Starr Cunningham and Morgan Manzer presenting Minister Brian Comer and Deputy Minister Kathleen Trott with a Vision Award at the AGM (Photo: Stoo Metz).

July 3, 2024

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia released its 2023-2024 Community Report at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, highlighting a year of making connections to improve the mental wellness of Nova Scotians.

Funding community mental health

In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, $3.58 million was awarded through the Foundation’s five grant programs. The generous support of individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, community groups, and continued partnership with the Nova Scotia Office of Addictions and Mental Health contributed to this record-breaking achievement.

The Foundation awarded a total of 361 grants to mental health and addictions organizations, community groups, and healthcare providers in the province, demonstrating the continued need for investment in community-based mental health initiatives.

The Foundation’s flagship Community Grant program provides funding for education, support, and service projects that address the unique needs of the communities they serve. Common project themes in 2023-2024 include youth mental health, culturally relevant support for Indigenous and African Nova Scotian/Black communities, peer support, suicide prevention, and access to counselling services.

“We’re filled with hope as we reflect on the past year and the strong community connections we’ve created with our supporters and partners,” says Starr Cunningham, the Foundation’s President and CEO. “By granting over $3 million to mental health organizations and initiatives in our communities, we strengthened a network of care and critical support for Nova Scotians.”

Welcoming new Board leadership & Trustees

New Board leadership and Trustees were also appointed at the AGM. Morgan Manzer, a lawyer with Nova Scotia Legal Aid and President of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, begins his first term as Chair. Lorna Griffin-Fillier, a clinical social worker with Nova Scotia Health, moves into the Vice Chair position. RBC’s Alisa Alyward has completed her term as Chair and will remain on the Board as Past Chair.

New Trustees include:

Linda MacKay, Director of Financial Health – Department of Advanced Education, Government of Nova Scotia
Kiersten Amos, Lawyer – McInnes Cooper
Brian Himmelman, President – Himmelman & Associates Financial Advisors Inc.
Jason Buchanan, President – Precision Hydraulics

“Nova Scotians need mental health support now more than ever,” says Manzer, incoming Board of Trustees Chair. “I’m dedicated to leading our Board with a focus on impact, inclusivity, and innovation. I look forward to building on our successes and driving forward our goals to make mental health resources accessible and effective for all.”

Vision Awards

The Vision Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who share the Foundation’s vision of mental wellness for all Nova Scotians. Every year at the AGM, the Foundation honours recipients who’ve made a significant contribution to changing the way people think about mental wellness, mental illness, and addictions.

2023-2024 Vision Award Winners include:

Partners in Our Vision - Nova Scotia Office of Addictions and Mental Health (OAMH)

OAMH delivers mental health and addictions education, prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. The Foundation is proud to partner with OAMH to fund our Community Grant program. With ongoing support from Minister Brian Comer and Executive Director Francine Vezina’s team, the Foundation has been able to expand its reach to fund more projects than ever before.

Outstanding Volunteer - Dani Squires

Dani Squires has been volunteering on the Events Advisory Committee since 2020. She’s been instrumental in planning some of the largest and most successful fundraisers, including Festival of Trees and the Evergreen Gala. Dani’s silent auction contributions alone have fetched over $40,000 for mental health programming across the province.

Outstanding Achievement - Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union (NSNU)

Everyone knows nurses are exceptional human beings, but they showcased their commitment to community at the 2023 NSNU Education Day in Truro. After NSNU presented the Foundation with a cheque for $1,500, union reps from hospitals across the province stood, one by one, to declare additional donations. After an awe-inspiring ten minutes, the cheque amount grew from $1,500 to more than $11,000.