Jun 25, 2026
AGM & Expressions Celebration
“When someone believes in you — really believes in you — it changes things. It can change how you see yourself. It can change what you think is possible for your future. And sometimes, it can change your whole life.”
These were the words of a young woman who lives in the HomeBridge Community as she spoke to the audience at this year’s Annual General Meeting. Her heartfelt speech about her experience in our school program, Bridges for Learning, and how supported and cared for she feels while living at Sullivan House brought many audience members to tears with statements like this.
“BFL isn’t just a school. For a lot of us, it’s a place where we feel understood. It’s a place where people see more than what we’ve been through. They see who we are and who we can become.”
She was one of three young people who braved the stage during the event and to show everyone just how impressive and resilient youth-in-care can be.
As always, this event not only covered the required business of an AGM, but was also filled with youth participation, recognition for long-term employees who have hit milestones in their years of service with the organization and appreciation for some of the supporters and community partners that help us do the important work we do with the young people. This year’s line up included two employees who celebrated 30 years with the organization and one that hit an impressive 35 years. Recognition and appreciation were also shown for Dan Wendt of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, as he was presented with the “Outstanding Service to Youth Award” for the work he does with the young people during our boat building program. Our Recreation Therapist recapped this year’s program and not only praised Dan for his work with the young people, but also the young people themselves for the amazing work they did this year in the boat shop. They built and launched their own boat “ducky” and were also very proud to build cedar mast hoops for the Bluenose II restoration.
Since this event is also a year end celebration for the Expressions Program of the Arts, the gallery across from the theatre was transformed into a youth art show filled with everything from photography to clay sculptures showcasing a year’s worth of creative expressions. There was also a musical performance to kick things off that invited audience members to be part of a candle light song led by one of the Music Therapists and the young people. The group also ended things with a performance of “The Kindness Mantra” and a black light dance party on the stage before inviting our guests to a BBQ reception.
This event is always a special time to look back on the year of triumphs and challenges and thank those who supported us along the way. Thank you to everyone who attended. Your support of HomeBridge and especially the young people makes a big difference. Hope to see you all again next year!