Photos by Lisa Enman Photography
Kevin Porter has always loved working with people. He particularly likes helping people reach their goals. Over the years, he’s worked at various jobs doing just that. For the last 20 years, he has been the Executive Director of Community Inclusions in Western PEI, a nonprofit organization supporting adults aged 18-65 with intellectual disabilities, which aims to help make Western PEI and PEI a more inclusive province.
The organization provides services like residential, employment, supportive and recreational.
At present, they are approximately 65 clients who are a part of the Community Inclusions community.
While he is in the business of helping people, he also understands when it is time for him to seek support for his organization. Kevin has visited the Alberton Rural Action Centre many times to do exactly this.
“Rural Action Centre is a great asset for small businesses, non-profits, community organizations and private citizens in the region,” says Kevin. “Be it through loans, helping navigate government programs, services and various training offered there.”
“We have visited in the past for business loans to help with residential and day services,” says Kevin.
Some of the projects that Community Inclusions has implemented wouldn’t be possible without the Rural Action Centre.
“We may not have otherwise been able to expand our residential and day services without these dollars and loans,” says Kevin.
Not only has Kevin’s organization received financial support through RAC, but his staff has also been able to access programs hosted by RAC Alberton.
“It’s always great for our employees to improve their skills by accessing courses at the RAC,” he said.
Other vital services Community Inclusions has accessed through Rural Action Centre are Service Canada, Skills PEI, West Prince Chamber, Career Development Services, RCLI, various town councils over the years and the Department of Social Development and Housing.
Kevin loves the creative nature of working for a community-based organization. It allows him to get out and interact with other important organizations in the community.
“It cannot all be done from the confines of an office. You have to get out and see what the issues and concerns are and also what is going well,” says Kevin.
After almost 20 years at Community Inclusions, Kevin still loves what he does.
“Every day is a little different. I love the people that I work for and with.”
