HELLO!

A few weeks ago, I shared in a blog I had received disappointing news. I was not free to share the news then but am now. Below is a notice that went out on social media today from the Chair of The Public Good Society of Dartmouth. I have worked, part-time, for TPGS for 18 years (minus one month). In that time, I have missed, due to illness, five days, and submitted monthly reports, due to the government (our funder) at midnight on the last day of every month (I am told my reports were the first ones to arrive). I am most proud every client who called me, received a call back in an hour. I was not surprised by this news, as many agencies have lost their funding, for the first time, this year. Everyone knows the fiscal reality as the provincial government’s large deficit meant every agency was at risk of cuts. I am grateful for the people I met, the help I could offer. Kim’s response was, “when you were working for TPGS, and Brunswick St. Church on Sunday nights, and for a local UCC church, you worked 80 hrs a week. I think it’s time you had a normal work week.” I will say none of the organizations I have served; full-time as minister, part-time navigator, Sunday supply minister at Brunswick St. Church (2011-2024) or even the funeral homes who ask me to support their families with funeral services, have ever told me I “dropped a ball” or was unavailable because I was serving another employer. Not once. I will also add there was no way we could have started a mortgage at age 43, and have it all paid off by age 58, without this extra income. I am grateful for that as well. I have not had but one job since 2008.

Peace, Kevin

PS A highlight from those 18 years is what happened when Dr. Strang and the then Premier declared lockdowns in our community. I was asked to deliver banana boxes full of food to clients living in apartment buildings in downtown and north end Dartmouth. I would arrive at a foodbank, fill my car with 15 boxes at a time, call each client, and leave the box on their front step, as they watched from inside their building. I would repeat this process several times between 9 am to 12 noon on weekdays. I was typically the only vehicle on the road (I had a letter from the government in the car in case the police stopped me). I feel that work is the reason I never suffered any ill effects from those many lockdowns.

Important Update Regarding Connections That Work Program

It is with mixed emotions that the Public Good Society of Dartmouth announces the conclusion of the Connections That Work project, effective June 30,2026. While we are sad to see this chapter has come to a close, we are incredibly proud of the connections that have been made.  Since 2008, the program has connected thousands of people with the vital resources they need to help them achieve self reliance. We are deeply grateful to our Outreach Facilitator Kevin Little who truly made this program a success. We extend our appreciation to everyone who has participated and to the community partners who made this journey possible. Please join us for our Annual General Meeting, 1 pm, Wednesday June 17 at 10 Lancaster Drive where we will celebrate Kevin, and the accomplishments of the Connections That Work program.

Doug Livingstone, The Public Good Society of Dartmouth Chair