OPINION: Community groups concerned with CBRM housing development changes
Cape Breton Post, September 15, 2025
Abbey Ridge’s Youth Supportive housing provides safe, supervised, and supportive transitional housing for youth who are between the ages of 16 and 24. The youth we house are at high risk of negative life outcomes due to a lack of resources, support, and stability. Our goal is to help youth overcome these barriers by assisting them in reaching personal goals through support, empowerment, and advocacy.
Supportive and cooperative living
A safe place to live
Voluntary
Not a shelter
Not a group home
Not involuntary
A supportive environment that fosters the development of life skills and independence.
Our Supportive housing is overseen by the Manager of Abbey Ridge and is staffed with a Team Lead, Community Housing Support worker, as well as around-the-clock Youth Worker(s).
As a team, the Manager, Team Lead, Community Housing Support Worker and Youth Workers work collaboratively to develop and implement goal plans for each youth that includes wrap-around care and supportive counselling.
Plans will also include life skills programming that will provide learning opportunities and experiences for youth to build their competencies, confidence, and independence as they transition into adulthood.
Youth will be in the care of qualified, trained staff who offer positive role modeling and mentorship.
The purpose of our supportive housing is to prepare youth for adulthood and support them during their transition to independent living. We take a strengths-based approach to supporting youth to reach their own personal goals.
Features
Services
Eligibility Criteria
Referral Process
Referrals should be directed to Abbey Ridge’s Manager, Larissa Rodriguez. Referrals can be made via email at abbeyridge@newdawn.ca or via phone at 902-322-9019.
To refer a youth, contact Larissa and provide the name, contact information, and any relevant information about the youth.
Prior to making a referral, please obtain consent from the youth to make the referral. If possible, prior to making a referral, please share with them the information above about Abbey Ridge and gauge their interest in this kind of living environment.
Once a referral is received Larissa will reach out to the youth to complete the referral process. Adaptations can be made if the youth being referred requests a support person to be present.
As a member of the non-profit New Dawn Enterprises family, all profits generated are reinvested back into our community to support programs such as New Dawn Meals on Wheels which delivers over 20,000 meals annually to those in need. Clients of New Dawn are indirectly supporting our community and for that, we thank you for choosing us!
A safe, welcoming space for youth aged 12-25.
A vibrant hub for children, youth, families, and the wider community
See all Our Work
| Title | Schedule | Wage/Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Worker | 2 permanent, 2 casual positions available | $21.00 hourly | APPLY by July 25, 2025 CLOSED |
| Youth Worker | 1 permanent, multiple casual positions available | $21.00 hourly | APPLY by April 18, 2025 CLOSED |
| Community Housing Support Worker | Permanent/Full-time | $24.00 hourly | APPLY by August 16, 2024 CLOSED |
Cape Breton Post, September 15, 2025
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New Dawn Enterprises
37 Nepean St, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6A7
newdawn@newdawn.ca
902-539-9560
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Eymu’ti’k Unama’ki, newte’jk l’uiknek te’sikl Mi’kmawe’l maqamikall mna’q iknmuetumittl. Ula maqamikew wiaqi-wikasik Wantaqo’tie’l aqq I’lamatultimkewe’l Ankukamkewe’l Mi’kmaq aqq Eleke’wuti kisa’matultisnik 1726ek.
We are in Unama’ki, one of the seven traditional and unceded ancestral territories of the people of Mi’kma’ki. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which the Mi’kmaq first signed with the British Crown in 1726.
Ketu’-keknuite’tmek aqq kepmite’tmek ula tela’matultimkip wjit maqamikew ta’n etekl mtmo’taqne’l. Ula tett, ula maqamikek, etl-lukutiek l’tunen aqq apoqntmnen apoqnmasimk aqq weliknamk Unama’ki.
We wish to recognize and honour this understanding of the lands on which we reside. It is from here, on these lands, that we work to create and support a culture of self-reliance and vibrancy.
AuCoin Renovations is matching all donations to the New Dawn Youth and Family Centre up to $10,000.
Glace Bay’s young people deserve a safe, welcoming place to learn, grow, and belong. The new Youth & Family Centre is being built for them, and your gift can help open its doors.
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