On behalf of the Board of 211 Nova Scotia, I am pleased to share several highlights from the past year and to recognize the achievements and significant impact of the dedicated members of the 211 Nova Scotia team. Throughout the past year, 211NS responded to a range of challenges facing our province, navigated organizational changes, and celebrated key milestones.

In 2023, over 79,000 Nova Scotians contacted 211 and received over 89,000 referrals. Our Community Resource Navigators navigated the worst wildfire event in Nova Scotia’s history resulting in a 20% increase in call volumes. We recognized Shawn Parker, Street Outreach Navigator, as the most recent, highly deserving recipient of the annual 211 Believer’s Award. We also celebrated 211 Nova Scotia’s 10-year anniversary in February 2023.

This past year also saw founding Executive Director, Mike Myette, return to the helm of 211 in May 2023 as Interim Executive Director until December 2023 when the Board announced the appointment of its new permanent Executive Director, Marco Colaiacovo, after an extensive search. We are incredibly grateful to Mike for his steady, capable leadership to the organization during this time of transition and were delighted to officially welcome Marco as Executive Director in January 2024.

We are also thankful for our community partners that deliver much needed services to Nova Scotians, as well for the funding support of the Province of Nova Scotia and United Ways in Cape Breton, Pictou, Colchester, Cumberland, Halifax, and Lunenburg. Without the commitment of our community and funding partners, our past achievements would not have been possible. On behalf of the entire staff and Board of Directors, thank you for believing in 211.

Finally, I offer a big thank you to the dedicated staff and Board of Directors at 211 Nova Scotia for all that you do to support the important work of 211.

Sincerely,

Andrea Forbes-Hurley
Chair
211 Nova Scotia Board of Directors

It is with great pleasure and a sense of profound responsibility that I address you as the newly appointed Executive Director of 211 Nova Scotia. I am committed to continuing the extraordinarily meaningful and compassionate support 211 Nova Scotia has provided to those we serve and the communities we touch.

While I am mindful of the remarkable accomplishments of our past, my focus lies firmly on the opportunities ahead. As we chart our course forward, I envision a future defined by collaboration, resilience, and unwavering dedication to our mission. I am deeply inspired by the passion and expertise of our team and am eager to harness our collective strengths to meet our goals.

In the coming year, we will prioritize strategic initiatives that enhance our effectiveness, expand our reach, and deepen our impact. This includes Supporting Operational Excellence; Promoting Access to our Service; Growing our Partnerships; and Achieving Financial Stability. We will continue to champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all aspects of our work.

As we navigate challenges and opportunities, I invite each of you to join me in this journey. Together, we will write the next chapter of 211 Nova Scotia’s story – one characterized by bold vision, steadfast determination, and lasting significance.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared mission. With your partnership, I am confident that we will achieve great things in the days and years to come.

Sincerely, 

Marco Colaiacovo
Executive Director
211 Nova Scotia

In 2023, the 211 Nova Scotia team, with the support of the Board of Directors, worked hard to face each challenge and milestone head on. Some of the highlights of the year include that two 211NS team members received their certification through our international accreditation body, Inform USA, formerly known as Alliance of Information and Referral Services (AIRS). Certification of eligible team members is a requirement of 211 Nova Scotia’s accreditation.

We were also delighted to welcome Mike Myette back in May 2023, as interim Executive Director, while the search for a permanent replacement was conducted. In addition, we had multiple team members move into permanent and temporary new positions to fill vacancies and to redistribute our efforts internally. We’re grateful to those who have pivoted to ensure that 211 Nova Scotia’s internal operations remain stable during organizational changes.

2023 was a year characterized by change, growth, and evolution. The success of 211 Nova Scotia would not be possible without the dedicated and compassionate team members who are in front and behind the scenes.