Our Services

Build confidence, grow your skills, and connect with your community.

At Balsam, we help individuals with diverse abilities build life skills, get involved in their communities, and prepare for employment or volunteering—at a pace that works for them.

You choose what you want to focus on. Our flexible, person-centered approach means your goals lead the way. Support is available one-on-one or in small groups, and we’ll match you with staff who best fit your needs and personality.

Focus areas include:
• Recreation and leisure activities
• Physical health and wellness
• Social and community connections
• Life skills (like cooking, budgeting, and planning)
• Pre-employment training and job readiness
• Job search and workplace support
• Volunteering and community involvement

Whether you're just starting out or building on existing strengths, we’re here to support your journey toward independence, inclusion, and meaningful participation in your community.

Support for your loved one. A break for you.

Caring for someone with diverse abilities is a full-time commitment—and everyone needs time to rest and recharge. Balsam’s respite care services offer safe, reliable support for your loved one, whether it’s for a few hours or an overnight stay.

Our trained staff provide personalized care and engaging activities, so you can step away with peace of mind.

Respite options include:
• Overnight stays at our licensed, fully staffed home with 24/7 care
• Community-based respite with a trained caregiver in a home setting
• Hourly one-on-one support at home or in the community, with flexible scheduling

We’ll work with you to choose the respite option that fits your family’s needs—so you can take a well-deserved break knowing your loved one is in good hands.

Live independently—with the right support, right when you need it.

Balsam’s Independent Living Services are designed for adults with diverse abilities who want to live on their own or with a roommate—while still having access to personalized, flexible support.

You rent your own apartment and receive scheduled support from trained staff based on your unique needs and goals. Whether you're working on life skills, building routines, or just need a little help with day-to-day tasks, we’re here to support your independence.

Key features of Independent Living Services:
• Supported apartment living with flexible staff visits
• 24/7 emergency support available at all times
• Live alone or with a roommate—your choice
• Choose your support staff and create a custom schedule

Support hours can help with:
• Budgeting, bill payments, and money management
• Grocery shopping and meal planning
• Job searches and workplace support
• Transportation and appointment planning
• Building friendships and social connections
• Navigating local community resources

At Balsam, our focus is on person-centered care and inclusive, independent living. We’ll help you build a support system that empowers you to live confidently and on your own terms.

Supported Living in a Licensed Residential Home

In this supported living option, you would share a home with up to three other individuals who also receive support. These inclusive homes are staffed 24/7—including overnight—so you always have access to the care you need.

Our trained support staff are there to help with daily routines, encourage life skills development, and join in on fun activities both at home and out in the community. Nutritious meals are included, and every home is licensed and regularly monitored by the Ministry of Community Services.

This is a great option for individuals who want a balance of independence and consistent caregiver support in a welcoming, home-like setting. If there’s space available in one of our homes, the Ministry helps determine who moves in based on support needs and fit.

LITES (Learning Independence Through Everyday Skills)

We offer day services Monday to Friday through our LaHave LITES program located in our Adult Residential Centre. The program:

• Provides recreation and leisure activities.

• Teaches life skills to individuals.

• Operates a store in the building that offers products made by our participants, along with homemade products from local community entrepreneurs.

• Offers supported employment opportunities for those that are interested. We currently have contracts with local businesses to provide laundry and document shredding services and are looking to expand.

If your business needs laundry or shredding services, please contact our LITES program at 902-543-7851 or Lahavelites@balsam.ca

Our organization began in 1980, when we opened our Adult Residential Centre in Dayspring. The centre provides a home for individuals with disabilities where support staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staff help residents with daily routines and support them in learning everyday life skills.

The home also offers:

• Daily recreation and leisure activities at the centre and in the community.

• A day program that runs Monday to Friday in the building and is open to everyone.

• The LaHave LITES store, located on site, which sells items made by participants as well as homemade products from local community entrepreneurs.

The centre also has licensed practical nurses who help with health needs, an on-site dietitian, and staff who provide meals, housekeeping, and building maintenance.