Funding Support For Groups Serving People With Disabilities.

January 29, 2025 nnpress

People with disabilities in Nova Scotia will see more supports in communities with projects funded through the Province’s new Service Evolution Fund, a key initiative under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy.

The first eight projects under the fund were announced today, January 29.

“The remedy’s transformational change is a significant undertaking for everyone, especially service providers as they rethink how they deliver services to align with a new model,” said Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “These projects – and the service providers behind them – showcase the sector’s commitment to not just being part of the change but leading the way in their communities.”

The Service Evolution Fund is supporting the following organizations and projects in its first round:

Breton Ability Centre and New Dawn Enterprises, Cape Breton Regional Municipality – develop aligned plans to shift from facility-based to collaborative community-based supports; $62,000
Colonial Services, Halifax – web design and development to support a client-directed business model; $8,263
Haley Street Day Program, North Sydney – develop a plan to shift its business model from service-directed to client-directed; $106,575
Nova Scotia Residential Agencies Association:
- support the development of home-sharing as an alternative to traditional care models; $16,460
- establish a network of service providers to co-ordinate best practices, problem-solve and promote home-sharing across Nova Scotia; $32,600
Prescott Day Program, Halifax –develop training modules that empower individuals with disabilities to collaborate with support workers to build independence and life skills; $89,500
Sunset Community Inc., Pugwash:
- technology to enable working in rural communities; $29,405
- engagement with participants, staff, partners and the community on the remedy; $17,455.

The Service Evolution Fund will have two additional rounds of applications, with deadlines January 31 and February 28.

Quotes:

“We are grateful for the Service Evolution Fund grant, which enables Sunset Community to host roundtable sessions with participants, families, employees, DSP partners and community members. These sessions allow us to share our vision, gather insights and work toward reimagining our services for greater community inclusion and improved quality of life for persons with disabilities.”
— Julie Hoeg, Chief Executive Officer, Sunset Community Inc.

“We are very excited to be selected for our project supporting choice for individuals with disabilities in their daily lives. We are eager to be part of such a historic transformation and want to thank the Province for this incredible opportunity!”
— Amanda Evans, Executive Director, Haley Street Adult Services Centre

Quick Facts:

launched in October 2024, the Service Evolution Fund helps organizations adapt their services to be delivered in the community
the government has committed $1 million per year for the next three years to the fund
the Disability Support Program has 131 service providers