Bulletin - October 2023
Welcome to our October Bulletin! As we dive into this month’s stories, you'll discover the ingenuity of our youth participants in the online EDGE program as they transform ordinary instant meals into culinary delights. You’ll also read the inspiring success of Gambi, a driven participant in the Employability Program for Racialized Newcomer Women. Our collaborative program, Money Path Atlantic, continues to connect communities and empower Canadians to know more about their money and the newcomers part of a new pilot project working on Common Roots Urban Farm (CRUF) continue to experience all Nova Scotia has to offer. CRUF Woodside held it’s very first Corn Roast, and you won’t want to miss the spooky celebrations EDGE Halifax had! Lastly, three learners from the Cunard Learning Centre have moved from Level I to Level II, and you can know find Stone Hearth breads in 11 schools across Halifax Regional Municipality. These stories are a testament to the power of collaboration and community support, so let's dive in and celebrate these remarkable achievements of our community!
EDGE Online Workshop: Instant Meal Upgrade
Recently, we held an exciting workshop with EDGE Online. The theme was all about transforming boxed and instant meals into healthier, more nutritious options. Youth participants were invited to unleash their culinary creativity, upgrading their meals with extra protein and essential nutrients. Let's dive into the delicious creations:
Participant 1: They took a box of Annie's sharp cheddar mac and cheese and added a twist. They stirred in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and vegetarian meatballs. To enhance the flavor, they sautéed the veggies in garlic-infused olive oil. The result? A mouthwatering masterpiece!
Participant 2: They leveled up a classic: Kraft Dinner! After soaking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in salted water, they seasoned them and baked them at 425°F for 20 minutes. While the chicken rested, they prepared a bowl of Kraft Dinner. They shredded the chicken thigh, adding it in, and also tossed in some broccoli to get those greens in. A meal fit for champions!
Participant 3: Craving a veggie twist on some raman? They made a mouthwatering veggie-hamburger ramen. They combined green onions, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, cheddar cheese, ketchup, relish, and vegetable broth. A fusion of flavors that's sure to satisfy.
Participant 4: This culinary experiment involved a pre-made mixed vegetables bag. They added mushrooms, beef noodles, scallops, and a boiled egg. A delectable medley of ingredients that's as delightful as it is nutritious.
Will you try any of these ideas to elevate your go-to convenience meals?
Participant 1’s Annie's sharp cheddar mac and cheese.
Participant 3’s veggie-hamburger ramen.
Participant 2’s chicken and broccoli Kraft Dinner.
Participant 4’s noodle dish made with frozen veggies.
Back to Nursing for Newcomer Women Participant
In our Employability Program for Racialized Newcomer Women, success stories continue to unfold. Gambi, one of our participants, secured an exciting job this month as a Care Team Assistant at Carecor Health Services. With a background in nursing from her home in Congo, Gambi has been committed to returning to her nursing career from day one of the program. Congratulations, Gambi!
Our program supports newcomer women who identify as a visible minority in Canada. Whether they seek to acquire new employability skills, or wish to convert existing skills and experience, our program offers valuable assistance. From portfolio building to resume writing, we provide support at every step. We welcome participants with low or no English proficiency and offer interpretation support in 13 different languages.
You can learn more about the Newcomer Woman program here.
Money Path Atlantic Expands the Trail Guide Network
In just six months, Money Path Atlantic’s trail network has connected with 17 organizations and programs across Nova Scotia, all supported by a dedicated team of 36 Trail Guides.These Guides are equipped with Money Path's Financial Literacy Facilitator Training program materials, aligned with Prosper Canada's national financial literacy standards.
Money Path Atlantic is also gearing up for a new venture: the Money Coaching for Trail Guides course. This new program is set to launch on November 15th and they’re inviting 8-10 Trail Guides who have completed the 5-part online Financial Literacy Facilitator series to participate. This new program aims to help Trail Guides offer effective and personalized one-on-one money guidance, since every trailblazer’s situation is different.
Learn more about Money Path Atlantic on their website here.
The Newcomer Farm Pilot Project
The newcomer pilot project at Common Roots Farms continues to flourish. Newcomers work on the farm, completing tasks like watering, weeding, and harvesting crops. The newcomers have also taken cooking classes and shared meals from their cultures with the rest of the farm’s team members.
The group doesn’t just spend time working on the farm! The pilot project also incorporates volunteer efforts in the community. Most notably, the group has also volunteered in food banks within Halifax Regional Municipality.
Lastly, the group often go on field trips to experience what their new home in Nova Scotia has to offer. This helps with learning English together, learning about their new life in Canada, and being with other newcomers who are in the same situation. This October, they went apple picking and visited Blomidon Provincial Park!
Corn Extravaganza at Common Roots Urban Farm Woodside
On October 28th, Common Roots Woodside hosted its first ever Corn Roast! The community devoured over 100 cobs of corn at the event. Visitors also pressed several gallons of fresh cider and enjoyed the live tunes that filled the air under brilliant sunny skies. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fenella for being the lead in organizing the event. Fenella coordinated supplies, and baking dozens of muffins using our very own homegrown pumpkins and zucchini.
Did you love the inaugural corn roast? Let the farm know on social media! Woodside’s Facebook page here.
EDGE Halifax Spooky Celebrations
Halloween brought spooky fun to the in-person EDGE program. Participants embraced the festive spirit with a costume party and cookie decorating. But it wasn't all about treats and tricks! A valuable lesson on interviewing skills and practice sessions added a touch of professionalism to the celebrations.
We're also excited to introduce two new team members: Shataya Stevenson, Youth Mentor and Navigator, and Arthur Sullivan, Youth Mentor and Navigator. You can read more about Shataya and Arthur on the EDGE’s page here.
Cunard Learning Centre Participants Leveling Up
Exciting news from the Cunard Learning Centre! Three dedicated learners have successfully transitioned from Level I to Level II. A big congratulations to Abezash, Mohammad, and Abdullah.
Level I focused on fundamental skills in communication, mathematics, and more. Now, these learners are ready to tackle Level II, where they'll delve into listening, speaking, decimals, fractions, percentages, measurements, and geometry (oh my!).
Cunard Learning Centre is a free adult education program that helps participants achieve Levels I, II, and III of Nova Scotia's adult learning curriculum.
Stone Hearth Bakery
Stone Hearth Bakery is proud to announce our latest venture. We're now crafting whole wheat bread and whole wheat hamburger buns for 11 schools in Halifax Regional Municipality. This shift towards whole wheat and whole grain options, over the traditional white breads, supports Nova Scotia’s mission to offer more nutritious meals in schools.
