Bonny Lea Farm sits on 80 acres of land in Chester Basin. Founded in 1973, Bonny Lea Farm is our province’s first all inclusive residential, vocational and therapeutic service provider for adults with intellectual disabilities. Their moto is personal dignity and worth through productive living.
Working with their residents, they have developed a variety of social enterprises that give the opportunity for learning, growth, and engaging in our community. One of those social enterprises is The Shop On Central in Chester. A café, gift shop and community space. We had the opportunity to have a cup of tea with Angela Jessome, who helps run the Shop, and DJ.
Q1. What inspired Bonny Lea Farm to open The Shop on Central?
Boney Lea Farm's mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. The Shop on Central is a social enterprise where people supported by Bonny Lea Farm can work. It offers them a chance to gain job experience, build skills, experience dignity and self-respect.
Q2. How has the community responded to the shop?
The community has responded positively treating the shop as a place to support Bonny Lea Farm, buy local products, grab a coffee or treat, and support social inclusion.
Q3. How many Bonny Lea Farm participants work at the shop?
Currently, 7 participants are working at the Shop on Central.
Q4. What kinds of skills are gained?
Participants gain a wide range of practical, social and personal development skills. They enjoy greeting customers, working on cash, stocking shelves and displays. They gain decision-making skills, time management and working with a team. The main outcome is greater confidence, independence and responsibility.
Q5. What do the participants enjoy most?
Participants enjoy interacting with customers and feeling proud of their work.
Q6. What mix of products are offered?
Products consist of items made at Bonny Lea Farm, products from other social enterprises, and other local Nova Scotia products.
Q7. What other community partnerships has the Shop made?
We currently work with other local social enterprises - The Ark, Riverbank, Lahave Lites, Future Birds, Apple Wicks and Hannah Hich, along with other local crafters.
Q8. What other services does the shop offer?
The Shop on Central has become a welcoming, inclusive space where people can relax, chat with friends and participants. Coffee Connections is an informal and inclusive group that gathers on Thursday mornings to chat, knit or play a game or two of skip-bo.
Q9. What are some current challenges for the Shop?
Balancing our social mission of supporting adults with intellectual disabilities with the financial sustainability of the business is a challenge.
Q10. What are the future plans for the Shop?
The Shop will be closing for the winter months and reopening in the spring. During this time, we'll be refreshing our space and considering new products while continuing our commitment to providing fair-wage and meaningful opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Q11. What success are you most proud of?
We have watched participants grow into confident, capable workers. Our inclusive cafe and gift shop has become a place that the community has embraced, while providing a place for participants to shine.
Follow the Shop on Central online
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