Category Archives: Blog

Why I partner with The Mission: CYNTHIA

Cynthia is a Nurse Practitioner who has worked at The Mission’s health clinic since 2011, with a one year pause to obtain her PhD in Nursing. In addition to the clinic, she also provides care to vulnerable community members at other shelters, within people’s homes, and, as part of the response to COVID-19, in the assessment van where she tests patients. “Some clients can’t come to the clinic so we go to them.” Cynthia calls this approach “healthcare without walls”. “I appreciate the flexibility to meet people where they’re at and get them the care they need.” Cynthia also connects care providers and vulnerable patients through virtual care online.

It means a lot to Cynthia to earn trust and break down barriers to care for people who are homeless or insecurely housed, and help them overcome impediments to obtaining healthcare which include physical or mental illness and past negative experiences with the healthcare system. “Some people fear homelessness or people who have addictions. When you get to know them, you come to understand they’re the same as we are: human beings.”

Why I work for The Mission: DYLAN

Dylan has had a lot of pain and hardship in his young life. But he has also accomplished more than he ever dreamed possible, and credits The Mission for supporting him when he needed it most.

When he was very young, Dylan had fallen into alcohol and drugs, and spent time in jail. Although his remorse was overwhelming, with the love of his family, he achieved his high school diploma while incarcerated, and also discovered he loved working in the kitchen there. Upon release, he enrolled in and graduated from the FSTP, and then from Algonquin College’s Culinary Management Program on the Dean’s List and Honour Roll!

Dylan felt part of something special at The Mission: for the first time in his life, he didn’t feel judged. He got a job in The Mission’s kitchen in 2019, and built on this in 2020 by becoming the new FSTP Coordinator. “I really developed a passion for helping people because if someone could do that for me, I should be paying it forward.”

Why I volunteer for The Mission: LAURIANNE

Laurianne has volunteered continuously at The Mission since 2006,except for two periods away. She works in the kitchen and the clothing room. During COVID-19, she worked five shifts a week. “It’s my pleasure and duty to serve clients; I feel inspired to help them. They need and deserve it.”

Laurianne’s favourite task is to serve meals. “I enjoy interacting with clients. I greet them with a smile, address Francophone clients in French, ask how they are, and try to remember their preferences. I want them to know that they matter. When you offer warmth and sincerity, even those that don’t respond initially begin, over time, to respond, to smile back and a connection is made, which is precious.”

Laurianne’s service has taught her a lot about homelessness. “You realize how precarious life can be. All it takes is for one thing to go wrong and anyone can become homeless. And many are trapped in homelessness because of the lack of affordable housing in Ottawa.”

Doing Nothing Could Cost Plenty

It used to be all about protecting his family – making sure a guardian had been named and that there would be enough money to raise the children in the event of a tragedy.  They had been taught that having a current Will was essential!  But now that the children were grown and his wife had passed away, he wasn’t sure what a new Will should look like.

He had heard from others that his estate could hold a big tax bill. He didn’t have to pay taxes on the bank accounts and investments he had shared with his wife when she died but what would happen when he passed away?

His advisor affirmed that Estate Planning was important because his life situation had changed.  When they laid out his financial landscape and added up all his assets, he was surprised at the number. The values of his home, life insurance policies, RRSP’s and RRIF’s, and investment accounts added up to a few hundred thousand dollars.  They also determined that he did have a tax liability on his estate.

“Doing nothing will cost your estate plenty; doing some simple planning can benefit so many.”

If he didn’t change his Will, about 50% of the value of his RRSP and RRIF could be lost to taxes because their entire value would be treated as income in the year of his death.  The capital gains on the few stocks he owned would also cost his estate money.

As he became more and more uncomfortable with the thought of so much money being paid in taxes, his advisor carefully laid out some options:

  • Naming a charity as the beneficiary of his RRSP and RRIF could offer his Estate a donation receipt that would wipe out the taxes owed.
  • Donating stocks directly to charity either while he lived or through his Will would ensure the capital gains were eliminated.
  • Changing the beneficiary on the small life insurance policy he had owned for so long to charity would allow him to claim the premiums as donations while he lived or would offer a donation receipt for the whole death benefit when he died.
  • Leaving a percentage of his Estate to charity in his Will would provide a legacy that would reflect his life and the things that were important to him.

His planning would serve to eliminate any taxation on his estate and would still leave his children with an inheritance that would help them out while the charities he chose would also receive generous support.

Although this isn’t a real story, it is an example of many people that our partners at ADVISORS with Purpose work with every day.

ADVISORS with Purpose (AWP) is part of the family of ministries of Financial Discipleship Canada. As a Mission partner, AWP offers free and confidential estate plans for our donors, helping these donors fulfill their desire to be faithful stewards of assets that will be left behind in their estate and will. This confidential service is provided at no cost to Mission supporters; there are no obligations and the Estate Advisors will never try to sell you any product.

For more information or to set up a time to speak with an Estate Advisor, click here or contact Advisors with Purpose at plan@advisorswithpurpose.ca

The Ottawa Mission Partners With GiveShop and Local Artist Erika Déruaz

The Ottawa Mission is pleased to announce its new partnership with GiveShop, an exciting Ottawa-based start-up whose mission it is to make it easy for Canadians to give to their favourite charities. The GiveShop online marketplace is the place to go to buy and sell, and support the life-changing programs of The Mission. We’re proud to announce our first vendor, Ottawa artist Erika Déruaz!

Erika was born and educated in Zurich. She moved to Ottawa in 1966 and became an important member of the Ottawa visual arts community. Now, just shy of her 90th birthday, Erika has put down her paintbrush and is having a final sale of her paintings. All proceeds will go to the Ottawa Mission.

Erika’s art reflects her European and Canadian heritage. She has been a Fellow of the Ottawa Watercolour Society and a long-time member of Arteast Ottawa. Over the years, she has won many awards. Her works are included in a large number of private and corporate collections, including the City of Ottawa Art Collection.

Although most of her work consists of watercolours and acrylics, in later years Erika also experimented with mixed media and abstraction.  Works will be displayed on GiveShop 10 at a time, with new works to be added throughout the year. The paintings will include landscapes, still life, architectural and floral studies, and a variety of abstracts.

The Ottawa Mission is thrilled to welcome the kind support of Erika, and we look forward to sharing her beautiful creations with our generous donors.

To see Erika’s work and learn more about GiveShop, please visit their website at: https://www.giveshop.ca

Giving Thanks For A New Country

Deng first came to Canada as a political refugee from Sudan in 2000, landing in Vancouver and making his way to Brooks, Alberta where he worked in a meat packing plant. His experience as a civil society leader inspired him to join the fight for better working conditions and wages at the plant. The story was featured on the CBC news. Deng’s activism, however, made for an uncomfortable relationship with his employer, so he pursued a new path, training in Calgary to become a personal support worker.

Deng found a job at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, but eventually returned home, motivated by patriotism, to support a new peace agreement. “I was elected Chair of Civil Society in the new South Sudan, a non-governmental organization,” Deng says, “and I still hold that position.” South Sudan is the world’s newest country, founded in 2011 following decades of colonial rule and Africa’s longest civil war.

Deng returned to Canada in 2017 with the help of the U.N. and Canadian Embassy staff, as political tensions required that he flee once again. “I was calling for support for the grass roots, but I was banned by the government and many things happened I cannot talk about,” he says, “but I am working from here for change.” Deng lived at The Mission for several months, where, “the first people to become my friends at the shelter and love me were Indigenous people,” he recalls proudly. He eventually met Larry at St. Joseph’s Supper Table in Sandy Hill where the retired teacher, and member of the parish, volunteers serving meals. The two men became friends and Larry welcomed Deng into his home, where he still resides.

Seeking to upgrade his education, Deng approached The Mission’s Stepping Stones Learning Centre (SSLC). Kathy Cillis is the SSLC’s certified teacher. “Sometimes students need to step away from education for some reason, but the door is always open,” Kathy says. “It’s a small classroom with a big heart, and a big impact.” The symbol of the stone truly resonated with Deng. “I wanted to improve my English, so I met teacher Kathy at Stepping Stones,” Deng shares. “When I was detained back home, I had a dream God told me I would be free when I receive a stone, and when I saw the painting of the stone [on the SSLC wall], I knew I belonged there.”

Deng is a dedicated student at St. Patrick’s Adult School, where he is working hard to improve his language and computer skills. His weekly ESL class with Kathy at Stepping Stones supplements those studies. Deng enjoys stories about inspirational figures like Louis Riel, Rosa Parks, and Nelson Mandela. Kathy recommends two articles a week from the ESL Library website and meets with Deng every Wednesday, these days by phone, to review homework and converse about the reading assignments. Housemate Larry serves as resident tutor and reports real progress in overall literacy.

It takes a community to successfully welcome refugees into Canadian society. Stepping Stones is an integral part of that process for many refugees seeking a new life in Canada. “I want to thank God, the indigenous people, churches, and The Mission for welcoming me on Canadian soil,” Deng says. “I’m proud to be Canadian, and with your help, I work to bring what I am learning about democracy and civil society here in Canada to my people in South Sudan.”

Your generous donation helps individuals like Deng overcome the anxiety of forced displacement and find hope in a new country. You are a part of his extraordinary story.

Building Homes For Everyone Since 1958

Urbandale is a long-time fixture on the Ottawa map. The company began as a modest venture in 1958 when Herbert Nadolny and Lyon Sachs, two lifelong friends, bought Urbandale Realty Corporation. They expanded in the 1960s, building condominiums and rental communities around town, including a dozen affordable low-rise family communities and high-rise seniors’ residences for Ontario Housing Corporation (OHC).

The coming decades were very busy for Urbandale. Residential projects and land acquisitions continued as the company expanded into neighbourhood shopping plazas that continue to be active in Urbandale-developed communities. Urbandale’s success as a positive presence in Ottawa has, to this day, been guided by the principles of integrity, fairness and forward thinking.

Urbandale’s generous relationship with The Ottawa Mission began in 2000, but they truly became a partner in 2018 with their generous donation of $50,000 given in celebration of their 60th anniversary. The Mission was one of several charities in Ottawa that shared a gift that totaled $600,000, which we collectively celebrated at a recognition event in our dining room in June, 2019. Since then, Urbandale Corporation has continued their generous partnership with The Mission as sponsors of our two signature events: The Blue Door Gala, and as Lead Partner for The Coldest Night of the Year.

“Urbandale Corporation has a long history of philanthropy in Ottawa, stretching over 60 years,” says Lyon Sachs. “We have always focused on hunger and the need for shelter and housing. Urbandale recognizes The Ottawa Mission as a key provider of these crucial services and an organization that aligns with our philanthropic goals. We will continue to support their dedicated staff and the wonderful programs they provide.”

The Mission and its guests extend a hearty thank-you to Urbandale for your faithful support of its life-changing programs, and for your recent donation of $65,000 for the new Mobile Mission Meals food truck!. These vital services would not be possible without thoughtful donors like you.

If you would like to learn more about how your employer or business can become more involved as a Business on a Mission, please contact Erin Helmer at 613-818-7313 or ehelmer@ottawamission.com. Together we can build a better community.

Building A Relationship Of Kindness

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.” Matthew 14:19

Greg Huyer and Scott Rufolo met in England over 20 years ago after moving to Cambridge, Scott from the US and Greg from Canada. After finishing their studies in the UK, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland where Scott pursued a doctorate and Greg worked as a biomedical researcher. It was while living in downtown Baltimore that the couple regularly encountered people living on the streets and in local parks. Daily dog walks became opportunities for conversation with many homeless individuals.

“Encountering homelessness on a daily basis inspired us to act,” Greg says, “so we became involved in a program at our church called ‘Loaves and Fishes’ to prepare and serve food to the homeless in the inner city.” Greg and Scott moved to Ottawa 14 years ago. Their concern for the homeless continued once they settled here, and so Scott and Greg approached The Ottawa Mission as volunteers.

“We wanted to do something to help, and The Mission was an obvious fit,” Scott recalls. Greg began, as so many volunteers do, in the kitchen. Scott offered his support as a tutor with Stepping Stones. “We also became regular donors along the way. Our time as volunteers showed us how dedicated the staff at The Mission are, and how much of a difference The Mission makes in so many people’s lives.”

Scott and Greg have generously contributed a leadership gift to support the expansion of The DYMON Health Clinic, as well as a charitable gift in their wills. “We’re extremely fortunate to be in a position to support The Mission financially and we’re grateful for the relationship that we’ve built with The Mission over the years.” The Mission and its guests are eternally grateful for the generous support of kind donors like Greg and Scott. Thank you both!

If you would like more information, please contact Angie Kelly, Director, Major and Planned Giving at 613.234.1155 x 426 or by email at akelly@ottawamission.com.

One Volunteer’s Marathon Of Hope

Volunteers keep The Ottawa Mission up and running. If there was a prize ribbon for volunteering, it would certainly be pinned on David Barker, who recently tallied up a streak of 72 days in a row.

When David is not training for volunteer marathons, he serves as a social worker for The John Howard Society. His position there brought him in touch with the staff at The Mission. “When I first started, I did everything from the laundry to the clothing room,” David says, “but I got pulled into the kitchen one day when they needed help and it just felt like a fit.” A natural fit indeed for a fellow who is familiar with large-scale food preparation, serving up, as he does each summer, burgers and fries for hundreds of volunteers at Bluesfest.

You may have met David at one of The Mission’s many fundraising events, as his commitment extends beyond the walls on Waller Street. “I’ve helped out during occasions like the Blue Door Gala and Coldest Night of the Year,” he says, “and when they used to have fundraisers at Chapters bookstores.” David spent a few days volunteering at Inspiration Village in the Market during Canada 150 celebrations. A team of men residing at The Mission was hired to care for the site. “We helped raise awareness with visitors,” David recalls, “helped them understand what The Mission does, and tried to dispel the myths they had acquired about homelessness.”

All of this adds up to an admirable commitment of personal time and energy inspired by David’s belief in what The Mission does every day. “The work is extraordinary,” he states, “helping primarily homeless people who don’t have anything else in their lives. Everybody does their share, and being client-focused is the number one priority. It’s all about them, you can see the results, and that satisfies me the most. That’s why I keep coming back.” David is already aiming to break his own personal attendance record.

The Mission extends its gratitude to David and all of its wonderful volunteers and donors. You make such a difference in the lives of its guests who sincerely thank you.

Dignity For One And All

It is a matter of human dignity that no person should have to face the end of life alone. The Ottawa Mission’s Diane Morrison Hospice was founded by our retired Executive Director in 2001 to ensure that individuals in its care will be honoured in their final days. It is a unique facility and the first and largest of its kind within a shelter in North America, offering 24-hour palliative care to men and women who are homeless and dealing with a terminal or serious chronic illness. The 21-bed ward operates in partnership with Ottawa Inner City Health, a recognized leader in health and hospice care for the homeless, and is staffed by nurses, client-care workers and other health care professionals.

Yetty is the administrative coordinator of the hospice. She describes the fundamental belief behind all hospice practices as being centred on caring for the individual in a manner that takes a person’s sense of themselves into account. “What distinguishes The Mission’s care from other palliative care facilities is that we not only cater to people who are homeless or street involved, but who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness,” Yetty says. “We also support individuals who are terminally ill but are unable to access palliative care elsewhere due to addiction issues.”

Hospice staff work to foster a feeling of inclusion and a sense of worthiness and personal accomplishment while striving to lessen depression and enhance relationships within the patient’s community, including family members. Yetty describes “a holistic palliative care approach to support our clients’ needs, namely physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual support, during their stay with us. In addition, our hospice is a non-judgemental environment where our clients can be themselves and are treated with dignity, love, and compassion.” The Hospice offers a range of mainstream and alternative therapies, and hosts special celebrations for its guests at Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.

In 2019-20, 59 patients were admitted to the Hospice and 30 men and women spent their final days in its loving care. Joseph was a 58-year old man who spent his near-motionless days reflecting back on his life. Colon cancer had dramatically shortened that life. Joe was born in Africville, the old ghetto in Halifax first settled by British slaves in the 18th century. He vividly recounted the pain induced by racist taunts uttered well into the 20th century. Memories of his grandmother caused Joe’s eyes to well up with tears. His dad was a conductor on the CN train route between Halifax and Montreal, running through what Joe described as “God’s country”. He described his father and his childhood home life in less flattering terms.

Joe moved to Toronto in his teens with the woman with whom he would have his large family. Photos of his handsome descendants, children and grandchildren cuddled up in happy groups, hung on the wall of his hospice room. Joe believed he tried his best as a dad, working at the Sheraton Toronto Centre hotel for many years, but a crack cocaine addiction ravaged his body, mind and home life. His family, now spread across Canada, could only drop by his room occasionally where they found a frail frame and a weakened spirit filled with regret.

“For The Mission to bring me back here, to show me the love and the care they show me now, I don’t know,” said Joe. “I tell you, without this place, where would we well be!?”

Hospice staff are steadfast in the belief that all persons are entitled to dignity and that no one should die alone. Guests who spend their finals days in residence consider The Mission to be their final home and, in many cases, the care staff to be their family in spirit. A memorial service is always held in the chapel offering an opportunity for friends, family and staff to share grief and memories. Names are also added to the Wall of Remembrance.

The staff and volunteers of The Diane Morrison Hospice are able to provide this sensitive caregiving because of the generosity and kind hearts of donors like you. Your gift of support ensures that guests who seek solemnity in the closing days of their lives shall receive it. These human souls are deeply thankful for your compassion.