We undertook the community engagement phase of our Mission Forward process to answer the question What are the unique needs where God has placed us?
Our Visitors: Keely Anderson, Henry Andrews, Clara Ballantine, Charles Barrett, Elizabeth Cameron, Paul Dillman, Bob Garrow, Wendy Graham, Hugh Moeser, Karen Ogston, Morag Pearce, Mary Shaw, Alyssa Suthertown
Our Visits: Brookfield High School, Fielding Drive Public School, Masjid ar-Rahmah (Mosque of Mercy), MP David McGuinty, City Councillor Riley Brockington, City Councillor Michael Qaqish, Hunt Club/Riverside Community Centre, Hunt Club Community Organization, Riverside Park Community Association, Serenity House, Heron Emergency Food Centre, Pavilion Food Bank, Youth Services Bureau, KIND (LGBTQ2 Resource Centre), South East Ottawa Community Health Centre, Barrhaven Seniors’ Council, Landmark Retirement Residence, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization, Hunt Club/Riverside Steering Table
Some of what we heard:
* Our community is hungry
* Many seniors are isolated, lonely or in need
* English as a Second Language and Life Skills to aid in social integration are needed
* Children need help with school subjects, reading & math in particular
* Youth need outlets for their time and energy and support to live off the streets
* Transportation is a barrier for many
* Counselling in a variety of forms is needed
* Our physical space is of value in the community
