Wingspan: Grassroots Community Caretaking
Wingspan is a not-for-profit organization linked in partnership with the social enterprise, FireLoch. Wingspan is dedicated to supporting community-led projects that provide preventative, care-centered wellness programs that are land-based and spark hope for sustainable and positive social change.
We nurture grassroots initiatives that build community connections through celebrations, ritual and art, food, craft, and learning together with nature.
We champion non-expert efforts to recognize and celebrate community caretaking efforts with our fellowship programs and caring communities of practice designed to offer havens of rest, reflection, and renewal. These initiatives empower volunteers and staff in the non-profit sector to promote well-being and resilience among those who selflessly dedicate their time and talents to building stronger, healthier communities.
Join us as a participant, facilitator, or funder, and be part of a transformative journey of care, collaboration, and empowerment for the community sector in Nova Scotia.
Programs in 2024
Care for Caretakers Fellowship: Jun-Nov 2024 Pictou/Antigonish/Guysborough
To the volunteers and staff who have tirelessly given of themselves to support community projects across Pictou/Antigonish/Guysborough, we see you and the work you are putting in because we are deep in the work with you. As community organizers ourselves, with personal experience with burnout and the fatigue that comes from housing, feeding, and providing support for others in our community, we know sometimes the pace and pressure can feel overwhelming. This is especially true if you are also while also providing child or elder care at home.
We recognize the challenges you face. We worry that you might not have your own needs met and that your bucket might be emptying and that you might struggle to find healthy habits to build yourself back up again. If this sounds familiar and you would like to lean back into a caring community, we invite you to consider joining our Care for Caretakers Fellowship.
NS Community Impact Leaders Retreat June 20-23rd 2024
Leaders, at any level, working to create positive impact in community, strive to improve our collective quality of life and make sure nobody is left behind. They are a source of inspiration and innovation in the face of complex challenges we’re facing. But many leaders are struggling with burnout and we are witnessing how much people are craving opportunities for rest, connection and getting reenergized for their work.
Racially diverse leaders are disproportionately affected and are often without the supports needed to thrive in their roles. We are partnering with the Wingspan initiative to create an opportunity to unite this community of diverse changemakers and help them increase their impact.
Seasonal Seniors Wellbeing Retreats
Thanks to generous funding from the Federal Government we are pleased to be able to launch this cost-free program at FireLoch four times this year, once for every season! Seniors 55+ are welcome to join one or each of our 4-week programs for Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. In each series, we will explore gentle movement, yogassage, breathwork, art and mindfulness practices for your mind, body and spirit. Find joy and meaning not only through social connections but also through guided art activities. Enjoy FireLoch’s beautiful private walking trails to get the blood flowing, socialize and take a big gulp of fresh air! This program is designed to awaken your spirit to fully engage in each new season.
Rethinking and Relocalizing Philanthropy – October 2024
We are in the midst of challenging times, with issues that are of a scale, complexity, and urgency that inspires solutions from all levels. Ours is an “all hands on deck” world as everyone, within their unique means, has a responsibility to contribute to building the kinds of communities we all want to live in. From simple acts of “caremongering”, to nationally impactful social innovations, together we ARE able to make impactful change.
Our founding team – composed of the Centre for Local Prosperity, Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, Backr Ltd., and FireLoch – is reaching out with strategic invitation to those in our community interested in learning together about what might be possible if we reimagined local philanthropy in Nova Scotia. Because of the work we each do, we know there are others curious about a new path forward and gathering together is a way to feel like we are not alone in this work. Find out more and register to join this conversation today
Support our work
Contribute to the Wingspan Fund
Wingspan is a donor-advised fund with the Community Foundations of Nova Scotia. Any contributions over $25 are eligible for tax receipts and will support caretaking of our community caretakers