Carleton Road Industries Association is a non-profit, charitable Adult Service Centre located in Lawrencetown, Annapolis County. Their service provision is directed toward the vocational, and life skills training areas to those adult residents of Annapolis and Kings Counties who are diagnosed with mental, intellectual, emotional, and/or physical disabilities. Their mandate is to provide high quality and diverse programs that will assist in the successful transition into the normal workforce. When this is not attainable, they provide meaningful employment opportunities with the supervision of qualified and professional staff.
Four businesses have been formed that fully support these residents in: Custom Woodworking, Property Maintenance, XTR Gas & Go, and more recently a Retail Postal Outlet and Flyer Delivery Service.
Mackenzie Akin, Executive Director of Carleton Road Industries Association, shared the story of how the clients he supports are not only capable of working in all of the above businesses, but do a much better job than your average “Joe employee” as they have a different outlook on life. There are so few people that Mackenzie knows who are happy on their way to work … and just as happy on their way home. Mackenzie hopes that his thought provoking stories will open employers eyes to help rid the stigma (or drop the label) – as it can be done. Just do it!
Visit their website at www.carletonroadindustries.com