2023/2024
Annual Report
Message From the President of Our Board and Our Executive Director
Dear Community Members, Partners, and Supporters,
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we present the 2023/2024 annual report for the Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre (NROCRC). This past year has been marked by significant achievements and growth, underscoring our unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community members.
At NROCRC, we believe in the importance of continuous learning and development for our staff to ensure we can best serve our community. In 2023, we continued our Trauma-Informed Training, a crucial aspect of our approach to social service work. Adopting a trauma-informed approach allows us to better understand and support individuals who have experienced trauma, ensuring our services are compassionate, respectful, and effective. This training helps our staff create safe environments, foster trust, and promote healing for those we serve.
We also focused on capacity building within our community and we know that the best way to do this work is in partnership with other organizations to bring specific skills to community members who need them. An example of this collaborative work is our partnership with iSisters, a low-cost, high-impact charity that mentors disadvantaged women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, providing free skill development programs in computer literacy, internet usage, and job readiness. In partnership, we brought iSisters to our seniors’ programming and newcomer women groups, offering them valuable digital skills and fostering greater independence and confidence. iSisters trained 59 community members with skills that will assist them in employment, social connection and integration into the ever-increasing virtual world.
In our rural catchment, we have seen remarkable progress. Through the Community Development Framework in Osgoode, NROCRC Community Development staff collaborated with the Osgoode Outreach Group to secure funding for the community to host monthly meetings, meals and programming planned for seniors by senior Resident Leaders. In collaboration with Rural Ottawa Seniors Support Services (ROSSS) and South Nepean Community Health Centre, NROCRC’s Counselling Team introduced an innovative caregiver support group. This initiative not only extends our rural reach, but it provides support to caregivers and enhances the quality of care for their loved ones. Additionally, our partnership facilitated local rural access to our Counseling Services, providing invaluable support to caregivers facing myriad challenges.
Additionally, NROCRC supported the Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective (ROYMHC) in hosting two impactful training summits for mentors of rural youth. In Manotick in April 2023, 35 mentors received training in SafeTalk, Motivational Interviewing, and How to Help a Friend by CHEO’s YouthNet. In November 2023 in Greely, 30 mentors underwent a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Training. These summits have equipped mentors with the skills necessary to provide crucial support to rural youth, addressing mental health needs in our community.
A highlight of this year has been our new partnership with The Ottawa Food Bank (OFB). Recognizing an increased need, NROCRC and OFB introduced the Wrap-Around Supports Initiative (WASI) to combat chronic food insecurity. Through this partnership, OFB aims to provide holistic support and services beyond food assistance, empowering clients and improving their quality of life. With NROCRC’s involvement, we were able to hire a full-time Poverty Reduction Worker who operates at four local Food Banks each week, connecting clients to community resources, assisting with paperwork, and providing casework support for over 520 families. This partnership has been transformative, allowing us to address food insecurity while also offering personalized support that enhances client empowerment and overall quality of life. The collaborative efforts of OFB and NROCRC have made a significant impact, demonstrating the power of strategic partnerships in addressing complex community issues.
The achievements of 2023/2024 have demonstrated NROCRC’s strength, innovation, and dedication to addressing the needs of our rural, suburban, and urban communities. Guided by our strategic goals, we remain committed to our vision of improving the health and well-being of all Nepean, Rideau, and Osgoode residents, acting as an agent for positive social change and community resilience.
As we move forward, we are inspired by the resilience and strength of our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, partners, funders, and supporters. Your unwavering support is instrumental in our mission to create a thriving and inclusive community.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
Warm regards,
Brad Spooner
Executive Director
Tushar Shakya
Board President
2023/2024 Highlights
People Served by Our Programs
Number of unique clients who participated in each program
Intake, Information and Referral
Baby Cupboard
Community Development
Seniors Programming
Caring and Sharing
Income Tax Clinics
Summer Camps
EarlyON
Milk & Eggs
Ontario Electricity Support Program
Kids Up Front Partnership
Tools 4 School
Adult Counselling
Youth Counselling
After School
Misc. Sports & Recreation
Outreach
Wrap Around Support Initiative
Good Food Box
East African Parents Association
NROCRC’s Programs and Services
NROCRC’s work reflects our vision and mission by removing barriers and providing support to people most in need as we seek to improve the health and well-being of our communities. All of our programming is offered at no cost to the residents of our communities, allowing for equitable access to all, and removing the economic barriers that might otherwise be imposed elsewhere. We continued to provide flexible in-person and virtual programming, reflecting the ongoing needs of our communities throughout 2023/2024 and continue to enjoy the opportunities to interact with our community members and partners.
Children and Youth Programs
Programming for Children and Youth included the After School Program, Summer Camps, EarlyON, Tools 4 School, programming offered through the Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective partnership, and much more.
View highlights of our children and youth programs and services in 2023/2024
Programming for Children and Youth included the After School Program, Summer Camps, EarlyON, Tools 4 School, programming offered through the Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective partnership, and much more.
The After School Program is funded through the provincial government and is offered in the Parkwood Hills and Manordale neighbourhoods. Combined registration for these 2 programs is 95 participants with an annual attendance of 9,275 visits.
We received funding from the Ottawa Sport and Entertainment Group and Participaction to support the delivery of our 2023 Summer Camps program. We offered camps in Parkwood Hills, Tanglewood, Manordale, and Barrhaven with a total registration of 133 participants.
EarlyON programming is for parents or caregivers and their children 0-6 years of age. EarlyON operates year around and is offered 4 days a week in Parkwood Hills and Manordale. This program is supported financially by the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa. Thank you to Minto Incorporated and the Manordale Community Association for the access to space.
We partner with Caring and Sharing Ottawa to deliver a back-to-school supply program that supports families from kindergarten to grade 12. Our relationship with Caring and Sharing is unique in that we register clients in a centralized database and Caring and Sharing provides the backpacks and school supplies for kids in kindergarten to grade 9, while NROCRC provides the backpack and supplies for those who live in our catchment and are in grades 10-12. In 2023 we collectively supported 310 children and youth.
NROCRC continues to work in the rural community of Osgoode in collaboration with the Osgoode Youth Association. In 2021, through funding provided by the Ontario United Way we were able to provide 133 youth living in rural communities with counselling support. Additionally, 21 parents were provided information and support. Additionally, NROCRC continues to remain a crucial partner with the Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective (ROYMHC), providing Administrative and financial oversight, consultation, counselling and human resource management.
Adult and Family Programs
Our programs for adults and families are aimed at women, families, and newcomer populations in multiple neighbourhoods, and include food security initiatives, emergency diaper and formula support, sports and recreational activities, the Milk & Eggs program, community development, Ontario Electricity Support Program application assistance and more.
View highlights of our adult and family programs and services in 2023/2024
Milk and Eggs continues to be a well-attended program providing expecting mothers with nutritional items and information to support them during their pregnancy. It also is a great opportunity for expectant mothers to engage with other women and learn together and exchange information. We are thankful for the support of Ellie and Clarke Topp who, through the Community Foundation of Ottawa, have been funding the program since its inception at NROCRC.
NROCRC is proud to be providing mentorship for the East African Parents Association. The project supports families of African decent who require assistance with various government processes, applications and navigation of the social service system. The team of dedicated staff and volunteers have been instrumental in changing the lives of many. The three-year project is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation family innovations stream.
The Good Food Box is a collaborative food security program that provides weekly fresh vegetables and fruit to families for a nominal fee. The food boxes are delivered directly to NROCRC, and people come to our Centre for pick up.
We have formed a very good partnership with iSisters to deliver computer literacy programs for women. These progressive programs support women and prepare them for employment, self employment, educational pursuits or simply learning. In total 59 women have had the opportunity to participate in 331 sessions during 2023.
Community Development is the cornerstone of the work that is carried out in local neighbourhoods. In 2023 there was significant focus on getting people out into the community to participate in programming and activities. We continued to work at the local neighbourhood level bringing people together, organizing events, facilitating programming and strengthening our partnerships.
Seniors Programs
NROCRC’s seniors programming aims to reduce the social isolation often experienced by older adults in our communities by creating opportunities for seniors to enjoy time together, gain knowledge and new skills, and share experiences.
View highlights of our supports to seniors in 2023/2024
Funding from the Ottawa Community Foundation has enabled our team to continue to deliver in-person senior programs and maintain a virtual presence. The seniors Drop-In Groups, Yoga, Zumba and Tai-Chi are examples of the activities that are available to seniors. All these activities are free of charge and are offered at our main location 1547 Merivale Road or the at 1341 Meadowlands Drive.
Many seniors come to NROCRC to have their personal income tax returns completed. This program has been available for over 10 years and is delivered in March and April. Fifty percent of the 331 returns done in 2023 were for those over the age of 65.
Unfortunately, in April of 2023 we received news from the Province that our annual base funding to deliver the Elder Abuse Response and Referral Service was being cut. This program originated at NROCRC and delivered for 16 years until it closed May 31, 2023. Thank you to all who supported our work during those years.
Counselling Services
With mental health supports being a priority for our communities, our dedicated team of counsellors were able to offer in-person and virtual short-term counselling to individuals, adults, couple, seniors, and youth aged 12 to 17 residing in our catchment area. As part of this team, our Intake Worker is often the first point of contact for people seeking a wide array of resources and referrals, as well as help in navigating systems of support.
View highlights of our Counselling Services in 2023/2024
One of our counsellors provides support in partnership with the Rural Ottawa South Support Services, to facilitate ongoing sessions for two Caregiver Groups, whose loved ones are incapacitated by dementia and/or chronic illness. Topics that were addressed included stress and anger management, understanding cognitive decline, healthy boundaries as a family caregiver, as well as self-advocacy and self-care. In addition to the Caregiver’s groups, our counsellor co-facilitated a Grief and Loss group at ROSSS and co-facilitated an adult ADHD skills group in the Program Room at NROCRC. Further, our counsellors have provided workshops and presentations to community groups on topics such as: Coming back from a Major Illness (Osgoode Seniors Group), Self Care and the Aging Process (Seniors Group in Bells Corners) and Trauma Informed Community Leadership (Together Project through NROCRC).
We continued to offer our rural youth counselling services in partnership with the Osgoode Youth Association (O-YA), providing one-on-one, in-person and virtual counselling sessions, mental health education and information sessions for youth and their caregivers, and collaboration with community organizations/groups to enhance youth mental health supports across rural communities in Ottawa. Some of the common topics that arose through one-on-one counselling sessions with youth were friendship concerns, stress and anxiety, bullying, lack of motivation, and sleep issues, among many more.
Our rural youth counsellor also partnered with the Rural Ottawa Youth Mental Health Collective and offers monthly mental health chats about various topics such as, healthy communication, transitions, bullying, self-esteem, sexual education, active listening and more. These are open discussions led by our rural youth counsellor and co-facilitated with youth support workers from OYA. Teens attending these chats are between the ages of 12-17. The rural youth counsellor also plans workshops or discussions based on communities needs and requests.
Our Intake Worker supported over 1000 community members during 2023. Some of the priority areas that clients were seeking help for included food security support, financial assistance (for rent, hydro/gas/water), housing, mental health counselling, general information for newcomers, and referrals for a variety of resources.
We also continued our valuable partnerships with Jewish Family Services of Ottawa to offer a weekly walk-in counselling clinic at NROCRC for residents to access both in-person and virtual services in various languages, such as Arabic and Somali, as well as with the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre to provide Violence Against Women (VAW) counselling services in both official languages.
Volunteer of the Year
Peter Steida
Peter Stieda began his legal career on April 22, 2004. In 2007, as a practicing lawyer for Legal Aide Ontario, he began supporting NROCRC clients with free consultation, advice, notarizing documents and referrals. In 2015, when Peter started his own law firm as a sole practitioner of Stieda Law Professional Corporation, he graciously offered to continue, and to this day still provides the free legal support for the community at large.
We asked Peter why he offers his time and he said, “I go to NROCRC because there’s a crying, unfulfilled need in the community for the services provided. My small commitment, I hope, somewhat alleviates the great stress people experience when having to deal with legal issues that randomly fall in our laps, from drafting simple affidavits, to providing advice regarding more complex legal issues. Where I don’t have the expertise in a particular area of law, then I try at least providing clients with guidance and direction. As is the case for so many other lawyers who offer pro bono services I imagine, there’s simply the personal satisfaction in solving problems, from the simple to the complex, or at least offering concrete solutions to steer a problem toward resolution, that provides us with the reward for our services.”
On behalf of NROCRC’s current and past employees, Board of Directors and those who have been the beneficiary of your generous contributions, we collectively are recognizing Peter as our 2023-2024 Volunteer of the Year.
2023/2024
Financial Report
Our detailed financial statements are available here:
Where our Funding Comes From
Champion of the Year
Awarded to BMO Bank of Montreal, Barrhaven West branch
BMO – Bank of Montreal is a leading North American bank that is committed to progress: for a thriving economy, a sustainable future and an inclusive society. Through these commitments, NROCRC is fortunate to be connected to BMO and is very pleased to honour them as our 2023/2024 Champions of the Year. BMO’s Barrhaven West branch has provided NROCRC with event sponsorship of our Shine a Light on our Community Gala, as well as program funding for our children and youth, including our summer camps. Thanks to BMO, we are able to make a positive difference in the lives of the children, youth, families, and individuals that we support. We appreciate BMO’s generous contributions to our organization, and to our community.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
We work with others to improve the overall health of diverse communities.
Our Board
Our organization is overseen by a Board of Directors from a variety of backgrounds in the community.
Our Partners
We collaborate with a variety of community partners and stakeholders.
Our Funders and Sponsors
In addition to our many caring donors, NROCRC is grateful to receive support from funders and sponsors.
What NROCRC Clients are Saying
Being a newcomer to Canada has been one rollercoaster ride, and I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to (my counsellor) and NROCRC. These angels have been my lifeline through it all. The challenges were overwhelming, and I felt lost, but they gave me a level of support I never knew existed. In their counseling program, I felt truly seen and valued, they genuinely cared about me and my well-being. They didn’t just throw theories at me; they handed me practical tools to navigate through life’s hurdles. I honestly believe they saved my life. When things felt impossible, they lifted me up and showed me a way forward. If you’re going through tough times, don’t hesitate to knock on their door. I promise you, they’ll welcome you with open arms and provide the kind of support that can change your life. I’ll forever be grateful for their love and care.
Our family discovered the NROCRC Playgroup at Manordale early last year through a friend. We have been participating at least 1x a week at this location as it is very local to us and commuting is a challenge for us. Maha has gone above and beyond helping those in the community that attend. Listening to parental struggles and offering valued suggestions to help support parents through childhood development. She is also attentive to changing needs of the program for instance in September when the older children transitioned there was a lack of enrollment leaving the room empty at times at first she attempted to make things more fun with specific stations and toys but then developed a plan for the Little Chefs group which has skyrocketed enrollment. As the playgroup is run through NROCRC Maha and her team have been a wealth of knowledge in providing resources. The Little Chefs group is also zero waste, having left over ingredients distributed back to community members in need. There has also been special occasions of appreciation where clothing donations, skate donations and mommy/me packages were offered. As such the value this playgroup has offered much more than a place to play/learn every week but a pillar of lasting support and growth for our family. As we transition to school this September we will be very sad to say goodbye to our friends. We hope that the playgroup continues to flourish in the years to come.
I joined Women of Tomorrow workshop on how to start a small business in Canada. I am very grateful for the opportunity that NROCRC gave me to participate in this workshop and meet other people who were exploring the same idea as myself. The Workshop was well designed and very interactive and l have learned a lot from it.