A Program Focused on the needs of Young Adults 18-30
ESAP provides young adults facing barriers to ongoing employment with tools and resources to overcome those barriers. ESAP is funded by the Government of Canada, specifically Employment and Social Development Canada.
The program focuses on the success of every individual. Participants benefit from a dedicated Coordinator who facilitates access to resources and tools including but not limited to:
On the job training tailored to the desired outcomes of the individual (12 weeks, paid)
Exposure to employer companies for career leads and apprenticeships
Access to counseling and life skills development
Networking opportunities with emergency services providers and other agencies
Experience developing confidence, interpersonal, employment and communication skills
Participants receive remuneration including:
Paid work during education and work placements – $15.00 per hour
An achievement bonus upon successful completion
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, with support from many social agencies and local employers, has proudly conducted ESAP for more than 20 years.
Comments from Graduates
“ESAP benefited me by helping me get a job. The classes were informative and practical. I was treated well, the Students in class were respectful and the Staff at work were professional.”
“Prior to coming into the program, I was not in the best spot mentally and emotionally. I had also been out of work for some time. In the end, I have full time employment and am on my way to gaining an apprenticeship in carpentry. I feel like I have found my way home here.”
“Thank you very much for this opportunity and I’m excited to see where my life will grow from now on.”
“Thank you for believing in me.”
“I’ve been feeling a lot better than before I started this program, really happy I did it.”
IMPORTANT: We are accepting applications for the next group that begins November 20th,2023
Lowering the speed limit to 60kms/hr was determined to be the solution to some of the problems. Four crosswalks will be installed next year along Beaver Bank Road. A lack of crosswalks is a complaint we’ve both heard over the years. Dropping a speed limit is one way to make sure those crossings are as safe as possible.
The crosswalks are being installed at Beaver Bank Pizza, at Chens, at Mayflower and at Grove. All four will be getting full rapid flashing lights.
The gravel trucks along Beaver Bank Road. After many, many complaints about that truck traffic. Lowering a speed limit will often make the route less desirable for truck drivers and act as a deterrent.
There was interest recently with regards to the ballfields at the Beaver Bank River, especially the old T-ball field at the back north side of the property. On the Beaver Bank Community Watch Facebook group, there was interest expressed in coming together to form a plan of action to expand the recreation opportunities.
Wonder no more! There is a plan in place which the Beaver Bank Community Awareness Association (BBCAA) has been working on for some time. We are working in conjunction with HRM, who own the property, to provide more recreation opportunities. Funds have been put aside for some of the improvements from the Scotian Wind Community Fund, and some funding will come from HRM. While COVID put a cramp in the timeline, we have been pushing to get some visible improvements on the go.
The first step was the improvements to the old tennis and basketball court. Upon surveying the community, it was determined that a pickleball court was in demand, with basketball next. HRM upgraded the pavement and installed new nets and court markers. Just a drive by will tell you that the pickleball is extremely popular. It has been some years since people could be seen constantly at the park.
It should be mentioned that we must be cognizant of the fact that the ballfields are a natural floodplain for the Beaver Bank River. Environmentally, we cannot do anything that will inhibit the flooding that could push it further up or downstream potentially impacting the property of others. HRM (Dept of Environ?) will determine what is and is not allowed as far as placement and material we are allowed to use.
A walking trail was also high on the list of wants. We first had to determine the extent of the property itself. There was some confusion due to an old story. Years ago, when the Lakeridge Estates was developed, it was said that the marshland behind the south side properties, over to the river was to be a protected duck run and not developed. In fact, it is private property and not set aside as “parkland” as was supposed. Therefore, the trail will be more of a walking track, looping around the perimeter of the fields. The path has been determined and we are just waiting on final approval from HRM so the path can be smoothed and graveled.
We have already purchased picnic tables (and benches?), which are to be installed this summer, along with security cameras. The tables were bought from LakeCity Works and are made of composite plastic. They will be installed onto concrete pads. Composite plastic was chosen for its durability.
Through discussions we have developed a further wish list, as follows:
Gazebo or Bandstand for events which has electricity, preferably in the area of the old T-ball field, behind the pickleball court.
New playground, preferably accessible. The existing playground was removed due to safety issues and is not currently due to be replaced.
Expand the pickleball court.
We are also looking at options for the skatepark, but no details are available right now.
Please watch the Beaver Bank Bulletin Facebook page for updates.
“Don’t Panic!” This line popped to mind this week. For those that have read or watched “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” would be familiar with the line and the theme. How does it apply to our lives today, no matter how bad things get we look for that silver lining.
These days we find ourselves being asked to keep our personal space of 2 metres, avoid unnecessary travel or even self imposed quarantine and then trying to figure out how not to go stir crazy.
What opportunities do we have before us in these trying times?
First item on the list is as we prepare for Easter or Passover we have the tradition of spring cleaning, so take the time over the next few weeks and clean the cabinets move the stove and fridge and air out your place. If you need supplies and cannot go out call someone or see if your neighbour needs anything if you go out, time to help each other in the little things.
Second opportunity is to look over your place and see what projects you can finish, that you have avoided because you (insert your excuse).
Thirdly, you can look over your place and choose its time to repaint, rearrange or make out a list of new projects you can plan out.
Don’t like these options, see who you can help by doing deliveries, calling to chat with anyone who is shut in or if your bold create an opportunity for a new business venture.
If this still is not good, you could take up some painting (Online classes) and Dollar Store for supplies. Write a book, research your family history. Take a day to binge watch your favourite movies/shows (only a day, not a week). Find your own way to be productive.
