Celebrate & Support
Our Social Enterprise
The Pearl, formally Promise of a Pearl, was established in 2011 as a social enterprise operating within Autism Nova Scotia. The Pearl sells a variety of jewellery and accessories made by and for family, friends and autistic individuals.
Pearls are strong, unique, beautiful and versatile, just like people in our autism community. Each pearl is distinct and diverse but equally supported by the clam or oyster. This diversity is symbolic of the Autism Spectrum and represents the individualization and resiliency of the people and families we meet every day.
AUTISM WORKS LAUNCHPAD
Autism Works LaunchPad is designed to create experiences that empower participants to advance their careers while growing personally and professionally. The objective is to help participants launch their careers by embracing hands-on learning, connecting with employers and providing individualized support.
HOW THE PEARL & LAUNCHPAD WORK TOGETHER
The Pearl functions as a skills development platform for LaunchPad. Participants learn how to manage a working float, prepare designs, count inventory, and are part of The Pearl sales team. Their customer service experience takes place in the classroom, pop up booths and the Seaport Market, and online orders from our website.
How we support participants
LaunchPad is a comprehensive program that teaches the skills needed to enter the workforce. While we support our participants through real-life work experience and classroom lessons, our Regional Autism Coordinator creates connections with employers to develop jobs. The LaunchPad program works in partnership with Ready, Willing & Able (RWA), putting each participant into the Job Seekers Database.
LaunchPad's Success
Since Launchpad started in 2015, there have been a total of 97 graduates. 58 became employed, 10 pursued post-secondary education and 10 pursued entrepreneurship, resulting in a 73% employment outcome.
The Pearl Team Members
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Holly Nauss (She/Her) |
Jacqueline van der Burg (She/Her) |
Testimonials
“I received my package today and wanted to express how pleased I am with every item. I will definitely recommend you to family and friends. Autism is very close to my heart and I was not aware of The Pearl until a friend had displayed a necklace she had received as a gift and had also included your website. Your Thank You card with the personal note topped it all off for me – absolutely touching!! Looking forward to buying many more items from The Pearl Team. Thank You.“
"These products are truly made with love. ♥ I got three pieces, the March Birthday Bracelet, a Custom Order, and The Tree of Life Necklace. I love them so much and I get compliments on them wherever I go!! I feel so stylish and it was a great cause to support. Happy to wear and show off my jewellery every day!"
“I think The Pearl is the perfect way to form and maintain healthy connections between the public and those with autism. It provides exposure, knowledge and information to the broader public and provides an outlet for those living with the spectrum to express them selves and illustrate their talents. It is a learning tool for the public and for the individuals themselves. The public may learn new things about Autism and/or have their misconceptions corrected. For people on the spectrum, it helps illustrate to them their limitless capabilities and that their talents do not go unnoticed.”