Reign X Chosen Charities
The AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia Emergency Relief Fund is a special fund that can be accessed by local people who are dealing with the day-to-day struggles of living with HIV and AIDS. The fund exists to supplement other income, allowing those accessing the fund to purchase things such as nutritious food and other necessities.
See http://www.acns.ns.ca/services/for more information about the Aids Coalition of Nova Scotia's Programs and Services.
Manna For Health is a special needs food program that provides food meeting the special nutritional needs of people living with AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Founded in 1996 by HISM Empress II Mz. Vicki, Manna is an outreach project of Safe Harbour Metropolitan Community Church.
See http://www.safeharbourmcc.com for more information about this program.
Antigonish Women's Resource Center
http://www.antigonishwomenscentre.com
The Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC) is a feminist, community-based women's organization which opened in 1983. SASA stands for Sexual Assault Services Association.
The Women’s Centre grew out of the work of women in the community who wanted to address issues facing women and adolescent girls and who wanted to provide woman-centered services that support women in making positive changes in their lives. Through our multi-issue, social change and service provision mandate we address, in an integrated way, the broad and often complex range of issues facing women and their children.
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Youth Project Society
http://www.youthproject.ns.ca
The Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth Project began in 1993 as a field placement project for a student completing her Bachelor of Social Work degree, Maura Donovan. At that time the Project consisted of two social support groups; one for young gay and bisexual men and one for young lesbian and bisexual women. Within a matter of months, the groups had grown. Maura and some of the youth began going to schools to speak about homophobia and share their stories. The project was housed and supported by Planned Parenthood Nova Scotia. With the help of the community, the dedication of Maura, the passion of the youth and the support of Planned Parenthood the Youth Project flourished beyond its limited beginnings.
In 1996, the Youth Project were the Parade Marshalls for the Halifax Pride Parade.
In 1998, the Youth Project would receive operational funding for the first time from Health Canada. The Youth Project along with three other groups in Canada: Montreal, Moncton and Kamloops were funded under a project called Safe Spaces aimed at increasing supports for LGBT youth in Canada. This funding brought the Youth Project staff and a promotions budget. Services increased from social support groups and some workshops to counselling and a full time education program aimed at schools, community groups and professionals. Also in 1998, the Youth Project hosted a conference for students who wanted to start Gay Straight Alliances, leading to the first GSA in Nova Scotia at Millwood High School.
In 1999 & 2000, thanks to Health Canada, the Youth Project took an historic trip to Montreal Pride. Moncton, Montreal and the Youth Project joined together for five days of fun and festivities. In the winter, Moncton, PEI and the Youth Project joined together for a weekend of skiing.
In 2001, the Youth Project received funding from the United Way of Halifax Region. A relationship that remains strong today. The Youth Project would later receive the United Way’s Community Spirit Award as well as Human Rights Award.
In 2002, the Youth Project became its own organization, leaving the protective wing of Planned Parenthood and flying out on its own. In order to maintain the strong youth focus, the Youth Board was created as part of our structure. The Youth Project became an independent non-profit charity run by two boards. Also in 2002, the Youth Project received a grant from Human Resources and Development Canada to purchase a house. This would become the Youth Project’s permanent home. And finally in 2002, the Youth Project received funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Health, which would later be picked up by the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection.
In 2008, the Youth Board voted to remove lesbian, gay and bisexual from the front of the organization’s name. This was in response to the fact that transgender was not in the name and that there were many other youth who identified with other labels. Instead of making the name longer, they voted to make it shorter, becoming The Youth Project, working with youth around issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Youth Project is now a multiservice organization with four staff members and has many events and programs occurring throughout Nova Scotia.
