Our Programs
Help sustain our work.
LOVE programs include creative expression, group discussion, social and emotional learning, leadership development opportunities, and one-on-one, 24/7 support. Participants emerge from LOVE’s programs with greater resilience, skills, and support to overcome challenges, and develop into strong, independent leaders.
MAP
Our entry-level program, MAP brings together diverse youth to support them in charting their path forward. In MAP, youth learn to communicate creatively and constructively through sharing circles, facilitated group discussions, and writing activities. All youth have 24/7 access to youth workers and a registered social worker. A combination of one-on-one and group support provides youth with a solid network and strong sense of community. The Halifax/Dartmouth MAP program usually takes place twice per week at the University of King's College, but all MAP transitioned online in March 2020 indefinitely.
Leadership and Outreach Program
LOVE youth who show exceptional leadership potential are invited to join our Leadership Programs, which run in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Sipekne’katik, and Membertou. The goal of all of our Leadership Programs is to produce a group of young people who employ leadership skills, are making healthy choices, and put forth non-violent ideologies in their day-to-day lives. The Leadership programs incorporate facilitated group discussions, community engagement, and volunteer opportunities. Leadership programs have been transitioned online for the 2020-2021 school year.
LOVE Mi’kmaq Programs
LOVE has had satellite programs in the Mi’kmaq communities of Sipekne’katik and Membertou for over 10 years, run by Mi’kmaq staff from these communities. LOVE programs with non-Indigenous roots are adapted to suit the needs and realities of the communities we are serving. Sipekne’katik and Membertou both have MAP and Leadership programs that are tailored to each community. These programs incorporate many Mi’kmaq cultural practices and teachings, including smudge ceremonies, sacred fire, pipe ceremonies, talking circles, and healing prayer. All youth have 24/7 access to youth workers and a registered social worker. The Mi'kmaq programs have been transitioned online for the 2020-2021 school year.
LOVE In-School Programs
These programs take place over lunch hour in elementary, middle, and high schools. LOVE has an in-school program at Dartmouth High School, and boys' programs at Nelson Whynder Elementary School and John Martin Junior High. These programs, made possible by strong partnerships with the schools, aim to promote a more positive and inclusive school environment while fostering bonds between youth who wouldn’t otherwise interact. The In-School programs are suspended for the 2020-2021 school year.
LOVE Nova Scotia Regional Leadership Retreat
LOVE Camp brings together youth from Halifax Regional Municipality, Sipekne’katik First Nation, and Membertou First Nation for a 4-day camp retreat in Lunenburg, NS, which blends traditional teachings, leadership development, recreational activities, and youth-led workshops that foster the formation of meaningful and respectful relationships. For 2021, the Leadership Camp will run as day camps in the HRM, Sipekne’katik First Nation, and Membertou First Nation respectively.
Succeed and Proceed
Succeed and Proceed is a prime example of LOVE meeting youth where they are at. Here, youth exercise autonomy and ongoing consent, deciding when their participation with LOVE ends. This program is a space for youth who have moved through LOVE’s MAP and Leadership curriculum and are benefitting from ongoing mentorship in individual and group formats to reach personal and professional goals.
Other Initiatives:
Community Outreach
Youth Leaders gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to educate their peers and communities about violence prevention, and have opportunities to conduct and design community outreach activities. Our Leaders have shown an interest in sharing their perspectives with current and future youth-serving professionals. Currently, we conduct a series of outreaches to classes in the Dalhousie School of Social Work. LOVE youth have also spoken at Parliament and at United Nations 61st Congress on the Status of Women.
Bursaries
LOVE Nova Scotia offers four bursaries to outstanding LOVE youth to cover their textbooks and school tuition fees. LOVE Nova Scotia currently offers The Liam Thompson Memorial Bursary, The LaQuinta Memorial Bursary, the Great Kate Award, and the Light the Way Bursary.
Free Flow Fridays
Summer program Free Flow Fridays saw youth learn to express their emotions through the medium of song. The intent was to provide another avenue for healthy discussion and allow youth involved to reflect through their music.
North Preston Braiding Project
The North Preston Braiding Program allowed three African Nova Scotian Youth to co-lead and facilitate, and it has left a lasting impression. Areas including Mississippi and North Carolina have inquired about similar programming, and learning to braid has given youth an important sense of self in their community. We had 59 participants and five volunteers involved, and facilitated 44 weeks in 2024. There are hopes to now expand this program to Cherry Brook and East Preston.