Peer Group Facilitator Position

The After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) is a non-profit community organization that began in 2020 in Shubenacadie/Sipekne'katik, Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki. The mission of ATEN is to empower and improve the quality of life of individuals, families and communities affected by trauma by providing trauma-informed counselling, support, intervention, education and resources. We recently relocated to our new community building that now includes the Violet Rose Thrift and Gift Shop and a large, ground level community room where we host and rent space for community events, groups and workshops.

Program Details: The Seniors/Elders Group Chat & Craft
· 4th Thursday of every month from 4-6pm at After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) – 2836 Hwy 2, Shubenacadie/ Sipekne'katik, NS
· 2nd Monday of every month from 1-3pm at Sunnybrook Manor (Seniors independent living) - 48 Mill Village Road, Shubenacadie/Sipekne'katik, NS
· Community Room at ATEN – 2836 Hwy2, Shubenacadie/
· No stairs to access room, ramp on entry way to community room
· Light meal, snacks and drinks provided
· Transportation provided at request (in form of cheque for gas reimbursement or community bus service)

Program Description
A new free monthly program for older adults to share skills and stories in a supportive, therapeutic space. The focus will be on arts-based skills and music (ie craft, art, singing, dancing/movement). A light meal and snacks will be provided. Here we will work collaboratively to create a space to learn more skills like crafting, drumming, gentle movement, etc together with guest facilitators each month. Facilitators will be peer older adults who have a skill they would like to share with the group. As we work with our hands, we can talk and share stories and discuss therapeutic themes that are of interest to the group ie setting boundaries, anxiety, depression, grief, compassion, stress, and ways to be in relationship with each other with the support of our group facilitators Emma and Juli.

Roles, Responsibilities and Eligibility
ATEN facilitation staff (Emma and Juli) will provide:
-two workshop facilitators who will support planning and running the Seniors/Elders Group Chat and Craft for one year
-two workshop facilitators who will facilitate or support discussion around therapeutic themes that emerge in group ie boundaries, anxiety, grief
-ATEN staff will recruit, support and collaborate with 1 community member who will join our team on 2nd Mondays of the month from 12:30-3:30 and 4th Thursdays of the month from 3:30-6:30.

Peer Group Facilitator will:
-identify as seniors/elders/older adults
-must be willing to work within a trauma-informed framework
-can travel to and from program sites *transportation reimbursement available
-have some experience and comfortability being in a community/social group
-workshop facilitation an asset, but no experience necessary
-help set up and wrap up program ie setting up program materials for crafts, getting food ready
-will be paid an honoraria for 6 hours a month at $25/hour for 1 year
-will report to the ATEN staff
-be communicative
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Note: Applying for this position will require a brief interview (15 minutes) with the ATEN staff. Only those who are chosen for an interview will be contacted.

To Apply: contact [email protected] or call 902-758-3967
Deadline to Apply: Thursday, April 13, 2022
Position begins: Monday, April 17, 2023

The Be Well Workshops is an initiative offered by the After Trauma Empowerment Network with the financial support from the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission (For the Good of Our Community Fund). This series of free workshops will provide participants the opportunity to learn, gain new skills and connect with others in a safe environment with the shared goal of living and being well.

Each workshop will focus on a specific topic and will have diverse leaders and speakers sharing their knowledge and wisdom.

There is limited seating for each workshop and individuals will have to register for each workshop by emailing Lea-Ann Julian at [email protected] or by phone at 902-758-3967.

Workshops will be held at the ATEN Community Room (2836 Main St., Shubenacadie) every second Thursday, 6-7:30pm.

Refreshments will be provided.

Seniors/Elders group starting April 27 in Shubenacadie. Registration is required.

Also looking for seniors and elders who would like to share a skill, craft or knowledge with the group (honorarium available).

Please contact Lea-Ann at [email protected] or 902-758-3967 for more information or to register.

The After Trauma Empowerment Network is excited to share they were approved for project funding from the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission (NSLC) under their For the Good of the Community Fund. "As Nova Scotians, we are known for our resilience, resourcefulness and our way of coming together to celebrate all of life’s moments big and small. These moments of care and connection are critical to fostering a sense of belonging and overall well-being. We will support organizations and initiatives that work to build healthy and sustainable communities in our province. Our goal is to help everyone find moments of positive care and connection to help create a stronger Nova Scotia." (mynslc.ca)

We are so excited and grateful to have this valuable support from NSLC so we can offer a series of free workshops on being and living well in our community!

We welcome your input and suggestions for topics you would like to see for these workshops. Please fill out the Contact Form below if you have an idea you would like to share or sign up to be notified of upcoming workshops. You can also call our office at 902-758-3967 to sign up as well.

Thank you and have an empowering day!