Mission

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The Farrell Benevolent Society (FBS) is a local community-based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community of Dartmouth North. 

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By working together with residents, community groups, agencies, local business and stakeholders, the Farrell Benevolent Society will help create a safe, healthy, and prosperous community. 

 

It achieves its mission by:

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• Providing a community hall which is accessible to all our community;

• Increasing the capacity of community residents, groups, and organizations to help themselves and/or support each other;

• Encouraging community involvement in the governance and general work of FBS;

• Facilitating supportive interactions between local community residents, groups and organizations to share experiences, knowledge and resources to create a better community; 

• Providing a voice to the experience and challenges of residents of our community; and,

• Providing a “last resort” support system for persons in crisis.

 

History

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The Farrell Benevolent Society (FBS) was formed after Tufts Cove Incorporated donated a piece of property to the community of Dartmouth North in the late 1950s. The community raised $50,000 to build Farrell Hall, the building that still stands on the property (at the time of writing). The Board of Directors, who are elected by community members, steward the organization.

 

Any person who is fourteen (14) years of age or over; and any person who supports the mission of FBS are entitled to membership in FBS.

 

The actions of FBS have always been rooted in benevolence and support of the community. For example, the very first bingo raised money for a piano for Harbour View Elementary School. After the initial fundraising event, benevolence continued within the community in various ways, including hosting a Christmas Social at Farrell Hall for the community with food, gifts under the tree, gift cards and activities for children.

 

As time went on, the building aged and FBS was unable to keep up with building maintenance. A major catalyst was COVID-19, which shut down bingo operations, the main source of revenue. 

 

Mandate Moving Forward

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Facing  financial challenges,  FBS began exploring possible futures,in March 2020. With the support of a volunteer consultant, Robert Chisholm, the Board of Directors questioned how FBS could  continue its benevolence mission for the community, including what could be done with its property. Through this process, the Board decided to explore the possibility of redeveloping the property for affordable housing. With additional support from Between the Bridges  and a community-minded architect, FBS began taking steps towards this vision.

 

The board held two significant AGMs where community members approved the following motions: 

 

1. March 19, 2021: “The Board of Directors does research, and has conversations and meetings about redeveloping the property at 276 Windmill Road for the positive social impact in Dartmouth North, including affordable housing.”

 

1. June 28, 2022: “Farrell Benevolent Society take the necessary next steps to redevelop the property located at 275 Windmill Road for positive social impact in Dartmouth North including Affordable Housing.”

 

The Board of Directors has been making progress in the early stages of capital pre planning and development processes to bring this vision to life. 

 

Integral to the success to date has been the collaborative partnership with the Public Good Society of Dartmouth. Together, they have acquired funding for the capital predevelopment, planning and capacity building for FBS with the Public Good Society acting as a fiscal agent.