Each week we will post a summary of interesting and representative 211 calls. This week, we have connections from New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

New Brunswick:

There is so much to take in after moving, especially after moving to a new province. 211 Service Navigators are there to help people find necessary benefits and programs to help them adjust and thrive in their new homes.

A 211 Service Navigator received a call from a gentleman and his wife who had recently moved to New Brunswick from another province. They were older adults. They had questions about benefits sent to seniors in New Brunswick, and they were wondering why they had not received any help or benefits, as they were low-income individuals.

They felt that they could benefit from financial assistance for their rent and food. They were a bit overwhelmed and they did not know where to start, where to apply, and to which benefits they were entitled. The Service Navigator took the time to listen actively and to probe further to understand their situation better. She then explained how exactly they would be able to apply for the benefits to which they were entitled. They could apply for benefits that would help them with the cost of their housing, food, and fuel, and for some general financial assistance.

By the end of the phone call, they knew what they could be eligible for and how to receive it. They also understood the New Brunswick social service system better and how to apply for benefits online and how to get paper forms if they preferred.

The older adults were very happy with the information received and the guidance on where and how to apply. They were grateful that the Service Navigator took the time to listen and to go over the benefits offered to seniors by the province of New Brunswick. They were not offered follow-up, as they have to wait later in the year to apply for some of the benefits. However, they were welcomed to call back with any questions in the future.

Newfoundland and Labrador:

Everyone needs help sometimes. People often tell Service Navigators that they never believed that they would in the circumstances in which they find themselves. Service Navigators do not judge callers; they know that anyone can easily find themselves in the position of needing assistance from community and social services.

A woman called 211 and told the Service Navigator that she had medical issues, such as diabetes, and was seeking more nutritious food than what was available at the food bank that she was currently attending. The caller also revealed that she was an older adult and she had trouble getting to food banks. She said that she had never thought that she would be in this situation and that she used to give to food banks.

The Service Navigator referred the caller to a program that could be able to give her healthier food than she was currently receiving. The Service Navigator also informed the caller about the services of Connections for Seniors and that they could potentially provide other services that she might need. The caller thanked the Service Navigator for the referrals and said that she would connect with the services for assistance.