Dear Nova Scotia Government, colleagues and community;

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this letter.

In January 2020, I Co-founded the After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, to meet a high need and demand for a community-based, not-for-profit resource to address multiple forms of trauma (i.e., sexualized violence, abuse, assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and exploitation, intergenerational trauma, vicarious, homicide, etc) and those living with the mental health impact. ATEN offers barrier-free trauma-informed counselling therapy, support and resources to all gender individuals, families and communities affected by trauma. I currently have a caseload of over 50 clients and a waitlist of over 20 people wanting to access services. Over the past two years we have provided services and supports to over 275 people across Nova Scotia.

For over two years I have been contacting different departments in our provincial government to schedule an urgent meeting to discuss core operational funding. I either get no reply or get a message to try again in two months. This has been going on for over two years now. We have not had any funding or financial support from either our municipal or provincial government since we began operating. I am exhausted and frustrated.

To date, our operational expenses (i.e., rent, phone, internet, office supplies) have been paid from donations, fundraisers and out-of-pocket. I have been volunteering full-time my professional services since March 2022.
We very much value and appreciate all of the much-needed support we have received from our community, Nova Scotia and Canada.

ATEN’s services and supports are “life-saving” and invaluable to those who have experienced trauma and those who support them.

It breaks my heart to share with you that ATEN will have to close our doors by August 1, 2022 unless we acquire bridge/core funding, or a miracle.

If you would like to help and support, please consider emailing:
Minister of Health & Wellness, Honourable Michelle Thompson - Health.Minister@novascotia.ca
Minister of Mental Health & Addictions Honourable Brian Comer - MentalHealth.Minister@novascotia.ca
Deputy Minister of Health & Wellness and Mental Health & Addictions Jeannine Lagassé - jeannine.lagasse@novascotia.ca

With this fundraiser, we are offering businesses, organizations and individuals the unique opportunity to show their community support by purchasing a quilt square or heart on our Community Heroes Quilt.

The name of the business, individual, In Loving Memory of…, or words of encouragement will be embroidered on the quilt space they purchase.

The finished quilt will be displayed at the ATEN office and various local businesses and organizations and all names will be posted on our Community Heroes webpage.

All funds raised will go directly toward ATEN services and helping those who have experienced trauma.

Benefits of Buying a Quilt Square

• Support a local non-profit organization
• Support individuals/families who have experienced trauma
• Support and enhances sense of connection with community
• Support individuals who need your support
• Inspire others
• Contribute to your own happiness of giving
• Helps make the world and community a better place
• Be a community hero​