Our History

Founding Mothers
Back: Donna Taylor, Francie Pineo
Front: Joy Murphy, Judy VanAmerongen

Our mission is to support the realization of personal potential for individuals with intellectual disabilities through person-centered planning, entrepreneurship, innovation, partnership and community engagement. Please support our work.

CAPRE began in Canning Nova Scotia with four Mothers who had big dreams for their children.

Their children needed meaningful employment with full participation in community life.

In 1995 CAPRE first business, KATS (Krista’s Around the Town Services), was created. Followed in 1999 by Leah’s Clean and Green Laundry. Other businesses have followed, including Lee’s shop in Canning, NS.

Any shopper stepping through the door is in for a treat! Owned by Lee Van Amerongen. Lee’s Shop offers both local and international products. It is Lee’s vision to make the world a happier place.

Lee Van Amerongen is an entrepreneur and proud owner of Lee’s Shop. Lee is also a young man who is living with autism and frequent seizures.

If you are looking for something different, we may have it. Stumpees, Blooming Glass Flowers, Kindness Hearts, repurposed silver such as badass keychains. Items in support of local and international charities such as Project Kenya Sister Schools, Grandmothers supporting Grandchildren, Work for Widows, Bailly, VON, Autism Nova Scotia. We have items by local artisans-knitted items, candles, soap, jewellery, books. You never know what you will find so come in and find out!

A great place to shop local!

In 2018, CAPRE branched out from a parent run organization to a policy board of directors and began to look at services and programs that could meet the needs of more people. Programs for retirees, support for complex needs, barriers to employment and respite opportunities. CAPRE continues to support entrepreneurs in operating their own small business and have successfully transitioned into the operation of collaboratively run small social enterprises. We pride ourselves on striving to meet the needs of the people that we serve and offer programs and services that help people reach their goals and be a part of their Community.