The Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH) received funding to develop clinical guidelines addressing social isolation and loneliness among older adults. The project aimed to equip healthcare and social service providers with tools to recognize, assess, and treat these issues. Horizons worked with the project team to carry out a process evaluation, including key informant interviews with stakeholders to identify the project's strengths, challenges, and lessons for future collaborations. A final report of findings was created with recommendations for future projects.

We worked with the YWCA to develop and implement an evaluation of IDEAL for the Trades project. Our work included the development of an evaluation framework, data collection tools, consultation with stakeholders through key informant interviews and focus groups.

We worked with the YWCA Halifax on several initiatives, using a developmental and outcome evaluation-based approach.

Shift Change sought to improve women’s economic security and prosperity by addressing the barriers that impede the participation and advancement of women, in all their diversity, in the skilled trades sector. Our work included creating data collection tools and resulting reports. As an ‘embedded’ evaluator in the work, we provided ongoing support and identification of learnings along the way.

We worked with Nova Scotia Health – Eastern Zone leaders and Eskasoni First Nation and Wagmatcook First Nation Health Directors to actively review the care Mi’kmaw people receive within the Nova Scotia Health system, in particular, in Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, and Victoria County Memorial Hospital. The intent is to learn about and address anti-Indigenous racism experienced in healthcare services.

Our work included an environmental scan of how anti-Indigenous racism is being addressed in other provinces and territories in Canada; listening sessions in Wagmatcook First Nation and Eskasoni First Nation; and a survey of healthcare workers in the three identified hospitals, found in the Healthcare Workers Survey Summary section. Reports were developed for each component of the work, as well as a set of recommendations focused on improvements in the healthcare system.

We worked with Nova Scotia Health to update and finalize the evaluation framework for the Lung Screening Program, including key evaluation questions, indicators, and data collection methods. The evaluation framework is designed to establish a comprehensive system for monitoring performance and evaluating the impact of implementing a centralized, standardized, and evidence-based lung screening initiative in Nova Scotia. Our role also included offering insights and recommended indicators for both a public-facing and internal dashboard, as well as suggesting potential performance measures for the next phase of community engagement, focusing on equity-deserving populations.

We worked with the Elizabeth Fry Society to look at the challenges and opportunities for intersectoral collaboration to foster supports for persons released from incarceration in the wake of Nova Scotia’s rapid decarceration due to Covid-19. In the first phase of the two-phased approach, we collected and analysed information collected through focus groups and key informant interviews with representatives of sectors involved in the decarceration process. Drawing on this work, Phase 2 included a full day forum with stakeholders, followed by the development of an action plan for moving forward.

The goal of the Cannabis and Older Adults project was to help increase clinician knowledge and skills regarding cannabis and older adults. As part of the wrap-up of the project, CCSMH worked with us to identify the strengths, challenges, and lessons learned for moving forward with future collaborative projects. We conducted key informant interviews and a web survey with project stakeholders, including members of the Steering Committee, Scientific Committee, and staff. The findings from this data collection were shared with CCSMH for their reporting to their funder, and for internal learning.

We conducted an evaluation of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Strategic Action Plan for First Nations in the Atlantic Region using an evaluation framework that met the needs of First Nations communities, to inform the development of a new plan to support First Nation communities to improve their health outcomes. We developed and implemented a comprehensive evaluation plan with a focus on process, impact on providers and known system impact. Our report, which found that the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly impacted the action plan, was shared with the Primary & Public Health Committee of the Atlantic Health Partnership, as well as the Partnership itself.

My Home, My Rights: Exploring Human Rights in Community Living is a research project with the broad goals of fostering inclusive research recognizing persons with intellectual disabilities as experts about their own lives, and to empower persons with intellectual disabilities to be leaders in advocating for their human rights. Horizons worked with the principal investigator, Sheila Wildeman, a professor at Dalhousie University, and Club Inclusion to create resources for inclusive research and advocacy responsive to the imperative “Nothing about us without us”.

We worked with a Community Action Research Team inclusive of persons with intellectual disabilities, collectively engaged in research on an issue identified by the Team as important to the realization of human rights in community living, and supported the production of an issue-specific advocacy resource based in what the Team learned.

Horizons supported this research team to meet the following specific objectives:

• Engage in participatory action research inclusive of co-researchers with intellectual disabilities (potentially concurrent with autism and/or mental health disabilities);
• Co-create knowledge about human rights – in particular, the rights enshrined in the CRPD - - and how they may be realized in the context of community living;
• Co-produce an issue-specific advocacy resource (print and/or video);
• Generate reflections on our processes to share with others interested in inclusive research and advocacy and to inform an academic article to be co-authored by the Team;
• Launch the advocacy resource, along with accessible summaries of our research findings and processes, at a public forum/celebration of our work; and
• Empower a team of lived experience experts to engage in further research and advocacy.

We worked with Injury Free Nova Scotia to provide a summary of the findings from community conversations.

Horizons worked with NSH to develop and implement a needs assessment framework, an evaluation framework, and evaluation tools for the Enhancing Peer Support project.

Horizons worked with Prescott Group to conduct a process and outcome evaluation of the Job Links Club, a pilot program that aims to address employment issues amongst the disability community. Our work included the development of an evaluation plan with data collection tools, implementing the evaluation, completing the data analysis; and writing of the final report.

Horizons was contracted by Inspiring Communities to design and execute a comprehensive, multi-method evaluation to assess the impact of the NS GovLab and Inspiring Communities Social Innovators Network Project. Funded by the Province of Nova Scotia, the NS GovLab brings people together to look at complex issues, develop skills, and consider and test solutions for social innovation in response to the province’s shifting demographics.

Horizons was contracted by the Department of Community Services to develop and implement an evaluation of the Alternative Family Support Program (AFS), a community-based option within the Disability Support Program that matches adults with intellectual disabilities, chronic mental health, and physical disabilities with an approved and compatible private family home. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine the viability and current effectiveness of the program and inform recommendations on future program design and delivery.

The evaluation included the development of an evaluation framework; stakeholder engagement through focus groups and web surveys; and completing a literature review and jurisdictional scan to determine and review comparable alternate community-based programs or options with home sharing.

We worked with the Nova Scotia Health Authority to plan and implement an evaluation of the Atlantic Mentorship Network – Pain & Addiction, a network that supports and connects health care professionals in providing care to people for pain and/or addiction in Atlantic Canada through professional development opportunities; mentorship; providing structure for inter-professional communities of practice; and leadership in the development of evidence informed policy dialogue. Our work included testing of the Network’s logic model, development of a theory of change, evaluation framework, and this year, carrying out the evaluation, including a document/ database review, web-based questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus groups. We created evaluation tools with an eye to the Network staff and leaders being able to collect data going forward in the upcoming years of their work.

In early 2021, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard and Senator Stanley Kutcher hosted a series of Facebook Live discussions related to systemic racism experienced by Indigenous, Black, Asian, and other racialized peoples. Horizons created and assisted in the implementation of a web survey to gather information to guide Senators’ and the Progressive Senate Group’s next steps. Horizons also conducted a review of the literature around racism and topics covered over the course of the series, as they related to potential policy action. Both the evaluation report and literature review were then provided in both official languages.

In March 2021, as part of their Indigenous Learning Series, the senators and staff of the Progressive Senate Group (PSG) participated in two training sessions offered through Indigenous Corporate Training (ICT). As a follow up to the learning series, Horizons conducted an evaluation through both English and French web-based surveys with participants to assess the training’s impact and outcomes, evaluate the process, and identify potential actions and training needs.

Working with People First, Community Homes Action Group, and McMaster University, Horizons conducted research to better understand the impact and challenges that COVID 19 presented for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through an online survey of parents, caregivers, and supporters, and by working closely with a People First member with intellectual disability who reached out to other members and collected their stories and information, the research will help partners in Nova Scotia in planning and advocacy.

We supported the evaluation of the Halifax YWCA’s pilot Gender Inclusive Leadership Training for Male Supervisors in Skilled Trades, an initiative of their Shift Change project. Since January, two groups of male supervisors from the trades have completed the program. We supported the project coordinator through coaching and building her capacity in data analysis and evaluation report writing for a variety of audiences and synthesized some of the data.

We worked with Mental Health and Addictions on the second phase of their website development project for the Mental Health and Addiction Program. Horizons facilitated a series of five focus groups with key stakeholders to gather input into what should be included and how to ensure awareness of the website. In phase 2, we completed an environmental scan to gather information of youth focused/serving community organizations and agencies and their mental health programs and services offered online in Nova Scotia and developed and implemented an engagement strategy for youth to gather their input on what they are looking for from this type of website.

Horizons provided guidance and advice for an evaluation of Community Health Centres that are part of the Nova Scotia Association of Community Health Centres. The purpose of the evaluation was to provide feedback to the Centres on how they are impacting the lives of community members they serve, and to show how the CHC model is impactful and sustainable to change thinking and support for CHCs moving forward.

We conducted an evaluation of a three-year Health Canada funded Substance Use Disorder project for CCSMH, a network embedded within the College of Geriatric Psychiatrists. The project has been focused on the development of four sets of clinical guidelines and knowledge translation tools for the prevention, screening, assessment and treatment of alcohol, benzodiazepine, cannabis and opioid use disorders among older adults. The evaluation included the development of an evaluation framework; collection of data from stakeholders through a document review, key informant interviews, and web surveys; analysis and synthesis of the data; and a final report of evaluation findings and recommendations.

Horizons worked with the Ecology Action Centre to complete the evaluation of the Our Food Project. The evaluation included a synthesis and analysis of existing project data and new data collected through key informant interviews and was used to complete their Phase 3 Funder Report to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

We were involved in the design and facilitation of the Supported Housing Summit for Nova Scotians with Disability based on a review of the evidence on best practice and the current state in Nova Scotia. The purpose of the work was to:

• Deliver resources and best practices based on a cohesive, person-centered framework;
• Prioritize action and collaborative efforts through open consultation with experts and community stakeholders; and
• Build to a better future of housing for persons with disabilities by engaging all levels of government, non-government supports, individuals, and family networks within Nova Scotia.

With ANS, Horizons prepared three evidence-based papers:

1. On the Autism Spectrum in Nova Scotia: Reviewing the Evidence for Community Living Models

2. In Crisis with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of the Evidence

3. Building To Better: A White Paper on Supported Housing for the Autism and Developmental Disability Community

Using these evidence documents, we designed an inclusive consultation and facilitation plan to conduct two one-day consultations on Supported Housing in Nova Scotia. The purpose of this work was to identify the major strengths and gaps in meeting the desires, needs and expectations in Nova Scotia’s communities. This work and the learnings we shared will serve as a guide to help individuals, families, and service providers navigate supported housing options, a foundation for stakeholder agencies and individuals in relevant sectors to collaborate, and laid the groundwork for building opportunities for supported housing across Nova Scotia.

Horizons worked with the NS Department of Health & Wellness to complete an evaluation of the Department’s Direct Benefits Program. The main aim of this evaluation was to assess the implementation and cumulative effects of the programs, and how they work in concert with the broader formal and informal system of supports for unpaid caregivers and care recipients to enable them to remain at home in community, to inform decision making aimed at the potential further expansion of the program. We used a mixed-methods approach for this evaluation, including an extensive analysis of existing assessment data, web-based surveys, and key informant interviews. The final reports for the Caregiver Benefit Program and the Supportive Care and Self-Management Care Programs, including recommendations created collaboratively with the Evaluation Working Group, were submitted to the Department.

Juniper House provides a safe refuge for women and their children who have experienced abuse. They received funding to implement an adapted version of the Safety Assessment and Risk Management Package (developed by The Redwood, a shelter and outreach service in Toronto, Ontario) for their services in rural Nova Scotia. Our role was to monitor and evaluate the implementation process over the past year, tracking learnings, successes, challenges, and adaptations along the way. We used a variety of data collection tools with staff, women who the organization serves, and the project coordinators.

We worked with Homeless No More, a plan to end youth homelessness in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, by 2027, to develop a theory of change for their work. A theory of change describes how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. It maps out the spaces between a program’s activities and describes how they lead to the desired goals being achieved. First, stakeholders identify the desired long-term goals, and then work backwards to identify all the conditions that must be in place (and how these related to one another causally) for the goals to occur. These are all mapped out in an ‘Outcomes Framework’.

In January 2018, Status of Women Canada (SWC) announced the launch of the first call for concepts under the Gender Based Violence (GBV) Program, with $20 million in funding for organizations to test promising practices to address gaps in supports to survivors of gender-based violence. Horizons worked with the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC) to design the evaluation plan to be included in their proposal to SWC for this funding.

We worked with Glooscap First Nation to conduct a health facility needs assessment for the community. The assessment is the first step of the Health Facilities and Capital Program (HFCP) of the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), whose mandate is to assist First Nations and Inuit recipients design, develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate capital projects required to support the delivery of health services in their communities.

Our work included a demographic analysis of the community to identify trends that may impact health services; building of a community profile through a document review, inventory of health-related programs and services; and interviews and focus groups held with community members and key stakeholders to identify community assets and challenges.

Through Indigenous Services Canada, the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) and the National Youth Solvent Abuse Program (NYSAP) fund treatment centres across Canada to help Indigenous and Inuit communities develop local programs aimed at preventing alcohol, drug, and solvent abuse, and to help restore the well-being of individuals and communities.

We were contracted by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat (APC) to conduct an environmental scan to review treatment centre governance models across Canada, internationally, as well as leading practices throughout Atlantic Canada. Our work consisted of a mix of methods to gather the required information, including interviews and online search of First Nation and international Treatment Centres’ website searches to determine their governance models.

As the Research & Evaluation Team for this innovative collective impact initiative, we were responsible for the development of its theory of change, evaluation framework and tools, and the ongoing evaluation of its work to address complex social issues in Nova Scotia communities. As part of the work, we also supported a network of communities in using research-based and innovative approaches to addressing issues.

In January 2016, we began working with the provincial project team to evaluate the second phase of the work. We collaborated to update the objectives, logic model, and evaluation framework, and we developed evaluation tools. The methodology, currently being implemented, includes focus groups, key informant interviews, paper and web surveys, and a performance measurement tracking tool. We developed an action planning tool for the project’s working groups and a monthly reporting template for the project coordinator to use with the funder (Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness).

Horizons was engaged to reach out to representatives of equity-deserving communities to gather input on how WellNS can ensure their experiences are reflected in the data. The insights gained from this engagement are intended to strengthen the capacity to conduct needs-based, integrated planning for mental health and addiction services and support for Nova Scotians. We gathered input from representatives of equity-deserving communities through focus groups, key informant interviews, and a web survey and reported back the results to the project team.

Horizons worked with Mental Health & Addictions, Nova Scotia Health Authority to develop and implement a two-phased consultation to identify innovative approaches to providing supports for mild to moderate mental health and/or substance use concerns in the community. Our work included identifying the key factors that need to be in place within these support services. Phase 1 of this consultation included conducting focus groups and key informant interviews with stakeholders. Phase 2 included gathering more detailed information about implementation via focus groups.

Regional libraries across Nova Scotia are creating accessibility plans as part of their commitment to an accessible province by 2030. To support these local plans, a Provincial Library Accessibility Framework was created to provide guidance on accessibility design principles and practices for the provincial library system. As part of creating the Accessibility Framework, the Accessibility Directorate contracted Horizons to carry out the engagement and facilitation of gathering input from provincial organizations that serve or work with people with disabilities. Our work focused on focusing on the important principles and values to consider for creating a Provincial Library Accessibility Framework and the barriers that people with disabilities encounter when accessing, using, and/or working or volunteering at libraries in Nova Scotia. We created and implemented a web survey for the organizations to complete. A report was created that provided the results of that survey. This was followed by a focus group with organizational representatives to gather their input on the framework’s components.

Horizons worked with the Department of Justice to develop and implement a consultation process to review the effectiveness of the Adult Capacity and Decision-making Act (ACDMA) in meeting its purposes and to assess if a formalized supported decision-making should be recognized in Nova Scotia law. We conducted several focus groups and interviews and implemented web surveys to document first-voice input and feedback from persons with disabilities, persons with traumatic brain injury or age-related dementia, their families and advocates, organizations representing their interests, the legal community, the health professions, and many others. We created the final report, available also in a plain language version.

Horizons worked with the NS Remembers Legacy Society to conduct a stakeholder engagement to determine what organizations exist that could provide programs, services, and supports, and to identify gaps in the programs, services, and resources. We partnered with Nova Scotia 211 to create an extensive directory of resources and services available to “West Colchester’, participated in a meeting of stakeholders, and met with representatives of the Mass Casualty Commission regarding their resources and supports.

We were involved in the design and facilitation of the Supported Housing Summit for Nova Scotians with Disability based on a review of the evidence on best practice and the current state in Nova Scotia. The purpose of the work was to:

• Deliver resources and best practices based on a cohesive, person-centered framework;
• Prioritize action and collaborative efforts through open consultation with experts and community stakeholders; and
• Build to a better future of housing for persons with disabilities by engaging all levels of government, non-government supports, individuals, and family networks within Nova Scotia.

With ANS, Horizons prepared three evidence-based papers:

1. On the Autism Spectrum in Nova Scotia: Reviewing the Evidence for Community Living Models

2. In Crisis with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of the Evidence

3. Building To Better: A White Paper on Supported Housing for the Autism and Developmental Disability Community

Using these evidence documents, we designed an inclusive consultation and facilitation plan to conduct two one-day consultations on Supported Housing in Nova Scotia. The purpose of this work was to identify the major strengths and gaps in meeting the desires, needs and expectations in Nova Scotia’s communities. This work and the learnings we shared will serve as a guide to help individuals, families, and service providers navigate supported housing options, a foundation for stakeholder agencies and individuals in relevant sectors to collaborate, and laid the groundwork for building opportunities for supported housing across Nova Scotia.

Fountain of Health received New Horizons for Seniors funding to pilot a new approach with the initiative’s Optimal Aging Workshops, its 4 part series of 90 minute workshops that share the FoH key messages around staying healthy as we age, with an emphasis on brain health and reducing the risks of dementia. Doctors Nova Scotia’s retired physican’s division is a partner in the work and recruited our facilitators.

In this series, the facilitators are retired physicians working in collaboration with community partner organizations. We worked with a FoH team to update the workshop materials, including facilitator guides and slide decks; created and facilitated an orientation day in early May with the retired clinicians; and worked with them and their partners to deliver workshops in their home communities.

Horizons worked with a planning team from Department of Health & Wellness, Eskasoni Health Services and Mental Health Services, Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA)-Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the IWK Health Centre – Mental Health to support the planning and delivery of a one-day session in Eskasoni First Nation, and then facilitated a half-day session with leaders to reflect on the learnings from the previous day and identify next steps. The purpose of the session was to create a shared understanding of the current patient/client flow for Eskasoni children and youth for mental health services to Eskasoni Mental Health, the NSHA, and the IWK. We’re expecting the session will result in ongoing important conversations, more learning, and greater collaboration.

We worked with Cancer Care leaders from Nova Scotia Health and the IWK Health Centre to support the development of a business case for integrated cancer screening, to be submitted to the Nova Scotia Department of Health for funding. Our work involved conducting a rapid review of existing evidence on integrated cancer screening programs, developing a tool to track progress on business case components, and facilitating a group session. We also conducted interviews with Medical Leads for the identified cancer areas and led regular check-ins with the team. Lastly, we created a logic model for the proposed program.

We worked with Evergreen Theatre of East Margaretsville, Nova Scotia on several aspects of their organization. We reviewed the roles the Artistic Director/General Manager undertakes, in consideration of their retirement. Specifically, we identified the roles and responsibilities for an incoming General Manager/Artistic Director, as well as those that can be undertaken by Board members and other volunteers. We created a marketing plan for the Society’s program, with an emphasis on what should happen for each concert; and we created an outline of an operations manual so that all the functions of the Society are identified and processes to carry out the work of the theatre are captured and understood.

In 2020, we were contracted by Prescott Group to design and facilitate a strategic planning process for the organization. In 2024, we worked with them to update that plan. Input was gathered through a web survey and interviews with stakeholders. We also facilitated a Board planning session to review current plan, to focus on areas and strategies, what remains to be done, and determine what new strategies and/or activities should be included in the updated plan. We then created the updated plan.

We were contracted by the PCCHCS to create an operational plan for a new community health centre, offering health service navigation, health promotion activities, and potential space for primary healthcare providers. Our work to create an operational plan for the Society included a strategic framework (target audience, partners, business model), key functions and activities, key channels, human resource framework (organizational structure, governance, HR principles, high level policies and procedures), human resources requirements, systems and infrastructure needed, an implementation plan, and cash flow projections.

Continuing our work with them, we developed a sustainability plan that incorporated key elements of organizational sustainability, human resource sustainability, community engagement, technology sustainability, and the use of evaluation and research for monitoring performance and measuring outcomes.

As a member of the Flourish Community Development Cooperative (known as Leading Edge at the time), we worked with the Board and staff of the Valley REN to develop a strategic and action plan for the organization. Our work included the refreshing of their vision, mission and core values to create their strategic foundation, reviewed their documents and reports, and engaged with stakeholders throughout the region. We then created their strategic and operational plan, grounded in that foundation. The plan includes their strategic priorities, goals for each priority, indicators and measures, and action steps to achieve each goal.

The Naomi Society, based in Antigonish, offers support for individuals who experience family and intimate partner violence through community outreach services. We worked with them to evaluate the Exploring Rural Services in Domestic Violence project. This included exploring and assessing the services that were currently being offered to people in rural Antigonish and Guysborough Counties that have been exposed to Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner & Family Violence, conducting a scan of other related model of services, with a specific focus on web-based services; and development of a 5-year strategic plan, and business case plan.

We were contracted by Prescott Group to design and facilitate a strategic planning process for the organization. Our work included an organizational and environmental scan of the current state, to guide the development of its strategic directions; development and implementation of an engagement strategy, including web survey, focus groups, and interviews with key stakeholders to gather their input; the design and facilitation of a strategic planning session; and the development of the strategic plan.

Both Community INC and CMHA Kings County Branch provide supports for people who experience barriers to employment. Two years ago NS Works was formed, with the intention that anyone who needs employment supports can go to one place in their community and receive the supports they need. At that time, these two organizations formed a partnership to share responsibility for co-managing this part of their mandates. We supported them in reflecting on the strengths of their partnership model, and in identifying how it can be improved.