About Us
Black-eyed Susan flowers represent justice.
They are seen as a symbol of encouragement and motivation to stay on a path of wellbeing and pursue what is best for you.
Coverdale Justice Society works to improve access to justice, provide alternatives to the traditional justice system, and enhance public safety and well-being in our communities. Our dedicated team of helping professionals provide high-quality supports which include court-based, housing-based and community-based services.
Our priorities reflect communities of criminalized women and gender diverse people, including Indigenous and African Nova Scotian women, trans and queer people, those affected by gender-based violence and those living in poverty.
We focus on supporting individuals impacted by the legacy and traumas of historical, and ongoing colonization, racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of marginalization and oppression that impact people uniquely at every intersectional position.
Our History
Coverdale had its origins in 1923 with the pioneering of the inter-provincial home for young women by the Anglican, United Baptist, Presbyterian, and Methodist (United) Churches. The home provided educational and rehabilitation programs in a minimum-security setting. When it closed in 1972, Coverdale transformed to a multi-service community-based organization, operating in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Our Core Values
Empathy – We strive to recognize and understand the perspectives, feelings and lived experiences of others, including and especially those most different from ourselves, and give one another grace.
Justice - We affirm the dignity and worth of each member of our community, while recognizing and working to combat the structural forces (such as racism) that have harmed some groups while benefiting others.
Respect- We root ourselves in our shared humanity and treat each other with kindness and compassion. We’re at our best when we honor the equal dignity and worth of all people — even in the face of conflict.
Responsibility- We are mindful that the actions we take have an impact on people’s lives, and our duty is to them. As a community organization, accountability and integrity is core to our mission. We are entrusted by those we serve to observe the highest standards and ethics.
Collaboration- We value the transformative impact of collaboration. By working together, fostering open communication, furthering understanding, and building caring and supportive environments, we can achieve something bigger than we could alone.
Client-Centricity – We center the voices, priorities and wellbeing of the clients and communities we work with in every decision we make and every action we take.
Solutions Focused- It’s not enough for us to point the finger; we develop, research, and promote concrete steps towards a safe and equitable society for all of us.
Courageousness- We are innovative, creative, and bold in our pursuit of making real and lasting change for women and gender diverse people.