Annual Report 2014-2015

Bringing Care & Community Together

Empowerment Equity Partnership Innovation

2 MacNeil Court [email protected] Kanata, ON K2L 4H7 www.wocrc.ca Phone: 613-591-3686 WOCRC.CRCOO Fax: 613-591-2501 TTY: 2 613-591-0484 BIN: 12821 9201 RR 0001 Message from the Executive Director and Board Chair

As we come to the close of our 29th year As a values-driven organization with a focus serving the community in western , on helping others, making connections with we can look back with pride at a number of people is our primary focus. This is the core of accomplishments. So much of what we do is community development. We build strategic about evolving to better serve the changing partnerships that help us increase and improve needs of our community. It is important for us the services we deliver. We collaborate to look for ways that we can adapt because we with clients and key stakeholders to better Board of Directors know the world around us is changing rapidly. understand our role and how we can help. We This need to evolve is why this year we focused stay in contact with community and government 2014-2015 on establishing a credible foundation and a leaders on all levels as advocates. All of these forward-thinking plan for the future. connections allow us to make a positive impact Chair and influence change in our community for the Mike Merpaw One of this year’s highlights was receiving our better. This process is a true collaborative effort, second approval from the Canadian Centre for and our 2014 Open House showcased this. We Accreditation. The four-year accreditation was were honoured to greet over 300 guests, staff, Vice-Chairs awarded after an extensive review process that board, clients, partners, volunteers, donors, Robert Bourgeois evaluated WOCRC’s governance, management, and community members, individuals who have programs, processes, planning, and been part of our collaborative efforts. Cindy O’Leary performance against established organizational Robert (Bob) McGaraughty standards. Receiving this certification was We are so grateful to the many people who an affirmation of the efforts we have made take part in the work we do at the WOCRC, to establish solid groundwork to meet our particularly when we look back each year Directors community’s needs. at what we have been able to accomplish. Richard Annett The community is a better place because of Shelley Bond Our board and staff evaluated our future the contributions you have made and we will organizational direction through the creation continue to work to grow a thriving, healthy Teisha Gaylard of our 2015-2019 Strategic Plan. The new community with supports in place for those in Johanne Lamarre strategic directions focus on finding ways to need. Cédric Larigaldie deliver more services with limited resources, Amber Nickerson with significant focus on a long-range financial Sincerely, plan that will ensure the WOCRC has the Larry Peterson financial stability to provide sustainable service. Mary-Ann Rowan Moving forward, our strategic directions commit Claudette Roy us to flexible and adaptive service delivery, Mike Merpaw Cathy Jordan increased communications channels, strong and Chair Executive Director expanded strategic partnerships, retention, and Board of Directors Secretary, Ex-Officio Member recruitment of passionate, skilled and, capable Cathy Jordan staff, and continued leadership in advocacy for our community. Our guiding beliefs, particularly innovation, empowerment, and partnerships, will play a significant role as we look for creative solutions to find efficiencies in our work which will enable us to continue to support those in need within our community.

Bringing Care & Community Together Programs

The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) offers health and social services programs to benefit individuals of all ages in the Goulbourn, Kanata, and West Mission Carleton area. We also provide community support services to residents of Nepean.

Community Support Services Ontario Early Years – Carleton The WOCRC partners with others to develop, provide, and coordinate The Community Support Services The Ontario Early Years Centre – Carleton accessible community, health, and social services for all members of our program is committed to helping seniors is a place where parents and caregivers diverse communities. We are committed to ensuring access to permanent and and adults with a physical disability live can get information about programs and quality French Language Services in our designated programs and services. independent, active, and meaningful lives. services available for young children, Some of the services include Meals-on- 0 to 6 years of age. Services include Wheels, foot care clinics and an adult drop-in programs, training opportunities, day program for adults experiencing playgroup support, and special events. dementia-related disorders. There is also an information and referral service, and a resource library. Vision Violence Against Women Program The Violence Against Women Program Community Development offers individual support, information and Rural and Sub-urban Community We envision a future in which western Ottawa is comprised of vibrant, referral, crisis counselling, advocacy, Development at WOCRC has been safe, healthy communities where everyone has access to the services and transitional housing support, and groups focused on advocacy, poverty reduction resources they require for their health and well-being. for abused women and their children. and equity, and diversity and inclusion for visible minorities. There has been a focus Chrysalis House on relationships, capacity-building, and Chrysalis House is a safe and secure community empowerment that was not shelter in western Ottawa. It is a place possible before due to the size of the where a woman can go to protect herself WOCRC catchment area. and her children from violence and abuse. In this supportive environment, a woman Counselling Services can focus on her own personal needs and Counselling Services provides free choices, as well as those of her children. confidential short-term and crisis counseling. Transportation, child care, and Services for Children, Youth, and interpretation services are available upon Families request. The WOCRC presents children, youth, and families with a wide range of programs that help provide coping and learning skills for a variety of issues. Programs include Prevention, homework club, FRIENDS anxiety program, the ZONE, and workshops for parents and community partners.

“I feel I was respected. You will never know how much this and all you have done means to me – thank you.” Guiding Beliefs

The WOCRC has four deeply held beliefs that serve as a compass in our The Ottawa Bullying Prevention Coalition (OBPC) approach in serving the community. We strive to demonstrate our guiding beliefs each day as we interact with clients, partners, volunteers, members, and staff. As we enter into the coming year and work toward achieving each of our strategic Bullying is such a serious and complex The priority areas of the Coalition are to: directions, these beliefs will continue to guide and inform our decisions. issue that we, as community members, • Create an inventory of evidence need to move beyond awareness based tools and approaches to to address it more effectively. The prevent, intervene, and respond to WOCRC’s multi award winning Bullying bullying Prevention Program has taken a lead Empowerment Equity on this issue by forming the Ottawa • Build a website to coordinate We believe that people have the right to We believe that dignity, respect and justice Bullying Prevention Coalition. The accessible and equitable access to make their own choices, and take control, are rights of all people regardless of age, Coalition is made up of service providers community information and services individually and collectively, of their lives. language, ethnicity, culture, religion, ability, and stakeholders from across private across Ottawa gender, income, geographical location or and professional sectors as well as • Identify and accommodate distinct Therefore, we are committed to providing sexual orientation. geographic locations in Ottawa. Key community needs information and resources which will enable partners include Ottawa Public Health, people to make informed decisions. We are We acknowledge that there are systemic, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa school • Provide external support for schools dedicated to creating an environment where social and cultural barriers that prevent people participate in activities that promote people from having equal access to boards, the Children’s Hospital of and extra-curricular activities Eastern Ontario, community health and social change. resources and opportunities. • Build family capacity to report, resource centres, and many more. support, and respond in situations of Therefore, we are committed to recognizing The OBPC recently received three bullying and addressing barriers such as violence, year funding from the Ontario Trillium poverty, isolation, exclusion, oppression and Bullying is not just a school issue but a Foundation to establish city-wide discrimination, so as to enable people to community issue that requires city-wide standards and approaches to support reach their full potential. strategies to support all those impacted. a continuum of meaningful, consistent, Our vision is a safe, respectful, and and sustainable services related to caring community that fosters healthy bullying prevention and intervention. The relationships for all. If you are interested broad goal of the Coalition is to build in finding out more about the Coalition, the capacity of community members Partnership Innovation please contact Angela Lorusso to address bullying, coordinate ([email protected]). We believe that by working together we can We believe that we will transform our vision collaborative initiatives, and put research achieve more than we can on our own. into reality by developing innovative solutions into practice. to the complex and diverse issues facing our Therefore, we are committed to creating community. partnerships with individuals and groups that build on equality, respect, integrity, Therefore, we are committed to creating accountability and responsibility. We will a learning culture that is flexible, dynamic, engage with others in a supportive, non- embraces change, and encourages judgmental environment where everyone evolutionary thinking. We are dedicated to can share knowledge, experience, strengths sharing our learning, knowledge and best and skills. practices for the benefit of the people with whom we interact. Strategic Directions

#1 - Excellence in Programs and Services “At Chrysalis House I felt Definition: Programs and services are effective, efficient, and innovative, building safe and happier - and the on best practices and knowledge. staff was really nice, and very helpful. I will never The WOCRC takes pride in the design and implementation of programs that forget Chrysalis House.” meet the needs of the community through the use of established best practices. Through the use of proven tactics, and with an eye for innovative ways to enhance existing programs, WOCRC brings high standards and relevance to its work.

When Lori remarried and made In her preoccupation with her was back on her feet. When urges, “Leave at the first sign a new family that included her father’s illness, she neglected she contacted one shelter that of abuse.” As hard as it was to son and her then husband’s to meet her husband’s was already full, they referred take that first step and decide two children, she was looking expectations for that evening. her to Chrysalis House. to leave, she is thankful every forward to a bright and happy Although that was when the day that she did. With the help Chrysalis future. She fell in love with began, when Two days after leaving her of the staff at Chrysalis House, House her two stepchildren and so her husband later threatened family’s home, she toured Lori is thriving and looking did her son. Over time, little her son, she knew she couldn’t Chrysalis House and accepted forward to the future. Lori’s Story things began to change. The stay. an open spot, amazed at what changes started out small she experienced. The staff and seemingly innocuous, but Leaving an abusive relationship listened to her, with patience If you are in danger from violence gradually Lori began to realize is rarely an easy decision. and genuine care. They were and abuse and need emergency that she was in a relationship There are many concerns that reassuring and respectful, shelter or crisis support, the with a man who was controlling women have which go beyond something she needed very following Ottawa-based crisis lines and abusive. their own physical, mental, and much because it was such an are available 24 hours a day. emotional safety and well- emotional time. Like so many women in her being. For Lori, leaving meant Moving in to Chrysalis House situation, Lori felt stuck. She that she would take her son, Chrysalis House: 613-591-5901 could not imagine going but leave behind two children was the first bright spot in what to a women’s shelter, she whom she had grown to love Lori calls her year of loss. She Interval House: 613-234-5181 did not belong there. She as much as her own, with no lost her stepchildren, her father rationalized that what she was guarantees that she would be and her dogs, but she gained a La Présence: 613-241-8297 experiencing was not that bad. able to see them again. home – not a shelter – a home. Maison D’Amitié: 613-747-0020 Like many others, Lori entered into a cycle of abuse and For the first couple of days Today, Lori is in her own home. Women’s Crisis Line: 613-745-4818 She still misses the staff at forgiveness that seemed to after leaving, Lori and her son Distress Centre: 613-238-3311 have no end. were able to stay with her Chrysalis, but she says, “I family. However, she knew have so much peace in my One day Lori’s father called that her time with them would heart right now.” When asked with the news that he had be temporary. With no other what she would tell another been diagnosed with terminal options available for the long- woman who finds herself in cancer. The grief of knowing term, she began calling local a similar situation, Lori quickly she would lose her father in a women’s shelters to see if she acknowledges that leaving is short time was overwhelming. qualified to stay in one until she not straightforward, but she Strategic Directions

Ottawa has been home to me benefits. I’m so grateful for the and my family for many years. My sense of belonging they’ve given husband and I have been fortunate me. enough to have a life full of love, Like most caregivers, I spend laughter and companionship. But most of my time ensuring that my in recent years, my husband’s loved one is taken care of, that his health has declined and he has Diners’ Club needs are being met, and that he become housebound. ~from is able to adapt to the constant “My stay at Chrysalis House has allowed me As his primary caregiver, I am changes that go hand in hand with Delores O’Day left with a lot of responsibility at his illness. to look at the big picture. I can now see my home. Between preparing meals, This is why I am so grateful that I life in an objective way and that allows me to ensuring he gets his medicine, and was invited to join the Community make rational decisions and the necessary managing the household finances, Support Services Diners’ Club. I changes to improve it.” I have little time for myself. have an excuse to get out of the As you can imagine, I started house on a regular basis, and I to feel isolated and lonely. An have built strong friendships with acquaintance of mine noticed other seniors, staff, and volunteers. that my loneliness was starting to While spending time with friends impact my own personal wellbeing might seem like a luxury, I have and invited me to attend her and a Violence against women is an read that studies link nurturing intentional pattern of behaviours to group of friends at the local Diners’ friendships, like the ones I have establish and maintain power and Club. control over a woman’s thoughts, built at Diners’ Club, to leading beliefs, conduct and how she lives To be honest, I initially agreed to longer, healthier, and happier lives. the invitation so I could get out of her life. More than anything, this service the house and enjoy a meal that has helped put balance back into The WOCRC’s Violence Against “I look forward to I didn’t have to prepare. But to my life and has brought quality of Women (VAW) program can help my visits to the my surprise, it turned out to be so life back into my day. I am still the abused women and their children much more. Diners Club where I primary caregiver for my husband, who live in Kanata, Goulbourn, West Carleton, have made friends Rideau, Nepean, Osgoode and Bay wards. “[My VAW counsellor] has The WOCRC knows the true but it has been so nice to take a and enjoy the value of building strong support break and be taken care of by the been my guiding light. We welcome: various topics and systems and offers CSS clients lovely staff and volunteers that run She speaks to me and it entertainment.” the opportunity to reap all of its the Diners’ Club. Women from any age, culture, religion, sexual instantly calms me and orientation and ability; adds clarity to my life.”

Women who have left or who are still with their partner; and “Without the help of [my VAW counsellor] I would “The Diners Club Women who would like to know more about not have had the confi- reduces my abusive relationships, the impact on themselves and their children, healthy relationships, self- dence to get a degree in ‘family’s’ worries esteem, anger, etc. nutrition and receive the about me. I met help to parent my children many lovely in a positive way.” people.” Strategic Directions

#2 – Strategic Partnerships The Village of Richmond, a training through the WOCRC, with southwest rural area of Ottawa, is in the goal of empowering Richmond to Definition: A relationship between WOCRC and another organization(s), WORCRC the midst of rapid change. With 1000 independently run the program when coalition, network, or similar, that is characterized by mutual cooperation and partnership new homes slated for development the WOCRC steps back. responsibility to achieve a specified goal, and/or that supports the monitoring of over the next 10 years, the needs Giving communities the knowledge change and the influence over decision-making in our sector and beyond. with of the community are growing for Richmond all ages. The conversation of how and tools to deliver safe, effective, to serve this changing population is and meaningful youth programing is Strategic partnerships help WOCRC leverage its strengths to maximum benefit, Village going to continue for years to come, one way that the WOCRC helps to along with different partners who bring their own strengths to the table. WOCRC Association but this year was one of action for achieve its vision of vibrant, safe, and brings its expertise and our partners bring theirs, which makes for stronger, more local youth. healthy communities. Building valuable programming for clients and further supports building up the western In 2014, the Richmond Village Youth programs delivered by Ottawa community. meaningful youth Association (RVA) received funding the WOCRC give participants engagement in from the City of Ottawa to support opportunities to foster relationships youth and chose to partner with with their peers, as well as trusted Rural Ottawa the WOCRC to develop a program adults. They provide a safe place to Community Developers at the Reformed Church, which is and build capacity within the local have conversations that the youth WOCRC work alongside residents, developing a garden, envisions community. This partnership has may be hesitant to start elsewhere. The ZONE Drop-In, Kanata Youth can ask questions and get community groups, organizations, a place where, “people grow not 170 Castlefrank Road (Dick Brule been very successful so far, resulting businesses, and decision-makers, just veggies, but grow as people, Community Center) in the creation of the Richmond the right information while feeling among others, in support of social as friends, as a community, [that] Youth Centre, with 20-30 youth supported. These programs are also Mondays designed to provide opportunities and systemic change that aims to would be something special.” 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. attending each session since its Community empower communities and works Youth ages 12-18 opening in November 2014. for the youth to volunteer and get Neighbours in Stittsville began involved, which can be a great outlet toward a healthy, safe, and just life Wednesdays Development the Stittsville Community Garden 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tino Bevacqua, President of the RVA, for creativity and learning. for all. Initiative on Facebook after 50 Youth ages 17+ attributes the program’s success Gardening Includes support with job searching, “to the great work and dedication “Many of the youth who come to Community Gardens can help in members joined a conversation housing, etc. our programs benefit from getting achieving some of these large on social media. “Stittsville has from our partners, Western Ottawa LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In, Kanata Community Resource Centre and support where they wouldn’t goals as they improve local spoken! We want a community 170 Castlefrank Road (Dick Brule Richmond Residents for Community necessarily get it otherwise. There’s access to healthy, affordable, garden. Let’s make it happen!” Community Center) a reason they keep coming back Every second and fourth Thursday Space” (RRCS), a community action fresh food while providing health, exclaimed the group’s creator, of the month group. He also acknowledges “the every week. Even when their life is economic, educational, social, Kelsey da Silva. The group wants 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. chaotic, they still come. They want to Youth ages 12-18 years old City of Ottawa for the community and environmental benefits. residents to get in touch with their funding the RVA receives each be there,” says Sarah Smythe, Youth Maintaining a healthy lifestyle roots, grow their own food, and Richmond Youth Drop-In Centre, Community Developer at WOCRC. Richmond year which makes this program matters and community gardens engage with community. 6095 Perth St (Richmond Memorial possible.” This collaboration between Additionally, the meaningful can help accomplish this where we Community Centre) organizations and community makes The Carp Community Garden Every second and fourth Friday of engagement and having just one live, work and play. The WOCRC’s the month this a true community development has become affectionately trusted adult in their life can be a Community Developers are thrilled 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. initiative. mitigating factor when it comes to known as the Neighbourhood Youth ages 12-16 to support and promote a growing prevention and other mental Tomato, and employs volunteer Over the last two years, the RRCS number of community gardens For more information please contact health concerns and risk factors. “tomato heads”. The community Sarah at 613-591-3686 x237 or group has done a great amount in the communities of Morgan’s email [email protected] has declared their goal to grow of advocacy work to highlight Grant, Glen Cairn, Stittsville, produce for the West Carleton the needs of youth in Richmond. Richmond, and Carp. Members of this group also volunteer Food Access Centre. directly at the Youth Centre, helping Why do communities get involved Contact the WOCRC’s Community to facilitate the program along in community gardens? Aaron Developers – Julie (mckercher@ with WOCRC staff, who lends Helleman, a committee member Ben and son, Ray, at Kanata-North wocrc.ca) or Maria ([email protected]) their expertise on best practice of the Kanata Community Christian Community Garden - for more information. youth programming and supports. Community volunteers are receiving Strategic Directions

#3 – Strong Foundation

Definition: Financially sustainable and accessible programs and services, supported by solid administrative process and practices, that reach all members of our diverse community and are delivered by professional staff and volunteers in a positive working environment.

WOCRC is consistently reviewing resources, programs, and processes to determine areas of need or where improvements can be implemented. There has always been a strong foundation in place, and these efforts ensure that it grows even stronger.

Each year the WOCRC quick to engage in training members of the community, accepts nominations for the and began volunteering in and expressed his feelings Eva James Award, an award the administrative services saying, “In our community we established to recognize a program. It soon became have a responsibility to ensure volunteer who best personifies evident that Atif demonstrates people can get the help and 2014-2015 the commitment exemplified an excellent understanding of support they need. It is all by Eva James. Eva James the roles and responsibilities of about helping each other.” Eva James was a dedicated community society towards those in need Described as compassionate, Award volunteer who passed of support, and he makes energetic, and kind, Atif has Recipient away suddenly in 1995. Eva extraordinary efforts to help not only been invaluable to enthusiastically volunteered whenever he can. As he noted, his program but to the strong Atif Malam in our community for over 15 “It is always important to help foundation of WOCRC. It is years and was one of the key others, to care for them, share because of volunteers like people who helped to create with them, and hopefully one Atif that we are able to better the WOCRC. This year, the Eva day they can pass that on to serve our community through James Award was given to Atif someone else.” Atif’s positivity our day-to-day interactions Malam, a community member is one of his most evident with clients, partners, who always goes above and traits, and as he said, “One of volunteers, and staff. Atif has beyond for others. the best parts of volunteering undoubtedly enriched the is interacting with everybody Atif’s journey as a WOCRC lives of those around him, and and saying a simple hello to all volunteer began several years his work will continue to help the people that you see.” ago when he read about those in need. volunteer opportunities in Beyond the traditional the local newspaper. With volunteer role, Atif possesses a previous experience at other deep understanding for those The staff of WOCRC would like to community organizations, living with a physical disability. thank all the volunteers who have Atif was ready to take on a Throughout his volunteer dedicated their time in 2014-2015 to new challenge. Brimming with career he has advocated for better their community. Your kindness enthusiasm and spirit, Atif was accessible services for all and dedication are greatly appreciated. Outcomes

53 children who witnessed violence received support As a result of our partnership with from the centre. the Children’s Aid Society, we’ve We were able to been able to help 125 women who provide 7,457 drives experienced violence, which has made to seniors and adults an impact on the lives 185 children. with physical disabilities.

We were able to provide day services to 106 clients We had over 1,692 hours of as part of our Adult Day Violence Against Women Program. This program counselling sessions. provides a full day of activities to adults experiencing dementia-related disorders. 167 women and children received shelter at Chrysalis House. We had 2,649 children, and 2,040 parents/caregivers to turn away 307 1,306 children Participated in playgroups in 2014- women due to Came through our Bullying 2015 through our Ontario Early Years lack of space. Prevention Program in We served 1,967 Centre. Parents and caregivers can use 2014, where they learned individuals, which OEYC as a resource to get answers about the 4 strategies in reflects over 3,399 to questions, find information about preventing bullying: client contacts programs and services for young with the counselling children, and actively participate with 1. Take a stand team. their children in early learning activities, 2. Build connections which helps prepare children for school. 3. Tell an adult 4. Stay safe Donors

The WOCRC is grateful to all of the individuals and organizations that give Funders so generously and take time to engage the community to help support our The WOCRC receives funding from numerous programs and services that help so many. sources in addition to donations. This funding, Every donation makes a difference in our community. along with the generous contributions from our donors, allow us to continue the work of serving the communities of western Ottawa. Benefactors Sponsors Supporters $10,000+ $1,000-$4,999 Under $1,000 Provincial Canadian Women’s Foundation Amberwood Village Golf and Country AXIA Property Management Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) Club, Ladies League Ministry of Community and Social Services Leacross Foundation Community Bible Church (MCSS) Bells Corners United Church UCW Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #593 Granite Curling Club, Evening Ladies Ministry of Education Beta Sigma Phi Ottawa, Zeta Chapter Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #638 Curling Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Brian McCann, Your Electric Bill Champlain Local Health Integration Network Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Hazeldean Family Dental Centre Analyzed for you Intercultural Dialogue Institute, Campbell Chiropractic Health Centre Ottawa Municipal City of Ottawa Canadian Tire Store #272 IODE - Margaret Brand Chapter Patrons Christ Church Ashton Kanata Senior Centre, Mon & Fri $5,000-$9,999 Total Revenue = $6,568,822 Dr. Emma Gofton & Susan Thorne Chair Exercise Group Bell Canada Fitzroy Pastoral Charge Privacy Analytics Chartwell Stonehaven Manor Glen Cairn United Church Roland Michener School Council

CIBC Children’s Foundation Kanata Community Christian Reform Donations Kanata Hazeldean Lions Club Church $149,456 Kanata Seniors Council Kanata Golf & Country Club, Ladies League Kanata United Church Programming Other Kanata Sports Club, Wednesday $374,154 $578,919 Knox United Church Night Dart League Good Corporate Citizen Award This recognition program pays tribute Ontario REALTORS Care Foundation SkyWave Mobile Communications to companies who have adopted the Parish of March Inc. Western Ottawa Community Resource Robert Campeau Family Foundation Sunset Singers Seniors’ Choir Centre as their cause of choice The Home Depot Canada and encourage their employees to volunteer in fundraising for the Municipal Foundation $1,351,675 Provincial WOCRC. $4,114,618 United Way of Greater Toronto

United Way Waterside Retirement Community Royal LePage Team Realty Centraide West Carleton Seniors’ Council Royal LePage Gale Real Estate Canada Xi Alpha Lambda SkyWave Mobile Communications Inc. Donors

We would like to extend our ongoing thanks to Royal LePage The Western Ottawa Community Shelter Foundation, Royal LePage Team Realty & Royal LePage Resource Centre salutes Gale Real Estate. They have been ongoing supporters of both The Royal Canadian Legion – Chrysalis House and WOCRC’s Peer Support Program. Branches 593 & 638

March 2015 ~ The Royal Canadian November 2014 ~ We received a Legion, Bells Corners, Branch 593 generous donation of $6,000 from Comrade Flora Riley & President Joel James Wright, Royal LePage Team VanSnick presented a cheque in the Realty amount of $5,000 to Cathy Jordan, Executive Director, WOCRC. (Picture December 2014 ~ Mary Browne, L-R Flora Riley, Cathy Jordan, Joel Royal LePage Team Realty, VanSnick) presented a cheque for $15,000 to Chrysalis House Manager Martine Dore & Cathy Jordan, Executive Director, WOCRC (Picture L-R Martine Dore, Mary Browne, Cathy Jordan) March 2015, The Royal Canadian Legion, Kanata, Branch 638 2nd Vice-President Moira Green presented a cheque in the amount of $2,000 to Michael D. Merpaw, WOCRC Board Chair & Cathy Jordan, Executive Director, WOCRC. Also pictured above is Councillor Allan Hubley. (Picture L-R Councillor Allan Hubley, Moira Green, Michael Merpaw, Cathy Jordan)

We would like to thank both R.L.C.’s for their generous support throughout the years! The donations, from both branch’s Poppy Trust Funds, will directly benefit WOCRC's Community Support Services within the Nepean / Barrhaven community & WOCRC's Meals on Wheels program. Testimonials

Counselling Services “I feel very comfortable coming to the WOCRC and talking about my issues with the counselor. I feel safe and I trust who I meet with; it’s a really great feeling – thank you.”

Community Support Client - Transportation “Because our family members are located long distance form the Ottawa/ Kanata area we would be in dire straits without the wonderful service you offer.”

Adult Day Program “My husband goes to this program with a smile on his face and the smile is even broader when he comes home. Thank you so much for this program.”

Ontario Early Years “As a caregiver and parent, the EYC gives me many resources and I love the fact that I can bring my kids to playgroups and programs…getting us out of the house and socialization for kids and me!”

Meals on Wheels “I can be sure mother has easy access to good food without needing to use the stove.”

Special thank you to Lisa Adams and Sarah Smythe for your dedication and focus in preparing the materials that make the report this year so meaningful and poignant. We couldn’t have done it without you.