Care Centre Ottawa
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Mission Statement
Care Centre Ottawa exists to provide short-term immediate relief to those living on low income in the Ottawa region through the provision of our Emergency Food Bank services. Care Centre Ottawa also provides long-term developmental services designed to help individuals and families build capacity and move towards brighter futures.
About This Cause
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Care Centre Ottawa has temporarily suspended regular programming to focus its efforts on meeting the dramatic increase in guests seeking our Emergency Food Bank services. Care Centre Ottawa, a member agency of the Ottawa Food Bank, provides Emergency Food Bank services to individuals and families living on low income. We utilize a drive-thru model to help reduce the risk of exposure to our guests, volunteers and staff. The Care Centre provides non-perishable and perishable food items (milk, eggs, meat, bread, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables), along with other essential items such as personal care products, baby items and household items. Beyond our Emergency Food Bank services, we offer delivery to isolated seniors and other at-risk individuals living on low income. We conduct follow up calls and socially distanced visits with guests and help to connect guests with needed referrals to additional required supports. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to operating our Emergency Food Bank, Care Centre Ottawa also provided: Cooking Classes - The Care Centre provided two cooking classes (Cooking on a Budget and Open Kitchen). In a small group setting, guests communally prepared a meal, sampled the final product during a time of fellowship together and brought a portion of the meal home to share with their family and/or friends. During 'Cooking on a Budget', meals created focus on recipes that include items commonly found at our food bank. Tips on how to enhance nutritional value and make a dollar stretch at the grocery store were also provided. Our 'Open Kitchen' class provided the opportunity for our guests to take turns teaching each other how to prepare a meal from their country of origin and share about various aspects of their culture. Both classes provided a relaxed, non-judgmental space for guests to build friendships, learn skills and practice speaking English. Periodically, out of the voiced need of group members, we provided interest classes (e.g. guests requested a class designed to teach how to bake and decorate North American-style cupcakes and cakes for their family members' birthdays). Employment Services - The Care Centre provided assess to one-on-one resume writing support, job search assistance and interview preparation support to all guests free of charge. Integration Services for Newcomers/Referral Services - Guests were provided with information regarding how to access services offered throughout the city. New immigrants and refugees to Canada were provided with a safe, non-judgmental space to seek assistance and ask questions when they arise over the phone or in person. Assistance with completing required paperwork and seeking out external supports, along with the provision of liaison services for meetings and appointments, were also made available. Conversational English Circles - Conversational English practice sessions were offered in small group, in-home settings for newcomers (developed out of the voiced need of many guests). Staff and volunteers met to informally practice speaking English together with guests and their family. Strong, trusting relationships were developed through this time spent together. The Care Centre is committed to adapting programming to met new challenges arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and resuming previous programming in conjunction with public health recommendations.