Community Resources
The MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning is dedicated to empowering youth between the ages of 12-19 by connecting passion with purpose through the arts. Our goal is to bridge the learning gap and in individuals disengaged in traditional education or who face barriers in accessing creative learning programs. By doing so, we are developing Nova Scotia’s youth to be engaged and dedicated community members.
Our community is vital to our operation as it provides us with the support we need to be able to provide for Nova Scotia youth. The MacPhee Centre understands that our community requires support and services that we are unable to offer. Below you will find a list of resources, accessible both locally and through the web.
These resources provide services that tend to the needs that we have identified in our youth, parents, and external community but are unable to provide ourselves.
The MacPhee Centre is dedicated to supporting both its internal and external community. Believing that when you provide all individuals with high-class opportunities you will receive high-class results.
* If you feel you require assistance or have questions about accessing any of these resources do not hesitate to get in touch with a MacPhee Centre staff member, we will be happy to help you through the process!
AnxietyCanada.com – An internet-based resource to help individuals dealing with anxiety.
https://www.anxietycanada.com/
Avalon Sexual Assault Centre – An organization dedicated to being free from sexualized violence by promoting equality and changing social norms. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and trauma counselling can be accessed through Avalon at 902-422-4240
Bedford and Forsyth Education Centres – An alternative method towards receiving a Nova Scotia High School diploma. Classes are offered on different schedules in an attempt to aid individuals who are unable to attend traditional public school. Classes can be taken one at a time, during the evenings, or over a longer or shorter period than the traditional school semesters. Call them at: 902-832-8630
Bridges for Learning by HomeBridge – An organization that works to assist in transitioning youth in care back into the mainstream school system, or if appropriate, a recognized alternative school setting that identifies and addresses their unique learning needs. Call them at: 902-466-1439
http://www.homebridgeyouth.ca/
Adolescent Intensive Services (Choices: IWK) – Provides a variety of treatment services for youth ages 13-19 who are harmfully involved with substances, gambling and/or who have a concurrent disorder, which means a substance use problem and a mental health disorder at the same time. Call: 902-464-4110
https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/mental-health/youth/choices-addictions-247-program
eMentalHealth.ca – Providing anonymous, confidential and trustworthy information 24/7, with the goal of improving the mental health of children, youth, and families.
Halifax Public Libraries – Libraries within the HRM give individuals the opportunity to borrow novels, comics, movies, and CDs free of charge! Many libraries also offer programming to children and young adults. The sidebar dropdown menu on the halifaxpubliclibraries.ca website allows you to identify specific programs based on location and age group. The Alderney Gate library is less than a 5-minute walk from MCCL’s home base, and is a great spot to hang out before or after programs. Contact the Alderney Gate Library at 902-490-5748
Halifax Library: https://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/
Alderney Library: https://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/locations/AG/
Heartwood Centre for Community Youth Development – Dedicated to empowering youth to feel as though they have the ability to contribute to their community. Heartwood provides leadership development, career training/information, and assists youth in reaching their full potential. Call: 902-444-5885
IWK Mental Health Service – Provides education and services for those with questions about or those currently living with issues related to mental health. Call: 902-470-8888
https://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/mental-health
Kids Help Phone – A 24/7, national support line. During a crisis, TEXT: TALK to 686868 – a free, text based support.
Laing House – Peer support group for youth ages 16-29 living with mood disorder, psychosis, and/or anxiety disorders in the HRM. Call: 902-425-9018
LOVE (Leave Out ViolencE) – An organization that uses self-expression techniques to assist violence-affected youth in transforming their life experiences into peace-making work so that they have the skills and support to make positive life choices, developing into strong, independent leaders. Call: 902-429-6616
https://www.lovenovascotia.ca/
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) – An alternative way of receiving the high school education equivalent. NSCC also offers college programs and courses for high school graduates. Call: 902-491-1100
Phoenix Centre for Youth – Offering support and services to help at-risk and homeless youth between the ages of 11-24 receive the opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness. Call: 902-422-3105
TeenMentalHealth.org – An internet-based resource for teens struggling with issues relating to their mental health.
Youth Project – An organization that advocated and provides resources to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their allies. Drop-in nights, conferences, camps, and queer-positive/queer-focused events! Also works to educate parents and allies about issues that queer individuals face. Call: 902-429-5429
Big Brothers Big Sisters – Working to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential as individuals and citizens. Children are paired with mentors or introduced to in-school programs to act as role models, building friendships, trust, and empowerment. Call: 902-466-5437
https://halifax.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/
BGC of Greater Halifax – Working to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life. Call: 902-435-3204
Childcare Directory – Provides parents with a comprehensive list of childcare options within the province of Nova Scotia.
https://nsbr-online-services.gov.ns.ca/DCSOnline/ECDS/loadSearchPage.action
Family Resource Centres – Provides community-based activities and resources for children and families that focus on early childhood development and parenting support.
https://novascotia.ca/coms/families/prevention-and-early-intervention/family-resource-centres.html
The North Grove (formerly the Dartmouth Family Centre) – Call: 902-464-8234 LINK: https://www.thenorthgrove.ca/
East Preston Family Resource Centre – Call: 902-462-7266 or visit https://www.eastprestondaycare.ca/resource-centre/
Parents and Children Together (Cole Harbour) – Call: 902-434-8952 or visit https://www.parentsandchildrentogether.info/
Halifax Community Learning Network – Provides adult learning literacy programs for individuals over the age of 19, who have been out of traditional school or over one year and do not currently have a high school diploma. Call: 902-422-7648
Mental Health Mobile Crisis – A provincial service that provides crisis intervention for children, youth, and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress. Call: 902-429-8167
https://www.halifax.ca/fire-police/police/programs-services/mental-health-crisis-support-halifax
Nova Scotia Health Authority – Province-wide offering of services, programs and support from thousands of health care professionals.
Nova Scotia Sea School – Provides transformational learning opportunities through sailing and wilderness opportunities, guided by the spirit of the sea and adventure that ensures access for everyone to discover the values of leadership, courage, generosity, resiliency, environmental stewardship, humour, and community. Call: 902-423-7284
PFLAGCanada.ca – A charitable organization to help parents and their family members understand and accept their non-heterosexual/non-cisgender youth. The webpage provides links to resources to help with everything from the coming out process to dating. Call: 902-432-8500
211 – A free confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, non-profits, and government departments across Nova Scotia. TEXT 211NS (21167) or call 1-888-692-1282
Adsum for Women and Children – Provide a safe place and support to women and families who are experiencing homelessness and without resources. Call: 902-423-5049
Black Educators Association – An association aimed at assisting African Nova Scotian communities develop strategies toward an equitable education system. Call: 902-424-7036
https://www.theblackeducators.ca/
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – A nation-wide charitable mental health and addictions organization, offering programs and services to maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. Find services specific to Nova Scotia here. Call: 902-466-6600
CMHA Link: https://cmha.ca/
Nova Scotia Link: https://novascotia.cmha.ca/
Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC) – A non-profit vocational day program for adults with intellectual disability. Call: 902-468-6606
The North Grove (formerly the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre) – Provides food access and skill building programs for community members through community action programs, community meals, an affordable produce market, and community kitchens and gardens. Call: 902-464-8234
Family SOS – A non-profit, child-centred organization directed toward building strong and healthy families. They focus on: increasing parenting confidence, developing relationships within families, fostering self-awareness, improving confidence in children and youth, encouraging pro-social choices, strengthening communication within the family, improving health and well-being, and empowering self-sustainability. Call: 902-455-5155
Halifax Sexual Health Centre – A clinic offering a variety of in-person and online services to help care for sexual health. Call: 902-455-9656
Health Association of African Canadians – An organization working to address African Canadian health issues and the system inequities affecting health. Call: 902-405-4222
Mi’Kmaq Child Development Centre – An extension program of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society is a non-profit resource centre with a range of culturally appropriate programming/resources for First Nation individuals and their families who are residing off reserve. Call: 902-420-1576
Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre – A non-profit organization with the mission of strengthening the well-being of all those who share the unique experience of military life. Call: 902-427-7788
North End Community Health Centre – To support the health and well-being of our community through quality primary health care, education, and advocacy. Call: 902-420-0303
Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project – A project that seeks equity, justice, and human rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Nova Scotia through building community and developing strong networks outside of the community in addition to public outreach, education, and political action.
reachAbility – An organization that serve youth, adults, and seniors who face barriers to inclusion and community participation through supportive and accessibly programs that build capacity for inclusion. Call: 902-429-5878
Rotary Club of Dartmouth – The world’s first service club organization working locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health, and sanitation, provide education and job training.
https://www.dartmouthrotary.ca/
Shelter Movers – For women, children, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons in abusive households. This organization provides the security, transportation, and resources for moves. They currently do not accept self-referrals and are not a crisis centre.
https://www.sheltermovers.com/
YMCA Halifax – Helping individuals in Nova Scotia find secure employment. Call: 902-461-2513
YWCA Halifax – An organization that builds economic security, promotes wellness, and creates opportunities for women, girls, and their families by providing a strong voice and integrated services. Call: 902-423-6162
811 – Call 811 to receive trusted, everyday health information from a Registered Nurse. In the event that your phone provider does not support 8-1-1 dialing, contact 1-866-770-7763
Community centres provide individuals and families with programs and services. The goal of a community centre is to provide access to recreation experiences while promoting health lifestyles, vibrant communities, and sustainable environments.
Dartmouth North Community Centre – 902-490-5900
Findlay Community Centre – 902-490-4728
Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre – 902-453-5089
Looking to get in touch with community leader? Want to have your voice or opinions heard on a specific issue? We’ve listed the councilors, Members of Parliament, and MLA below for the Dartmouth area.
http://www.mulgravepark.ca/?fbclid=IwAR1xeaQ1rScrC5Qqs4Asl7TShU6pO0sgMoBbJOa9Ev5DaiZhc6sgJ7UHKT
Sam Austin – City Councillor of Dartmouth Central. 902-579-6814
Tony Mancini – City Councillor of Harbourview-Burnside – Dartmouth East. 902-462-6453
Darren Fisher – Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour. 902-462-6453
During every weekday program at the MacPhee Centre we provide a snack to all participants! When we have our drop-in program running, we also have the opportunity to make a meal as a community. Here are some of the recipes our youths and volunteers make during our weekly programs.
Sweet
Gluten Free Brownies – This recipe can also be substituted with regular flour.
Oatcakes – Serve them with a strawberry compote or melted chocolate!
Vanilla Cupcakes – This is a great cupcake recipe to top with any type of flavourful icing!
Savoury
Majadurrah – A savoury dish to be served over rice.