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Our Founders Annual Message / CAPTAIN MARK ELDRIDGE (RCN,
I find myself contemplating this message from a very strange place. As we approach the turn of the year, I am conscious of what our experience of 2020 tells us about how much we can, and cannot, control in this complicated and interconnected world. In the face of this reality, it feels awkward indeed to simply say “have a joyous Christmas season”, or “health and prosperity in 2021”; that’s for the folks at Hallmark.
Perhaps the greatest lesson from 2020 is about how intricately interconnected we are; and how small oversights on the part of a few can quickly grow to become problematic for everyone. As this isn’t our first such reality check, of course, can I voice the hope that perhaps we might learn the lesson this time? And how surreal was it when we discovered who the really important people in our global lives are ... and how invisible they become when times are good. Will you treat the cleaner, the delivery driver, or the grocery clerk with the same respect, empathy and grace 18 months from now? I hope so ...
And we had evidence of the true good that is in most people, in the dramatic and world-wide response to the legacy of systemic racism. Let us not be blind to the fact that so many others still face repression, -isms and -phobias. One of us will not change the world, but each of us can call out prejudice and ill-treatment when we see it. Do not be that person who walked past inappropriate behaviour today, leaving it to become the new acceptable standard for tomorrow.
So, as we approach the solstice and the lengthening of days, I ask you to step back from the rush and noise to reflect on a year filled with both challenges and victories – yours, mine, the world’s. Protests, epidemics, political ineptitude, malevolence and malfeasance will continue, and we will not fix things as fast as we wish we could, but if we all strive for “better” each day, we will surely change things in a positive direction. We are all one world, one human race and, if we pull together, we can aspire to a future of racial equity and social justice, resiliency and promise, health and happiness.
Each day that you get up, show up and don’t give up, you forge positive beliefs in yourself and outcomes for your community. I know that each and every one of you is deeply committed to the achievement of something greater, and that each of your contributions matter. Thankyou for the enormous good that you do, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.
Do not forget 2020 as we leave it behind, but go forward enriched by what the trials and challenges of the past 365 days have taught us of ourselves and of each other. Look after yourselves and each other, relax and recuperate; there is still much for us to do.
Merry Christmas.
Mark
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COVID-19 UPDATE (Oct 13)
We’re Open
We’re currently open and accepting new patients. For more information or to request to be on the waitlist, please email sobrietyhouseottawa@gmail.com or call (613) 233-0828 for more information.
Second Stage
Our second stage program’s length of stay is 9 months.
What We Do
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote and provide programs and services that encourage positive life-changing experiences, promote wellness and wellbeing in our communities and help those in need.
Who We're Helping
- Individuals suffering from Addictions
- Those facing issues within the criminal justice system
- Individuals that are seeking help to regain control of their lives
- Families who require assistance in family courts and C.A.S.
- Veterans in nees
- Assisting those in need navigate the criminal justice system
- Helping those dealing with mental health issues
- People who require social services in our community
- LGBTQ+ individuals
Services Provided
- Community Support
- Social Worker M.S.W, R.S.W.
- Mental Health Workers
- Counselor and Psychotherapy C.C.C.
- Reintegration into the Community
- Addiction Counselling and Support
- Mental Health Referrals
- Meal Outreach Program
- Family Court assistance
- Pre/Post Bail & Trial Support
- Court-Ordered GPS Monitoring
- Addiction Treatment Facility Partner
- family court advocacy and assistance
A new partner with Onyx Community Services, Freshco Vanier, Ottawa.
Thank you to Ryan, Manager and Owner of Freshco, for donating 10 Turkeys and all the trimmings for families in need.
Alana Grant, Community Service Worker helps Marie Pyper, ED, get the Turkeys off and 15 MORE to come!Great job Team!
Donate to Onyx. Why?
Click below to help us help others!
Onyx community services rely solely on donations to operate. Without your kindness our programs could not run.
Help us to help others daily in our community.
Donate Today. Every Bit Helps.
Community Meal Program
Delivering Door to Door in the Community
4000 meals served from March to June 2020!
Great work Team!
Continuing to partner with Swiss Chalet across the region. Thanks
By giving meal vouchers Swiss Chalet is helping to reach out to some who could not afford a hot meal. Thank you to all the staff and managers.
OTTAWA DISTRESS LINE - 613-238-3311
If You Need Them -Call! 613-238-3311
24/7 DISTRESS LINE/HELP LINE
The Distress Line / Help Line services provide:
- Emotional support and encouragement
- Crisis management and intervention
- Suicide risk assessment and prevention
- Community resource / referral information
The Distress Line / Help Line is a vital community service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
613-238-3311 or 1-866-676-1080
