-by Cindy O’Neill
We are celebrating 45 years of supporting people with diverse abilities and everyone is invited to help us mark this special milestone.
On Thursday, October 8th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., we will open our doors to friends, families, former participants and staff, community partners, supporters, customers, and neighbours.
Visitors will have an opportunity to explore a special display highlighting our 45-year history, tour our building, share food and refreshments, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy some music as we celebrate together.
You’ll have a chance to share your memories, too. Your story might be about the delicious Cottage Workshop subs you ate at your desk in school. Maybe your family still has one of the picnic tables or Adirondack chairs made in our woodworking shop. Or it could be of a fundraiser or community event, a first job, a new friendship, a skill learned, or simply a time when a participant or staff member made you feel welcome. Whatever your connection may be, we invite you to come and share your part of our story.
Our story began in 1981, when we were known as the Inverness Cottage Workshop and operated from the basement of St. Mary’s Apartments. In 1991, we moved into the former Kinsmen building – originally a CNR railway freight shed – where we expanded our kitchen and began making baked goods available to the public.
Over the years, we continued to grow and evolve, eventually becoming Mill Road Social Enterprises. A major turning point came through our partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion. Together, we each raised more than $1 million. Our share allowed us to purchase the former Hoff building and transform it into our new home.
This remarkable community effort opened the door to new possibilities and gave us the space to expand our programs, services, and social enterprises. Today, Home Town Bakery, The Closet thrift store, and our community garden and greenhouse provide meaningful opportunities for employment, training, skill development, participation, and community connection.
While much has changed over the past 45 years, our commitment to the people we support has remained at the heart of everything we do. We continue to create opportunities for people with diverse abilities to make their own choices, pursue their goals, share their talents, and contribute meaningfully to their community.
As we look to the future, we envision Mill Road Social Enterprises becoming an even more welcoming and active community space. We’re working toward being a community hub where people can gather, connect, learn, volunteer, share their talents, and find a sense of belonging. As we grow into this broader role, supporting people with diverse abilities will remain at the heart of who we are. We look forward to building this next chapter together with our community.
Our anniversary celebration will honour all the people who have helped shape Mill Road Social Enterprises throughout the years. It will also give us an opportunity to look ahead to the next chapter of our story.
One lucky visitor will win a special 45th anniversary door prize, so be sure to get your ballot when you arrive.
Everyone is welcome to join us on Thursday, October 8th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Come enjoy some food and music, share a favourite memory, and help us celebrate 45 wonderful years!
CARES, Cheticamp: Thanks to everyone who attended our AGM on September 17th. It was another successful year! We look forward to “Come Dance with CARES”. Stay tuned for more details.
L’Arche Cape Breton, Orangedale: Shop with purpose at the Ark Store in Iron Mines and The Hope Chest in Mabou, both featuring thrift finds, local items such as soaps and pottery, and L’Arche product from the garden to arts and crafts. Every purchase supports L’Arche Cape Breton.
Mawita’mk, We’koqma’q – Mawita’mk Society members successfully completed beadwork orders, celebrated two birthdays with relatives and friends, and gathered for the society’s Annual General Meeting during the year.
ROC Society, Port Hawkesbury: Our home share coordinators will be out in the community having information sessions on becoming a home share provider. They will be doing sessions at CORAH, Women’s Resource Center and other local locations. For more information call 902-227-8329 or 902-631-2615.