Project Funding to Help Service Providers Transform Disability Supports
Seven organizations will receive funding through the Service Evolution Fund to enhance how they support people with disabilities, advancing the work of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy and moving the sector toward more person-directed, community-based services.
“Service providers across the province are stepping up in meaningful ways to transform how services are delivered,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “The Service Evolution Fund gives organizations the tools, training, systems and planning supports they need to shift away from legacy models and fully embrace the remedy’s vision. The progress we are seeing is tangible – and it’s being driven by leaders, staff, participants and communities who are committed to creating lasting change.”
The government has committed $1 million annually for three years to the Service Evolution Fund; applications are accepted and grants awarded quarterly.
Launched in October 2024, the fund supports planning, training, technology, strategic development and other activities that help organizations transition from facility-based to community-based service delivery.
These efforts are essential to advancing the transformation required under the remedy.
Quotes:
“LifeTime Home Solutions (Colonial Community Services) is grateful to be chosen as a recipient of the Service Evolution Fund grant. This grant enables us to re-align our business model with the key directives of the remedy. Our goal is to support and empower individuals to achieve independence, while cultivating a diverse and inclusive community grounded in care, collaboration and mutual support. With these funds, it provides the means for LifeTime Home Solutions to create transformative independent living solutions – creating community environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We wholeheartedly thank the Province for this opportunity to better serve our community and its individuals.”
— Jennifer Popperl, Executive Director, LifeTime Home Solutions (Colonial Community Services)
“Front-line staff play a critical role in shaping how the remedy comes to life. Through the Service Evolution Fund, we were able to bring together more than 100 front-line professionals for the first time in over 20 years. Staff left with clearer understanding of the remedy, renewed confidence and a shared commitment to culture change. This kind of investment is essential. It helps us build a sector where autonomy, dignity and choice guide every decision.”
— Amanda Burt, Financial Co-ordinator, Horizon Achievement Centre, Cape Breton Regional Municipality (previous fund recipient)
“With support from the Service Evolution Fund, Mawita’mk has been able to listen to community members and chart a path forward that honours Mi’kmaw values, language and ways of living together. This funding helped us examine our strengths, understand community needs and plan future supports rooted in culture and connection. It is another step forward in helping more Mi’kmaw people with disabilities find supports within our communities.”
— Rosie Sylliboy, Executive Director, Mawita’mk Society, Whycocomagh (previous recipient)
Quick Facts:
- the program has funded 43 projects to date
- Nova Scotia’s Disability Support Program works with 131 service providers across the province
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission – Remedy in Disability Rights Coalition vs. Province of Nova Scotia: https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/remedy
Service Evolution Fund: https://dsp-transformation.ca/SEF
Disability support transformation progress and updates: https://www.dsp-transformation.ca/
News release – Service Evolution Fund Supports Remedy Projects: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/01/29/service-evolution-fund-supports-remedy-projects
News release – New Fund for Disability Support Service Providers: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/10/24/new-fund-disability-support-service-providers
Funding recipients and projects:
- Mill Road Social Enterprises, Inverness County – planning and redesign of current services to create sustainable, community-based service hubs; $50,000
- LifeTime Home Solutions (Colonial Community Services), Halifax Regional Municipality – develop a comprehensive communications and social media strategy to increase awareness of services and supports for participants; $18,000
- Metro Community Housing Association, Halifax Regional Municipality – implement a new payroll system to support the shift to individualized funding and participant-directed service delivery; $43,583
- New Leaf Enterprises, Halifax Regional Municipality – hire two temporary community navigator co-ordinators and redesign the main website to create a more inclusive, community-focused hub; $23,808
- Quest 67, Halifax Regional Municipality – develop a new website and branding to support community-based service delivery; $23,700
- L’Arche Cape Breton, Inverness County – engage urban planning expertise to expand the community and better welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds; $20,000
- JAZ Community Support, Halifax Regional Municipality – introduce Alaya Care, a cloud-based care management system to strengthen individualized, participant-directed supports; $37,736
