New Dawn

09/03/2026

For four-year-old Dallas, starting Pre-Primary this week comes with something reassuring: plenty of familiar faces.

Dallas got to know the New Dawn After School Program last year while tagging along to pick up his older brother, Parker. Now, as he starts school at St. Anne’s Elementary, he already knows many of the staff and children who will be part of his days.

“When he gets there he’s going to see so many familiar faces, so I think it’s going to be a breeze for him,” says his dad, Jeff.

For the MacLeod family, the program has meant affordable, reliable care — but also a place where their kids feel safe, welcomed and excited to be.

Last year, 104 children took part in New Dawn’s After School Program at four Glace Bay elementary schools. As another school year begins, we’re excited to welcome new and returning children for more afternoons spent playing, growing and belonging.

Read the story and learn more about the New Dawn After School Program: https://conta.cc/4gOcdEr

09/01/2026

New Dawn has spent 50 years doing many different kinds of work, all centred on people and community. Behind the scenes, it's strong systems that help us continue to do that work well.

We are currently looking for a Financial Controller to lead the day-to-day financial operations and ensure the financial systems remain strong, reliable, and responsive as the organization continues to adapt and grow.

We’re looking for an experienced finance professional who enjoys making things work well — someone who can lead a team, bring clarity to complex information, strengthen processes, and help people across the organization understand the numbers behind their work.

It’s an important role in a diverse organization working across housing, healthcare, youth, immigration, the arts, and community development in Unama’ki-Cape Breton Island.

And while the work is rooted in numbers, we’re looking for someone who also values collaboration, curiosity, good communication, and the people behind those numbers.

At New Dawn, we offer a reduced 32-hour work week, flexible work arrangements where possible, health benefits, paid vacation and wellness days, and professional development opportunities.

Does this sound like a good fit for you or someone you know? Learn more and apply at https://newdawn.ca/jobs/financial-controller/

Applications close September 25.

08/27/2026

Community spaces matter.

Libraries do so much more than provide access to books. They offer free Wi-Fi, computer access, information resources, learning opportunities, and welcoming public spaces where people can connect with services and community supports.

This summer, New Dawn Trustee Services has enjoyed partnering with the Eastern Counties Regional Library as part of our Richmond County outreach series. Thank you to library staff and volunteers for helping create accessible, trusted spaces that support learning, connection, and community.

If you didn't have a chance to connect with us, feel free to visit us at our upcoming drop-in session in Port Hawkesbury:

August 28 - Port Hawkesbury Drop-In: Whether you're curious about Trustee Services, looking to catch up on your summer reading, exploring resources in your community, or simply stopping by the library, we'd be happy to say hello.

08/18/2026

When private companies want to avoid public process and open debate, they tell us we have to hurry up. We’re going to lose out. The opportunity will pass us by.

At this afternoon’s Council meeting, Council is going to be asked to stop the tender for the Greenfield site and had it over to SHIP/Albert Barbusci.

The reason? We have to hurry up or we’re going to lose out on this opportunity.

The CBRM Procurement Policy requires the municipality to publicly tender any contract worth more than $20,000.

Why would we tender for printer paper and not port development?

Right now, we are watching in real time as the Province of Nova Scotia moves through a structured, public, competitive tender process for offshore wind. There are more than a dozen companies from around the world vying for the opportunity and the best will prevail.

Why do we deserve anything less?

This Council has brought us as close as we’ve ever been to good governance, good process, public debatre, and transparency.

Barbusci’s contract expired in 2024. Council voted down a request for another renewal in January. In July, Council announced that the firm Moffat Nicols would design the much-anticipated tender for the Greenfield site.

May they hold to their historic turn in the right direction this afternoon.

You can tune in hereat 2:00pm: https://cbrm.ns.ca/city-hall/council-video-stream/

08/12/2026

🏡 One bed is now available at Abbey Ridge!

If you’re 16–24, experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and in need of a safe and stable place to live, Abbey Ridge may be a fit for you.

Abbey Ridge provides secure, supervised, and supportive housing with 24-hour staff support and a focus on building life skills, confidence, and independence.

You may be eligible if you:
💠 Are 16–24 years old and experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
💠 Are capable of living independently
💠 Qualify for income assistance or have employment income and agree to pay the designated monthly rent
💠 Want to live in a supportive environment and participate in life-skills programming and goal planning with Abbey Ridge staff

Interested in learning more about Abbey Ridge? Visit: https://newdawn.ca/housing-homelessness/abbey-ridge/

Ready to apply? The online application takes about 5 minutes to complete. Apply here: https://newdawn.ca/housing-homelessness/abbey-ridge/abbey-ridge-application/

We look forward to hearing from you! 🌞

08/12/2026

Anchor Youth Space Sydney is hiring a Youth Services Coordinator!

This permanent, full-time role is perfect for someone who is organized, welcoming, passionate about supporting youth, and enjoys being part of a busy, collaborative team.

📍 Sydney, NS
💼 Permanent, Full-Time
💰 $45,000–$55,000 annually
📅 Apply by August 19 at 5:00 PM

Check out the full job description and how to apply here:
https://newdawn.ca/jobs/youth-services-coordinator/

Come be part of a team working to create a welcoming, accessible space for youth and caregivers in our community!

Curious about Anchor Youth Space? Visit our website to get to know the team, our space, and our many programs and services:
https://newdawn.ca/youth-family/anchor-youth-space/

07/27/2026

Gosh, our hearts are full — full of gratitude, full of hope, and full of inspiration for what comes next! ❤️

On Friday, we had the joy of celebrating New Dawn's 50th anniversary with so many people who have been part of our story over the years. To everyone who joined us — thank you! Seeing current and former staff, board members, volunteers, clients, tenants, partners, donors, friends, and family all together in one place was a beautiful reminder of what New Dawn has always been: a community of people who care deeply about this place and one another.

For 50 years, countless people have contributed their time, talent, compassion, courage, and imagination to making Unama'ki-Cape Breton a little more welcoming, a little more just, and a little more hopeful. Together, we've built homes, cared for neighbours, welcomed newcomers, created spaces for young people and artists, supported seniors, and worked to make dignity, belonging, and hope tangible.

And we're just getting started!

If you weren't able to join us on Friday, don't worry — we're not done celebrating yet! We have more anniversary gatherings planned for the fall, so stay tuned!

Here's to the next 50 years of imagining what's possible — and making it together.

📸: Corey Katz

07/13/2026

There are only a few days left to apply to become New Dawn’s next Chief Financial Officer.

This is a chance to help shape the future of an organization that has spent 50 years building businesses, services, spaces, and systems that give people more power over their own lives and communities.

We are looking for someone who is excellent with numbers, thoughtful with people, curious about how things work, and able to turn complex financial information into clear advice.

Someone who can strengthen the systems behind the work, support the CEO in making clear, informed decisions, and give the Board the information it needs to govern with confidence.

Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt everywhere across Unama’ki, Cape Breton Island.

The role is permanent and full-time, based in Sydney, CBRM, with flexible working arrangements, annual compensation of $95,000–$110,000, and a reduced 32-hour work week.

Applications close this Friday, July 17, at 5:00 p.m. Atlantic. Read the full posting and apply: https://conta.cc/3Q1yUf2

Please share this with someone who may be looking for exactly this kind of work.

07/10/2026

Today, Glace Bay's Memorial Skate Park is open again.

Just days ago, many in our community were wondering how long it would take before young people could return to one of the few places they have to gather, challenge themselves, and simply enjoy summer together.

Thanks to GWL Trucking & Landscaping and All Clean Pressure Washing, that wait was much shorter than anyone expected.

They stepped forward with their expertise, equipment and time to help restore the bowl so local youth could get back to doing what they love.

Acts like these often happen quietly, but they deserve to be celebrated.

The Dan Taylor Skate Park has always been a community space, cared for by people who believe young people deserve places where they can belong, build confidence, and connect with one another. This week was another reminder of what can happen when a community comes together around that shared belief.

To everyone at GWL Trucking and Landscaping and All Clean Pressure Washing, thank you for showing up when it mattered most. You have made a real difference for Glace Bay's skate community

Glace bay skate park the removal of polyurethane waterproof resin!