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

Newfoundland and Labrador:

Caregiving is challenging, especially when it is not clear what services exist. 211 Service Navigators can help caregivers find the resources that their loved ones need.

A woman called on behalf of her brother who has an intellectual disability and also requires a special diet. She told the Service Navigator: “I have to help my brother; he can’t do this on his own.”

The Service Navigator assured the sister that she would look for services that could assist her brother. After some probing to see what the brother needed and what supports he already had, the Service Navigator found out that the sister was trying to sort out his dietary and transportation needs. She gave the caller referrals to programs that could assist with the special diet and with transportation for her brother. The caller was grateful for the options and said that she would contact them as soon as possible.

New Brunswick:

211 Service Navigators never know what call they will receive next. They help each caller identify options and possible opportunities.

A 211 Service Navigator took a call from a woman in New Brunswick. She was looking for some financial assistance for transportation to see a medical specialist. Unfortunately, the specialist practiced outside of New Brunswick, so she would need funding to visit the specialist outside of the province.

The Service Navigator listened to her and clarified her exact need with her. She probed for more details. When she thoroughly understood the situation, she did some research and offered the caller two potential resources to contact. The caller thanked the Service Navigator and said she would contact the agencies right away.