Nancy Anderson – Inclusions East Inc.
Inclusions East Inc is a non-profit organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities in eastern PEI so they can contribute to, and participate in, all aspects of community life. Inclusions East provides skills development and training, community support, residential services at multiple locations in the Three Rivers area, and employment services for Kings County, with staff in Montague and Souris. Nancy Anderson has served as the Executive Director of Inclusions East Inc for over 16 years.
Inclusions East and the Montague Rural Action Centre (RAC) have a long-standing relationship. The non-profit group has used almost all the services offered by the Rural Action Centre. They regularly use the available meeting space to host Board meetings; their staff participate in training workshops; they have accessed financing from CBDC East; and Inclusions East has participated in the HR Momentum project located at the Montage RAC.
In turn, the Montague RAC has used the services offered by Inclusions East. The RAC has hired two clients under the Employment Service Program and turned to the Kingswood Centre’s kitchen arts program for baked goods and lunch items when hosting various functions.
Nancy Anderson is an important client and supporter of the Montague Rural Action Centre. Following are a few of her comments about her experiences and thoughts relative to the Rural Action Centre in her region.
What specific help did the Rural Action Centre provide?
Over the years, we were fortunate to be able to receive funding through the assistance received from staff on-site. A number of years ago they were able to assist with a loan in order for us to complete a transitional housing option when other avenues were not available to us. Any seminars attended were of value to those of my staff who were in attendance.
How did this make a difference in your business or community project?
Apart from receiving funding, the employment placement and venue for various meetings and training, I feel the learning opportunities along with the networking that takes place are quite important.
Why do you think it is important to have a Rural Action Centre in your region?
I think much goes back to the knowledgeable staff who are consistently looking for solutions and opportunities that assist local business and individuals or looking for opportunities to demonstrate the richness of rural living and thriving.
– Nancy Anderson, Executive Director – Inclusions East Inc.
PHOTOS: Lisa Enman Photography