More Than a Business Meeting

HomeBridge’s AGM has always combined the required business elements of a typical AGM with a year-end celebration. This year there seemed to be a lot to celebrate.

The event opened with a performance of “Gang of Rhythm” by three of our brave and talented young people and the Music Therapy team. This set the tone and gave the audience at NSCC’s Waterfront Theatre a preview of what was to come.  Youth talent discovered through our Expressions Program of the Arts was showcased throughout the event, which included an art show and multiple musical performances. Those in attendance commented on the impressive photography and art pieces on display and burst into enthusiastic applause after every performance. It was a wonderful opportunity to show our guests just how resilient and impressive youth-in-care can be.

The youth were definitely the stars of the show, but we also took the opportunity to recognize some of our employees, community partners, and donors. Employees who reached milestone years of service this year were honoured, including Executive Director, Ernie Hilton who celebrated 35 years with the organization. In total 15 employees reached 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of employment with HomeBridge.  We are incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment of our teams and the depth of experience that is within them.

Two very important community partners marked 10 years with HomeBridge as well.  Mental Health and Addictions Counselor, Jeff Thoms, who the IWK generously shares with us, was honoured for the huge impact he has had on the young people and our organization capacity.  2024 also marked 10 years since the Dartmouth Crossing location of The Home Depot started working with HomeBridge as a charity partner for the Orange Door Project.  Their efforts have raised over $100,000 in the past decade and have created positive opportunities and experiences for hundreds of young people that they otherwise would not have been possible.

Every year we also present someone who has gone above and beyond with our “Outstanding Service to Youth Award”.  This year the award was presented to Eamonn Doorly, who is the Marine Conservation Assistant at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. He has been working with the young people on a boat building program since 2018 and has really made a difference in their lives. Not only has he guided and supported the youth through the construction of many wooden boats, and two stand up paddle boards, but he has also taught them invaluable life and employability skills and created a sense of belonging and community in the boat shop that had even the most reluctant participants coming back week after week.

We very much believe in the African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child”.  It was our great pleasure to recognize some of the inspiring employees, donors and community partners that help us work towards our vision of all youth and their families living in health, safety and harmony. Thank you to everyone who came out to join us for this event where we looked back on the past year of challenges and triumphs.  It’s always an inspiring reminder that we have so much to be grateful for.