobs for the individuals that we support, and volunteer opportunities, the library is one street away,” adds Kuhn. The space is open to anyone, and the team here hopes that this new location will attract more people and participants. They are always looking to teach people about the services they offer and welcome new volunteers. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
