News release

Immigrant Settlement Service Expands in Annapolis Valley

Immigration (Jan. 2005 - Feb. 2021)

The Annapolis Valley now has a new, full-time immigrant settlement worker to support new Nova Scotians.

The YMCA of Greater Halifax-Dartmouth received a $290,000 increase in funding from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration to support newcomers who settle in Nova Scotia communities. The YMCA is expanding its YMCA Recognizing Enhancing Aligning Community Horizons (YREACH) program to Kentville and one other Nova Scotia community.

"This funding will help newcomers in the valley settle into these welcoming communities and make the transition to a new life," said Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. "This increase will help the YMCA enhance its invaluable YREACH program."

The additional funding will increase the number of YREACH settlement workers from seven to nine provincewide and also provides support for a new, full-time manager of child and youth services programming.

"We are very excited to receive the funding to expand our reach to more local communities in the province," said Barbara Miller Nix, chief operating officer of YMCA public sector programs for the YMCA of Greater Halifax-Dartmouth. "In partnership with the Valley Community Learning Association and other agencies, we look forward to providing enhanced assistance to immigrants in the Annapolis Valley."