FEED NOVA SCOTIA TO DISCONTINUE ROLE WITH HELPLINE AND LEARNING KITCHEN January 12, 2015 (Halifax) – In an effort to provide a more consistent and better reach of services throughout the province, FEED NOVA SCOTIA will discontinue its role in operating the Helpline and Learning Kitchen programs as of March 31, 2015. The organization will instead focus on strengthening services throughout Nova Scotia by working more closely with its member agencies and other community organizations. "We’ve done a lot of soul-searching on this one, and at the end of the day we believe we can have greater overall impact by placing more emphasis on building capacity across the province, and enabling our member agencies to deliver services that address local needs," says Executive Director Nick Jennery. Recognizing the value that Helpline and the Learning Kitchen provide to vulnerable Nova Scotians, FEED NOVA SCOTIA is hoping both services can continue in some capacity through other organizations. Jennery says some organizations have already expressed an interest in this. As a first-step in the transition, Helpline hours will be reduced from 24 hours a day to 12:00 pm to 11:00 p.m., effective January 19. Staff and volunteers will be letting callers know the service will be discontinued on March 31, and they will suggest alternate services to help meet the caller’s needs in the future (e.g. 211, Victim Services, Problem Gambling Helpline). In terms of the Learning Kitchen, nine students are currently enrolled and scheduled to complete the program in March; this will be the final class. FEED NOVA SCOTIA is keen to share the curriculum and support other organizations both within HRM and across the province who may be interested in delivering a similar program, or individual components of the program. Approximately 2500 meals per week are currently prepared by the Learning Kitchen and distributed to five shelters/soup kitchens to support their daily operations. Each of these agencies has been notified of the upcoming change, and FEED NOVA SCOTIA is committed to supporting them through an alternate means of food support to help ensure those who rely on these agencies are not impacted by the change. “Helpline and the Learning Kitchen have each been a truly special part of our organization in recent years and we’ll miss the direct interaction we’ve had with clients through these programs,” says Jennery. “Still, we know it’s the right choice, and we’re committed to implementing the transition in an open and respectful manner, to ensure the least impact possible on those who rely on these services.” -30Media inquiries: Nick Jennery, FEED NOVA SCOTIA 902-457-1900 x222 [email protected] Background For 26 years, Helpline was operated by an independent not-for-profit organization called Helpline Society, serving the metro Halifax area. In 2005, the Helpline Society dissolved, and FEED NOVA SCOTIA was asked to take it over. In the past nine years, Helpline has grown to a province-wide, toll-free service responding to almost 20,000 calls per year. Some calls deal with food security issues, while the majority of calls relate to mental health issues, relationships, parenting concerns, bullying, sexual violence and addiction. Helpline is funded in part by Department of Community Services. The Learning Kitchen is a unique pre-employment training program that equips adults who face significant barriers to employment with the confidence and skills needed to develop a career in the culinary industry. Students receive 12 weeks of training under the direction of a Red Seal chef, followed by a four-week work placement. The Learning Kitchen is funded in part by Department of Community Services. More than 250 students have graduated from the program since it was introduced in 2005.