"Survivor-run businesses must retain the uniqueness of people helping people
who have drawn from the same well, who have walked the same walk and
who can recognize in each other the unexpressed, the unspoken fears, dreams,
hopes and longings of a life half-lived." - Employee, ABEL Enterprises

Haldimand-Norfolk Work Group of Simcoe, Abel Enterprises, provides
non-clinical vocational employment and skill training opportunities
for the seriously mentally ill of Haldimand-Norfolk. The service is governed
by a Board of Directors and funded primarily by the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Haldimand-Norfolk Work Group of Simcoe, Abel Enterprises
will work to promote the economic, social and community interest of
psychiatric survivors, in order to ensure their right to self-determination
and their participation in the development of initiatives to serve their needs.

• All people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness have the right
  to work for good wages and to realize all the benefits that being employed brings
  - hope, wellness, less isolation and chance of a self-determined lifestyle.
• A diagnosis of mental illness does not mean that a person is incapable of work
  that is meaningful, creative and of social, cultural and economic value.
• That poverty and mental de-stabilization go hand-in-hand and
  that the relief of poverty has a direct effect on the lessened need for hospitalization.

A just participatory membership of men and women, who work for
personal empowerment through collective economic development initiatives.

HNWGS, Abel Enterprises offers the following opportunities to all of its members.

• The opportunity to develop a sole proprietor business through its innovative
  assisted entrepreneurial program.
• To develop trade level skills in carpentry and custom made furniture production.
• Access to a collective marketing system that is provincially recognized
  - called - PREZENTS OF MIND.
• Job opportunities on a part-time basis at above minimum wage.
  (when available)
• The opportunity to participate in the ongoing development and direction
  of ABEL ENTERPRISES.

Haldimand-Norfolk Work Group of Simcoe, Abel Enterprises operates
for the advancement of psychiatric survivors in the region of Haldimand-Norfolk.

For additional information you can contact Abel Enterprises at:

HNWGS ABEL ENTERPRISES
P.O. Box 988
Simcoe, Ontario
N3Y 5B3

Phone: (519) 426-4590