The Ottawa Rotary Home

🌟 at ORH 🌟

This past weekend, our residents enjoyed a spectacular outdoor adventure, filled with fun, laughter, and the thrill of new experiences! 🏕️🌲
Together, they embraced the joy of camping, from fishing 🎣 and water sports 🚣‍♂️ to relaxing in the great outdoors. It was a weekend that highlighted the spirit of adventure that lives in all of us, irrespective of our challenges.

We're thrilled to share some beautiful pictures from their trip, capturing these memorable moments.

A huge thank you to Lori and everyone involved who continues to support adventures like these, fostering a community where everyone can thrive and explore their passions.

🌟 - Celebrating Our Dedicated Team 🌟
🌟 Meet Kendra! 🌟

Kendra has been an instrumental part of our Residential Program at our Leitrim Campus for the past 2 years. She's dedicated to ensuring that the lives of our residents and respite clients are filled with connection and purpose, while always making sure to add a touch of fun!

Kendra writes, "I love taking the time to get to know each resident and respite client personally, and to support them in achieving their individual goals. It brings me so much joy to see them truly enjoying themselves!"

Thank you, Kendra, for your commitment and the joy you bring to our community! 💙

🌊 Celebrating Summer at ORH: "Under the Sea" Week Begins! 🐠

Next week, we’re thrilled to launch the first week of our summer camp with a splash! Our "Under the Sea" theme will transform the Ottawa Rotary Home into a magical marine world. Our campers will embark on a journey filled with fun and creativity, surrounded by a beautiful wall mural that makes you feel like you're under the ocean!

Here's a glimpse of the exciting activities planned:

💦 Enjoying the cool fun at our splash pad
🕵️‍♂️ Scavenger hunts across our sea-themed landscape
🎨 Creating beautiful sand art
🌊 Creating sea slime and exploring sensory bins
🎲 Engaging in group games
👫 Making friendship bracelets

We can't wait to share the joy and excitement as we dive into a week of adventure and friendship. Stay tuned for more updates and snapshots from our summer camp!

📢 You're Invited to Our Annual General Meeting! 📅
Join us at the Ottawa Rotary Home for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 4th! We're excited to share updates and celebrate the year's achievements with our community. Here’s what you need to know:

📆 Date: July 4th
📍 Location: 823 Rotary Way (Leitrim location)
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM
🌤️ Venue: Light refreshments will be served in the backyard. In case of rain, we will move indoors.
💌 RSVP: Please confirm your attendance by emailing [email protected]

This is a great opportunity to learn more about our work and engage with our mission. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to our community, we look forward to welcoming you!

- Celebrating the Heartbeat of Our Community

🌟 Meet Anike! 🌟

Anike has been a vibrant part of our team for over 9 years. Starting her journey at our Leitrim Campus, she later transitioned to Rochester, where she truly found her calling. Anike has been an invaluable leader on our Joint Health and Safety Committee and shines as a primary counselor, advocating passionately for our residents.

Anike shares, "I have been with Rotary for over 9 years, and it’s been a fun roller coaster of experiences. I love spending one-on-one time with our peeps, whether it's chilling on the couch watching a rom-com or going out for walks. I am so happy I chose this as my field of work."

Thank you, Anike, for your dedication and the joy you bring to ORH! 💙

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Our executive team at Ottawa Rotary Home was honored to speak at the Adventures in Citizenship program organized by the Rotary Club of Ottawa. This incredible program aims to educate and inspire young Canadians about the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, selecting participants based on their leadership potential, community involvement, and academic achievements.

Our team had the opportunity to discuss the importance of diversity and the incredible contributions individuals with disabilities make to strengthen our communities. Through these discussions, we emphasized the value of inclusion and how diverse perspectives enrich our society.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Ottawa for inviting us to be a part of this inspiring program!



https://rotaryottawa.com/page/welcome-to-the-rotary-adventure-in-citizenship-program

Rotary Club of Ottawa

We are delighted to highlight this incredible initiative by the Merivale High School’s Interact club, who have successfully launched a free lending library right here at the Rotary Home! A heartfelt thank you to the Rotary Club of Orléans and all the enthusiastic members who came out to support this project. We invite all our families and friends to pick up or drop off a book whenever you visit. This beautiful new addition to our property will surely bring joy and enrich our community. Let the borrowing and reading begin!

- Celebrating the Heartbeat of Our Community

🌟 Meet Breanna! 🌟

Breanna began her journey with us at ORH in 2022 as our Residential Services Supervisor. With a background in Psychology and years of experience in the vulnerable sector, she was thrilled to transition to the Developmental Services Sector. Breanna now oversees our residential programs at both campuses, Leitrim and Rochester.

Breanna shares, "I wake up every day truly loving what I do and excited to see what adventures and opportunities each day will bring. From our incredibly loving residents and their wonderful families to the amazing people I'm fortunate to work with, I feel so fortunate to be a part of this organization and proud to tell anyone who asks where I work and what I do for a living."

Thank you, Breanna, for the joy and dedication you bring to ORH! 💙

🌞 Exciting News! Our Children's Summer Camp is Back! 🌞

After an incredibly successful summer camp last year, we are thrilled to announce that our children's summer camp is returning this year! 🎉

We are so excited to welcome back familiar faces and meet new friends. Our camp is almost fully booked, and we can't wait to see all the joy and excitement this summer! 🏕️

Spots are very limited, with only a few remaining, so act quickly to secure your spot! Don't miss out on a summer filled with fun, adventure, and new friendships.

Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an incredible summer! ☀️

Flyer attached below.

🌷✨ This weekend, as our residents and individuals from children's respite enjoyed the vibrant colors at the Tulip Festival, we also celebrated a special milestone! Exactly one year ago, we launched our weekend live-in respite weekends. This innovative program allows two dedicated staff members to live at the respite home from Friday to Sunday, providing consistent, expert care and mentoring to new staff. It’s been a year filled with growth, learning, and lots of fun—this weekend was no exception. Here's to many more!

🌷 Happy Mother's Day! 🌷

Today, we celebrate all the incredible women who fill the role of 'mom' in so many ways—whether you're guiding your own children, stepping in when needed, or nurturing those entrusted to your care.

A special shoutout to the moms within the families we support and to our own staff members who are mothers. We deeply appreciate and honor the immense contributions you make every day. Your tireless efforts in caring for, advocating, and navigating the challenges of life to ensure your children thrive are truly inspiring.

Thank you, moms, for everything you do. You make the world a better place, one child at a time. 💐

🌟 Happy Nurses Week! 🌟

This week, we celebrate and extend our deepest appreciation to our incredible team of nurses at the Ottawa Rotary Home. Although our team is primarily composed of developmental service workers, having a dedicated team of front-line nurses sets us apart in the developmental services sector in Ontario. These skilled professionals provide exceptional care to children in our medically fragile program, making a profound difference every day.

We honor not just our own nurses, but all nurses who work tirelessly within developmental services and the broader healthcare system across Ontario. Your commitment, compassion, and expertise do not go unnoticed.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to those who are most in need. Your work inspires us all.

🌟 - Celebrating the Heartbeat of Our Community 🌟

🌟 Meet Smita! 🌟

In 2021, Smita began her journey with us at ORH as a DSW in our Rochester Home. After completing the Ontario Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) with the Ottawa Rotary Home, she became a Registered Practical Nurse. Now, she is a cherished member of our team in our Complex Medical Needs and Leitrim Residential Programs.

Smita shares, "I love doing my job to support individual needs; it’s what makes me happy! Seeing a smile on a client or family member's face is what inspires me every day."

Thank you, Smita, for all the joy and care you bring to ORH! 💙

A Heartfelt Visit from Dedicated Supporters❤️

We were delighted to receive a visit from two long-standing supporters of the Ottawa Rotary Home. These wonderful ladies, Patricia and Sue, stopped by to check in on our progress and continued mission. 🌟

Patricia, who served as our board chair during the New Home Project, remains deeply invested in how our homes are serving the needs of our community. Her leadership and dedication during such a pivotal project have left a lasting impact. 👏

Sue, a long-time supporter and major donor, played a crucial role in the realization of the New Home Project. Notably, Sue and her late husband generously donated the land where our respite home stands today. 🏡

Thank you, Patricia and Sue, for your ongoing support and for taking the time to visit. Your commitment continues to inspire and drive us forward. 🙌

🎉 Another incredible Children's Adventure Weekend in the books! 🎉

Our kids had an absolute blast spending quality time with friends, creating heartfelt messages on our affirmation wall, and immersing themselves in the joy of music thanks to Music4All!

A huge shoutout to Music4All, a dedicated group of high school students who are dedicated to reaching children through the transformative power of music. The concert they put on was simply fantastic, and our kids had so much fun. We encourage you to check them out https://music4all.ngo/

It's moments like these that remind us of the power of community and the importance of providing enriching experiences for our children. Thank you to everyone who made this weekend unforgettable! 🎶💫

🌟Honoring National Caregiver Day and Celebrating Caregivers Everywhere💖

Today, we stand in admiration of the unsung heroes among us – caregivers and the remarkable families we support. At the Ottawa Rotary Home, we understand the struggles and sacrifices these families endure, and we celebrate their dedication. As we commemorate National Caregiver Day, our heartfelt gratitude extends to all caregivers nationwide, especially the resilient families in our community.

Whether you're a parent caring for a child or young adult with special needs or a dedicated family member navigating the challenges of illness, your unwavering strength and love inspire us. Today, we honor YOU for your resilience and selfless devotion. Thank you for being the backbone of our community and providing invaluable care and support each and every day. 🙏

🎉 Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending an evening of celebration at the Embassy of Ireland - Canada, marking their national holiday. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ambassador and his team for their warm hospitality. It was an honor to connect with such a vibrant community.

Our Executive Director, Gina St.Amour, was graciously invited to speak to the guests about the Ottawa Rotary Home and our mission. We are thrilled about the potential for a growing partnership and deeply appreciate the interest you've shown in the work we do. Your support means the world to us! 🌟

A special thank you to Tim Ruddy, Captain Pierre Brisson, and the entire team at Station 32- Leitrim Fire, as well as Councillor/Conseiller Steve Desroches. Your invaluable contributions to making this possible are sincerely appreciated!

🍀 Thank You to Station 32- Leitrim Fire 🍀
We want to express our sincere appreciation to Station 32- Leitrim Fire for their continuous support of the Ottawa Rotary Home. Thank you for organizing the recent St. Patrick's Day fundraiser on our behalf. Your ongoing commitment to our cause and the respite care we provide to children and young adults with physical disabilities and complex needs is invaluable. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

To the dedicated team at the fire station, your partnership means a lot to us. Thank you for standing by our side and for your unwavering support. 🌟

🌟 Meet Lori! 🌟


Lori's journey in Developmental Services began in 1984, and since 2009, she's been an invaluable part of our team. Her genuine affection for those she supports shines through, especially during outings like swimming, camping, apple picking, or visits to the Toronto Zoo.

"I have loved every minute of caring, sharing, and respecting those with a Developmental Disability, and my mission has always aligned with ORH," Lori shares.

Lori, your dedication leaves a lasting impact on our residents and their families. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference every day! 🙌

🎉Congratulations to Kodi Lee for making it to the top 10 and to Musa M***a for reaching the top 5 in AGT! 🌟 Your remarkable journeys have shattered stereotypes and inspired countless individuals worldwide. You both serve as living proof that challenges can be conquered, aspirations can be chased, and disabilities do not restrict one's possibilities. Your resilience in facing obstacles embodies the essence of unwavering determination and persistence. Keep pursuing your dreams and continue to show the world the limitless potential of individuals with disabilities. You are an inspiration to us all!👏

🌟 Celebrating Nonprofit Appreciation Week at Ottawa Rotary Home! 🌟

This week, as we honor the remarkable impact of nonprofits in our community, we want to shine a spotlight on the incredible frontline staff here at Ottawa Rotary Home. 🎉

Their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving children, youth, and adults with physical disabilities and complex medical needs embody the true spirit of service. From providing personalized supports to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, our team goes above and beyond every single day.

To all our staff members: Thank you for your tireless efforts, your empathy, and your passion for making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Your work is invaluable, and we are immensely grateful for everything you do.

Join us in celebrating the heart and soul of Ottawa Rotary Home—the remarkable individuals who make our mission possible. 💙

Nonprofit Appreciation Week - Ontario Nonprofit Network What is Nonprofit Appreciation Week? Find out how this week came about and how you can join in the celebrations.

🏃‍♂️ Winter Triathlon 2024 - Supporting the Ottawa Rotary Home!

We are thrilled to share that Joshua Finn is taking on the challenge in support of the Ottawa Rotary Home!

The Winter Triathlon isn't just about competition; it's about embracing the beauty of Ottawa's winter while making a positive impact. Joshua's dedication to honoring his brother Jordan's memory on what would have been his 37th birthday is truly inspiring.

By supporting Joshua in his endeavor, you're not only cheering him on in the race, but you're also helping to make a difference in the lives of those supported by the Ottawa Rotary Home. ORH offers vital support for individuals with disabilities, providing both short-term relief for families and long-term support for individuals with physical disabilities and complex needs.

Join us in rallying behind Joshua as he takes on this challenge, knowing that together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community. Let's show our support and make this Winter Triathlon one to remember! 🌟

Winter Triathlon 2024 The Winter Triathlon 2024 in support of the Ottawa Rotary Home.

🌟 We need your help to continue our care for young adults with physical disabilities 🌟

In 2023, the Ottawa Rotary Home and its staff provided 947 nights of respite care for young adults with physical disabilities and complex medical needs. With your donation, we will support hundreds of Ottawa families in 2024!

Please become an Angel by donating to our annual "Angel Campaign." Your contribution will help us to provide essential support and care to some of those who need it most in the coming year.

With your donation, no matter the amount, we will make a positive impact in our community bringing smiles to the faces of families that need our help and supportive care to their young adults with physical disabilities. Visit https://rotaryhome.on.ca/get-involved/donate-online/ to make a donation today and help your neighbours benefit from the respite care we provide.

💙

Congratulations to Donna Thomson for receiving the Vickie Cammack Trailblazer Award! 🏆 Donna's passion and dedication to improving caregiving in Canada are truly commendable. As a caregiver, author, and activist, she has made a significant impact on the disability sector. Her personal experiences, caring for her son with severe disabilities and her mother living with dementia, have not only shaped her advocacy but also inspired many. Donna's role as an educator and curriculum designer at McMaster University further reflects her commitment to making a difference. We are proud to collaborate with Donna and share the voices of caregivers and the disability sector. Her recognition is well-deserved! 🌟👏

Our residents had a wonderful time at Cannamore Orchard! On this beautiful autumn day, they seized the opportunity to handpick fresh corn, select pumpkins for both baking and home décor, and gather an abundance of apples, all destined to become delicious apple pies, crumbles, and homemade apple sauce. 🌽🎃🍎

At ORH, we're all about creating special moments and fostering independence while bringing our community closer together. It's heartwarming to see our residents enjoying quality time and making cherished memories. Stay tuned for more updates on their exciting adventures! 🍂🌟

Over 8 million Canadians are , yet caregiving is largely invisible in public policy. It is only by Working Together that a brighter future of care is possible.

We are delighted to announced our Executive Director, Gina St.Amour will be a speaker for the upcoming Canadian Caregiving Summit, a hybrid event aiming to build the foundation of a national caregiver strategy. https://canadiancaregivingsummit.ca/

Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence