N.S. group aims to build better futures for people with intellectual disabilities

Better Futures is a non-profit that empowers members to participate in their community at large.

A Lower Sackville, N.S., group is helping people with intellectual disabilities form a tight-knit community and learn important skills.

“Building Futures is a day program where we support people with intellectual disabilities by helping them finding ways to contribute to society,” said program manager Lara Abramson. “We do that through a number of different programs.”

The group was officially incorporated as Anchor Industries Society in 1991 before changing to Better Futures Employment Society in 2012.

It offers social enterprise programs for people with intellectual disabilities, including meals and catering, a print shop, assembly and a monthly market.

“We sell products that are made by our participants,” Abramson said.

Abramson noted the programs are important for participants as they allow them to make vital connections.

“Building Futures is important to the people we support because they find a built-in community,” she said. “We’re here to help them recognize their potential and all the things they can do.”

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