Sharon has a long career in social work during which she worked in the mental health field and volunteered to a great extent. She was active in the NSASW, particularly in the social justice realm. She was involved with council for about 20 years and chaired the social justice committee for five years. She has done much advocacy work on poverty and family violence issues.
Sharon has a strong reputation amongst the social work community for her passion and commitment to social justice. She has been a tireless advocate for disadvantaged people writing opinion pieces for the media, researching social problems and participating in various Boards and coalitions.
Sharon chaired the Amherst Poverty Action committee for 15 years and was on the Board for the Transition House for 18 years. She was on the Board for the Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association and the Board for Family and Children’s Services. She represented Nova Scotia on Canada Without Poverty for six years, and also on the Canadian Council on Persons with Disabilities.
More recently, Sharon has been a member of the Community Coalition to End Poverty in Nova Scotia; the Community Advocates Network; Halifax Solidarity, and Kairos. Kairos works on issues for poverty and the environment. She is on the Board of the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, and of the Basic Income Canada Network. She recently received the Courage to Give Back Award from Family S.O.S. Sharon also volunteers with serving meals at churches twice weekly.
As Sharon has demonstrated immensely her capacities for compassion, leadership, high ethical standards and commitment to social justice; has furthered social work in her social action and community organization work; and has served the NSASW on Council and in Committee. She amply fulfils the requirements for the Distinguished Service Award.