Searching for Community / Recreation Centres

Information and resource centre for homeless youth

• weekly visits from outreach workers (mental health nurses, drop-in counselling)
• employment supports every Thursday
• hot breakfast every morning
• referrals to outside community supports (ID, mental health, shelters, housing etc.)
• up to ten items a week from the food bank (excluding baby supplies)
• clothing, harm reduction and personal care products

Online Friendship Centre and platform for sharing stories about Indigenous experiences * includes information on services, transition support, and healthy living resources for Indigenous people living in urban areas

Organization representing the 125 Friendship Centres across Canada

• a list of centres is available on the website

COVID-19 (October 7 2021): Services available by appointment only. Staff still available by phone. Many services now offered online and organisation offering volunteer outreach to isolated seniors to get food and medication to their homes. Call 613-235-4875 ext 181 to access emergency volunteer senior services (available in mandarin).

Settlement and community services agency

Orientation and Adaptation Services

• needs assessment and information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• orientation within the city
• help filling out government forms including housing and immigration sponsorship forms
• community support for Chinese newcomers through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice English
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Citizenship Preparation

• courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test
• offered on site

Language Training Services

• enhanced language training
• sector specific language training and career orientation in the fields of accounting and IT
• individual counselling and action plan development
• volunteer placement
• mentoring
• networking
• resume and interview preparation

English as a Second Language/French as a Second Language

• English or French for Life and Work in Canada
• conversation and pronunciation classes

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• provides basic language skills in English or French
• courses offered part-time

Employment Counselling and Preparation

• job search preparation and training
• developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills
• job search workshops
• on site job search and preparation training courses

Employment Counselling

• resume help
• job readiness clinic
• employment counselling
• skills and career development
• help in establishing social and professional networks

Other Settlement Services

Library Settlement Partnership

• workshops
• one-to-one counselling
• settlement referrals
• English Conversation Club

Commissioner of Oaths

• commissioner of Oaths for verifying documents (only at 400 Cooper St)

Other Services
Counselling services workshops and support groups for:

• financial difficulties
• family conflicts
• mental health issues: depression, anxiety, stress, family relationships, caregiver stress, grief and loss, parenting, effective communication, workplace stress
• problems with the law
• racial discrimination
• family law
• legal problems
• sponsorship matters
• Convention Refugee support

COVID-19 (January 25, 2021): Counselling services have been moved to telephone sessions. Counselors will be in touch with clients that have existing appointments regarding this change. To book a new telephone counselling session, call 613-233-4443 ext 2109.

Mental health and addictions programs include

• counselling services
• Counselling Connect
• LESA addictions treatment for older adults (refer to related record)
• harm reductions supplies (refer to related record)
• overcoming anxiety and depression group
• Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART)
• LGBT2SQ+ Wednesdays counselling service

A supportive and inclusive community where women gather to connect and build on their strengths

• delivers programs that support women in meeting their basic needs, making their life choices and participating in their community

Drop-in day program for women with their children of all ages

• peer, personal and group support
• advocacy
• outreach
• crisis intervention
• free light breakfast (8 am-10 am) and nutritious hot lunch (12 noon-1 pm)
• social, recreational and educational programs
• personal hygiene products and other practical supports
• Internet access

This information was obtained from and is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Community centre

• 18-metre warm water pool
• regular aquatic programming and specialized programs for individuals with special needs, seniors and swimmers at different levels
• access to an adjacent school gym
• weight room
• rental of five meeting rooms of various sizes
• free Wi-Fi
• public computers

Centretown community programs in partnership with the Jack Purcell Recreation Association including:

• after school program
• children's camps
• adult fitness program
• adult art
• dance
• yoga
• sports programs

Peer to peer community youth group

• workshops, discussion groups, art collaborations, counselling services, peer mentoring, and primary care resources
• access to a snack, showers, laundry, harm reduction supplies, telephone, Internet
• crisis counsellors available

Supports Aboriginal students classroom, career, and personal needs with their culture and values in mind

• provides culturally sensitive and welcoming climate
• academic guidance and counselling
• peer help support, tutor referral service, service referrals
• information on local indigenous services, programs, social and cultural events
• employment services
• aboriginal legal referral services
• mentoring for indigenous students
• computer lab and use of a fax machine, telephone and printer
• visiting elders program
• organizes occasional student luncheons
• arranges for guest speakers and aids students organizes social and cultural activities

Drop-in centre

• peer-to-peer support listening
• lending library of feminist books
• workshops, events, discussion groups
• referral to community services
• distribution of safe sex materials (condoms, dental dams, lubricant), menstrual products and pregnancy tests
• child-friendly toys and books, as well as resources on childcare and health for mothers
• quiet semi-private space for breastfeeding and phone calls

Day program

• offering nutritional breakfast and hot nutritional lunch
• personal and practical support
• shower access
• laundry facilities
• telephone
• referrals and advocacy
• computer with high speed Internet
• emergency grocery cupboard program

Opportunities for Black seniors to participate in community events and programs

• aims to engage seniors by connecting them to events, programs and activities through social media and technology
• connects youth and seniors to work together
• seniors learn from youth how to use their smart phones, WhatsApp, skyping, paying bills online, and how to stay connected and informed via social media

Seniors drop-in programs include:

• health promotion presentations
• social tea and seniors peer to peer support
• light seated exercise
• games
• arts
• computer lessons
• social events
• trips
• nature hikes

COVID-19: The centre is open for showers. Call to book a time.

This information is regularly updated on their website.

Drop-in counselling centre for any adult (alone or with children) who finds it difficult to access services elsewhere due to illness, disability or homelessness.

Practical assistance: shower and laundry facilities

• telephones
• small clothing items (underwear, socks, and seasonal accessories)
• hygiene items
• condoms
• needle exchange

Social Recreation Program: creative expressions program including literacy and writer's group, music appreciation, and visual arts

• board games
• card games
• bingo
• arts and crafts
• special events
• karaoke
• chaplaincy

Counselling: short-term supportive counselling

• advocacy
• crisis intervention
• housing
• employment support and resume writing
• addiction
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) / Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and Hepatitis A, B, C
• groups (addiction, life skills)

In-Reach visits by: Housing Help

• Royal Ottawa Hospital Outreach Teams (psychiatric and addiction)
• University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Application Support Program: Assists individuals with significant disabilities and barriers to navigate the complex application process

COVID-19 (Jan 2021): Due to COVID19, all in-person services have been discontinued and office is closed to clients until further notice. Services can be accessed remotely by calling 613-232-9634. Volunteer program activities are suspended. See website for latest updates.

Community-based services for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers

Settlement Program (formerly Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program):

• orientation programs, language and skills training to help facilitate employment, and programs to welcome newcomers to the community
• may provide needs and eligibility assessments, pre- and post-arrival information and referral, job search and employment counselling, assistance to establish social and professional networks to promote community engagement, and assistance to access a range of settlement services

Reception House, Maison Sophia House:

• 90-bed facility that provides temporary accommodation, food and clothing
• orientation workshops facilitated with language translation and interpretation
• house search support
• multicultural children's program
• basic English classes
• referrals to government services and community organizations

Community Connections Program (formerly HOST Program):

• group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks * trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

Pastoral and Sponsorship Programs:

• works to ensure that the newcomer can find pastoral services in the faith group of their choice * promotes the involvement of faith groups in the Private Sponsorship program

Bruyère Centre for Immigrants:

• one-stop access to the services of several agencies, groups and organizations that operate out of the Centre.

Cultural Profiles:

• a series of booklets, each one introduces a particular country and its people, including details on family life, religion and history
• profiles developed in consultation with the respective community groups

COVID-19 (12 November, 2021): Provides essential supports to the community during Ontario's stay-at-home order. Hours and services remain unchanged. Call you have any questions.

This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Drop-in centre for men and women located in Centretown

• supportive counselling
• crisis intervention
• advocacy
• free condoms and SITE supplies (needle exchange, Safe Inhalation)
• hygiene supplies, including menstruation supplies
• emergency telephone
• coffee and tea served
• free WIFI
• recreational activities
• light meals

Drop-in services on the 2nd level of Centretown United Church are NOT ACCESSIBLE. Take-out or Dine in options available to each walk-in during meal times.

Recreational programs and services offered for preschoolers, children, youth, adults, seniors and families

Activities such as:

• aquatics (including swim lessons, certification programs and aqua-fitness classes)
• adult group fitness classes
• family fitness classes
• physical education
• personal training
• dance
• sports
• adult and youth programs
• variety of health and wellness programs

Playcare (child minding) service is available

• financial assistance available

Provides opportunities for individuals to participate in social, recreational,educational and volunteer activities and benefit from social and health services

Programs:

• day centre activities
• Adult Day Program
• Community support services
• Seniors' Centre Without Walls (telephone-based programming)

Food Services:

• reasonably priced meals
• nutritious hot lunches, soup and sandwiches, muffins, desserts, snacks, beverages
• take-out meals
• festive and theme dinner parties
• some diet restrictions can be accommodated
• grocery shopping/food delivery

Physical Activities:

• chair exercise
• fitness centre
• yoga
• dance classes
• well-being classes
• weights or cardio
• zumba
• pole walking

In House Services:

• hair salon
• foot care
• massage therapy
• esthetics
• wellness clinic

Craft Program:

• painting
• quilting
• stained glass
• knitting
• crochet
• jewellery making
• woodworking

Performing Arts:

• choir
• choir chimes
• performing groups and bands
• home of the Grey Jazz Band

Education and Health Program:

• computer classes
• current affairs
• language classes
• wellness seminars
• guest lecturers
• day trips

Games and Social Program:

• cards
• dance
• sing along
• monthly birthday party
• special events and teas
• bingo

Fitness Programs:

• for adults regardless of fitness level, mobility or agility and for persons who suffer from osteoporosis, arthritis, or other muscular or cardiovascular conditions

COVID-19 (13 October 2020): Shower and washroom facilities are no longer available within this arena. The City will offer information on a new location to people experiencing homelessness or people who are precariously housed in the near future.

Multipurpose recreation facility that offers a wide variety of programs and amenities including:

• arena
• gymnasium
• meeting rooms
• dance studio
• pottery studio

Protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage

• fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment
• ensures ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations

Campground Reservation Service: www.reservation.pc.gc.ca

COVID-19 (October 1rst, 2021): Yet Keen Seniors' Day Centre will pause its regular in-person programming until further notice * to continue to serve the Yet Keen community, the staff team will be reaching out to members by phone to identify individual needs and provide information, support and referral remotely * are encourage members to call the Centre at (613) 232-6695 during office hours for any questions or concernsCommunity and recreation day centre

Outreach to members who are isolated and/or are living with physical disabilities

• annual outdoor activities and celebrations
• workshops on mental/physical health and social services

Activities: Senior exercise:

• tai chi
• qi gong
• luk tung kuen
• heung kung
• table tennis
• badminton
• pool table
• line dancing
• ballroom dancing
• lunch programs

Interest Groups:

• chinese painting and calligraphy
• majong
• sing along
• chinese chess
• cards
• board games
• classic movies
• Chinese literature
• recitation

Study Groups:

• Mandarin
• English
• computer
• nutrition

Multi-service, multi-cultural youth centre

• places focus on the total person
• programming designed to create opportunities for youth development and future success
• programs and activities attempt to meet the youth's recreational, social, educational, emotional, intellectual needs
• emphasis is placed on youth involvement
• identification of needs in the design and implementation of programs and services

Educational Programs

• Homework room
• Schoolwork incentive program
• Employment preparation

Social Programs

• Healthy living
• Healthy eating
• Provision of essentials and basic resources: toothbrushes, deodorant, menstrual products
• Speakers and workshops
• Volunteer opportunities

Recreational Programs

• Physical activity: basketball, boxing, badminton, road hockey, yoga, skateboarding etc.
• Arts: artistic education and self expression, includes music program
• Media and Technology: movie nights, video games, 3D-printing
• Girls' Night: monthly night, includes womens' empowerment exercises, workshops, classes, guest speakers

COVID19 (13 Oct 2021): Food distribution by appointment only, provided at front and back entrance (indoors). Please call 613-562-2925. Intake at the 40 Cobourg St Centre will be done mostly by phone at 613-789-3930. An appointment is required to visit the premises. The following programs are suspended at the Community House until further notice: weekly free breakfast, computer support, clothing distribution, drop-in knitting lessons, employment support, emergency kitchen and laundry room access and the Millenium Learning Centre free access to computers and to the internet.

Community House

• weekly free breakfast
• computer support
• food distribution
• clothing distribution
• drop-in knitting lessons
• employment support
• emergency kitchen and laundry room access

Millennium Learning Center

• free access to computers and to the Internet

Intake program

• information, advocacy and referral to Centre services and external agencies
• crisis counselling
• short-term counselling

Welcoming activities and prevention and support services for a wide range of clients

• Patro d'Ottawa works primarily with at-risk clients and families in need.

Programs include

• prevention of social drop-out among children, pre-teens and teenagers by offering various recreational activities such as the Homework Club, day camps during school break (March, summer)
• integration of people with intellectual disabilities through workshops on daily autonomy, spiritual and personal growth, various recreational activities, referral to more specialized services
• social integration of adults through recreational and social activities to break isolation, social and support services to promote autonomy and healthy lifestyles
• community activities and projects for all residents of the neighbourhood, regardless of language
• services and activities offered in partnership with other organizations

In collaboration with several partners, Patro d'Ottawa's services and activities also include self-help groups and referrals to more specialized services

• Patro rents space to community organizations

This Centre provides

• Information, intercession and referral services
• Crisis intervention
• Food bank services and other food security strategies
• Support to complete an application for the Ontario Hydro Cost Assistance Program and the Energy Assistance Program
• Registration for the Holiday Programs and the Back to School Program with Caring and Sharing Exchange, and Toy Mountain of the Salvation Army
• Tax Clinic
• Community Development Program
• Youth Program (camp, sports, etc)
• School Youth Program
• After-School Program
• Information and advocacy services for affordable housing issues
• Volunteer Opportunities

Programs and Services :

• Social Support Program: practical assistance, referrals, crisis counselling, advocacy, needs assessment
• Community House: food bank, community activities
• Community Development: tax clinic, community gardens, support for community initiatives
• Youth Program :

1. Club 310 (after-school program) for youth aged 6-11 and Club Transitions (recreational program) for youth aged 12-14
2. Drop-in and various activities for local teens aged 12-17 (English)
3. Sports leagues and gym access (Basket-ball, Futsal, Soccer, etc) - various sports available for folks aged 6-30 years old

• Lowertown, Our Home (LOH) project: a partnership between residents and diverse community partners that actively engages community members in identifying common concerns, community solutions and preventative measures to build a healthy and safe neighbourhood
• Action Housing: provides assistance in crisis situations and supports to individuals and families seeking safe, adequate and affordable housing.

Newcomer settlement services

• counselling on social, immigration and legal matters
• translation of documents
• help with filling out forms for housing
• employment
• liaison with community service providers and government agencies