Nova Scotia Legal Aid Receives 211 Nova Scotia’s Believer’s Award
4 July 2024
For immediate release, July 4, 2024 – 211 Nova Scotia is proud to announce that Nova Scotia Legal Aid has been awarded the 2023 Believer’s Award.
Each year, the 211 Nova Scotia team selects recipients based on their collective experience and reflections from the year prior. The Believer’s Award provides an opportunity for the 211 Nova Scotia team and Board to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of community support and partnerships in shaping 211 Nova Scotia.
“211 is a centralized hub for Nova Scotians and service providers seeking to connect with information and resources to meet human needs. As Nova Scotians navigate increasingly turbulent times, we’re committed to finding new ways to champion our mission of providing access to information, advocating for those in need, and encouraging community investment,” said Marco Colaiacovo, Executive Director of 211 Nova Scotia.
In 2023, the housing crisis in Nova Scotia was a significant issue. Referrals to Nova Scotia Legal Aid increased by over 68%. While the needs varied, a large portion can be attributed to Nova Scotians seeking assistance with renovictions, landlord disputes, and utility disconnection notices.
Nova Scotia Legal Aid provides free legal information, advice, and representation to Nova Scotians facing criminal, family, or social justice issues with a focus on low income and equity-deserving populations as well as those experiencing gender-based, intimate partner, or family violence.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the 2023 Believer’s Award. 211 Nova Scotia’s focus on fostering human connections resonates deeply with our team at Nova Scotia Legal Aid. Many of our clients have faced barriers and rejection from institutions and they are often surprised to receive the positive response they do from 211. We take comfort in knowing that when we refer them to 211, they will be greeted with an open door and an empathetic person on the other side,” said Charlene Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Nova Scotia Legal Aid.
For further information, please contact:
Sherry Forester, Marketing & Communications Manager, 211 Nova Scotia
(902) 476-7436 | sforester@ns.211.ca
Morgan Manzer, Communications Strategist & Lawyer, Nova Scotia Legal Aid
(902) 420-3457 | Morgan.Manzer@nslegalaid.ca
About the Believer’s Award:
The Believer’s Award, established in 2015, is presented annually to an organization or individual demonstrating leadership in their belief in and support for 211. Through this leadership, they contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of 211 Nova Scotia. Nominees are chosen by the 211 Nova Scotia team, and the recipient is selected by the Governance Committee. The award recognizes significant contributions that positively impact the lives of Nova Scotians.
About 211 Nova Scotia:
211 Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit society offering free and confidential services that connect Nova Scotians to the programs and services they need. Through information and referrals, 211 Nova Scotia links people to local community groups, non-profits, and government organizations, providing support for mental health, access to food, financial aid, employment resources, and more. Call 2-1-1 for 24/7 support or connect via email at help@ns.211.ca.
About Nova Scotia Legal Aid:
With 23 service offices and 3 sub-offices across the province, Nova Scotia Legal Aid provides free legal information, advice, and representation to Nova Scotians facing criminal, family, or social justice issues with a focus on low income and equity-deserving populations as well as those experiencing gender-based, intimate partner, or family violence. NSLA has specialized service offices for youth, social justice, mental health legal services, and criminal and family appeals.
Since 1977, the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission has played an essential role in the justice system. Access to legal aid empowers Nova Scotians to protect their rights and freedoms and helps to ensure they receive a fair hearing in a court or before a tribunal. NSLA strives to provide legal services that help improve legal, social, economic and health outcomes for Nova Scotians and has litigated some of Nova Scotia’s most important cases protecting the rights of individuals.Read more about Nova Scotia Legal Aid at nslegalaid.ca.
