In the summer of 2014, SEOCHC conducted a needs assessment in the community of Cedarwood /Sandalwood/ Baycrest. The results of the needs assessment outlined a number of initiatives that would support a healthier and more vibrant neighborhood. One of the recommendations was to hire a community developer to coordinate and implement a number of community engagement activities.

In January 2015, Valerie Assoi was hired as the full time Community Developer for this special project. Recently she organized a very successful service provider workshop to outline current and possible future programs and services in this area. The workshop had 27 participants from 12 organizations as well as representatives from Timbercreek Communities and all three levels of government.

The workshop agenda was: -Welcome and introductions; -Mapping our programs and services in the community; -Working smarter - building relationships to work together more efficiently.

Between Us Between Us

Entre NousEntre Nous

S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 5

P r i n t e m p s / E t é 2 0 1 5

I S S N 1 1 8 1 - 6 1 2 0

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WELCOME and INTRODUCTIONS After the welcoming address by Councillor Cloutier, participants were asked to draw a self-portrait and share why they like working in the community:

“I like giving back to a community that has given me so much”.

“Helping someone brings happiness. The foundation upon which all other development happens”.

“Love people, human stories, seeing change, love seeing more happy people,

“Would like to see a community with fewer conflicts”.

“Enjoy being involved and helping build a stronger, healthier community”.

“Connecting and meeting new people and helping those less fortunate”.

MAPPING OUR PROGRAMS and SERVICES in the COMMUNITY Each organization presented what programs and services they currently offer. They were then grouped by populations served including youth, families, seniors, newcomers & other groups in order to create Action Teams and work smarter together.

WORKING SMARTER The different programs and services were then grouped by population rather than agency. Partners were able to see duplication of services, gaps in services and ways of working together to increase outreach and efficiency. Overall the workshop was a great success! Many of the partners were enthusiastic about how they could work together to better serve the community. There was also discussion about new initiatives in the future.

Valerie’s next step will be to set up office hours in the newly renovated community agency space at 2850 Cedarwood Drive as well as host several resident engagement conversations. For more information, please contact Valerie Assoi at : 613-737-5115 x 2786 valeriea@seochc.on.ca

Special Project in Cedarwood-Sandalwood- Baycrest Community

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A l’e te de 2014, le CSCSEO a re alise une analyse des besoins dans la communaute de Cedarwood-Sandalwood-Baycrest. Les re sultats de cette analyse des besoins ont fait ressortir certaines initiatives qui appuieraient un quartier plus sain et plus dynamique. Une des recommandations consistait dans l’embauche d’un agent (ou d’une agente) de de veloppement communautaire dont le ro le serait de coordonner des activite s d’engagement communautaire et de mettre en œuvre quelques initiatives. En janvier 2015, Valerie Assoi a e te embauche e comme agente de de veloppement communautaire a plein temps pour ce projet spe cial. Tout re cemment, elle a organise un atelier fort re ussi pour les fournisseurs de services afin de passer en revue des programmes actuels ou possibles a l’avenir dans ce secteur. L’atelier a re uni 27 participants repre sentant une douzaine d’organisations, ainsi que des repre sentants de Timbercreek et des trois paliers de gouvernement. L’ordre de jour de l’atelier e tait le suivant : -Bienvenue et présentations; -Organigramme de nos programmes et services dans la communauté; -Travailler plus

intelligemment – nouer des rapports et travailler plus efficacement en commun.

BIENVENUE ET PRÉSENTATIONS Apre s le mot de bienvenue du conseiller Jean Cloutier, les participants ont e te invite s a brosser un autoportrait et a de crire pourquoi ils aiment travailler dans la communaute . « J’aime redonner à la

communauté qui m’a tant donné. »

« Aider quelqu’un me rend heureux. C’est à partir de là que tout autre développement se produit. »

« J’aime les gens, les anecdotes humaines, le changement; j’aime voir des gens plus heureux;

j’aimerais voir une communauté avec moins de dissensions. »

J’aime bien être engagé et aider à édifier une communauté forte et saine. »

Rencontrer et tisser des liens avec de nouvelles personnes et aider les gens moins fortunés. »

ORGANIGRAMME DE NOS PROGRAMMES ET SERVICES DANS LA COMMUNAUTÉ Les organisations ont explique tour a tour la nature de leurs programmes et services actuels respectifs. On les a ensuite regroupe es en fonction de la

Projet spe cial pour la communaute de Cedarwood-Sandalwood-Baycrest

population desservie : jeunesse, familles, aî ne s, nouveaux arrivants, dans le but de mettre sur pied des e quipes d’intervention et de travailler plus intelligemment en commun. TRAVAILLER PLUS INTELLIGEMMENT Les diffe rents programmes et services ont e te regroupe s ensuite en fonction de la population pluto t que par agence. Les partenaires ont pu de couvrir le de doublement des services, les lacunes et les manie res de travailler en commun afin d’accroî tre le rayonnement et l’efficacite . L’atelier a e te couronne de succe s. Plusieurs partenaires ont manifeste leur enthousiasme sur les possibilite s de collaboration afin de mieux servir la communaute . Il a e galement e te question de nouvelles initiatives pour l’avenir. La prochaine e tape pour Valerie sera d’organiser ses heures d’ouverture dans les nouveaux locaux de l’agence communautaire sur la promenade Cedarwood, en plus d’engager le dialogue avec plusieurs re sidents. Pour plus de renseignements,

joindre Valerie Assoi : 613-737-7195 ou

valeriea@seochc.on.ca.

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After graduating with a degree in Law and Criminology, Kelli Tonner thought she would have a career working with young offenders. However, when government cutbacks eliminated her job in Corrections in 1998 she started working at South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre.

Over the years she has served in the role of Youth Worker, Program Coordinator of Youth for Futures, Health Promoter for Youth, Coordinator of Community Services and, since 2007, as Director of Community Services, Better Beginnings Better Futures, and Early Years.

Kelli has found this job both challenging and rewarding. She is proud to work for an organization that strives to support people and lives its Mission and Values every day. In the 17 years she has worked here she has witnessed the direct and lasting impact of the services we offer to people in our community. Young people she worked with who were struggling with multiple issues have grown up to be successful members of the community with families of their own. Families who arrived here traumatized by their immigration experience and confronted with confusing bureaucracy were helped through our Community Connections program to

larger, ground floor space, in a building that would be a hub for community serving agencies, and that we would become well known in our community and beyond.

CHC’s value the contributions of diverse individuals and have a strong focus on early intervention and community development to support positive, sustainable change. Kelli views CHCs as “one-stop shops,” system navigators, people connectors, advocators and cheerleaders. Colleagues describe Kelli as a heartfelt, caring person, who wants to do her very best for individuals, families and community.

She is energetic, enthusiastic, efficient and supportive. She is a high achiever and multitasker, but she is always willing to help others even when she has a lot on her own plate. A stellar “gem” of an employee, Kelli embodies our Mission and Values, because she believes that Every One Matters.

Submitted By, Jeannie Page,

Executive Assistant

become included and engaged citizens. They often call to express their thanks for our help.

Kelli reports that some of the challenges of her job are the overwhelming needs of our clients and community and our inability to meet those needs due to funding restrictions. This means having to make difficult decisions around the allocation of resources. As a service organization we sometimes feel the pressure to do more with less. Another challenge is the investment in intervention and acute care instead of prevention and primary care. Her concern is always that the vulnerable voices of the clients we serve are sometimes not being heard.

The biggest change Kelli has witnessed over time is the huge growth in the number and variety of programs and services we offer. But while our growing staff come with a greater diversity in skills and backgrounds, they all share the same values and commitment to the community we serve. Kelli believes that in all the years she has worked here, there has never been a sense of “Mission Drift”, or moving away from our core values.

When asked where she would like to see the Centre in 5 years, Kelli said she hopes we will continue to be a leader in collaborative community partnerships that focus on vulnerable neighbourhoods. In the best of all possible worlds, she would like to see us relocate to a

Staff Profile: Kelli Tonner—Growing up at South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre

P a g e 4 B e t w e e n U s / E n t r e N o u s

Hunt Club Riverside Site at

3320 Paul Anka Dr.

Health Promotion Drop-Ins Presentations and Discussion Group

Foot Care. Nurse provides foot care services. $15 by appointment only

Urban Pole Walking. We start with a warm up and then go Nordic Pole walking in the fresh air. We provide walking poles

For more information call:

Diane Rose

(613) 247-1600 Ext. 321

Everyone is welcome. Registration is open and ongoing. *Please note that if you are a new client to the Centre, you will need to register before

participating in a program. Exercise programs require a short assessment before

participating. Please call to speak with the Seniors Health Promotion staff.

We have seniors’ programs running at many sites!

1355 Bank Street

Gentle yoga for the Body and the Mind

Viactive Exercises:

Chair exercises, strength exercises

and dance movements. Various

spots in the community.

Wise Adults Seminars. Presentations and Discussion Group

Free Dental Screening. Come see a dental hygienist.

From Soup to Tomatoes Exercise program. This program will be delivered using OTN (Ontario Telemedicine Network) services. Come check out this new technology and renowned exercise program.

For more information call:

(613) 737-7195 Ext. 2323

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Thank you, Stephanie!

Eight years ago, one of our staff members, Nathalie, was singing in a community choir, where she met Stephanie Coward-Yaskiw. Stephanie had developed a program called “Music for Living: Finding Your Voice”, which was designed to prepare people to sing in a choir, and Nathalie invited her to offer that program to staff at South-East Ottawa Centre. The program included practical exercises, like breathing, pitch and articulation, as well as giving participants the confidence to sing in harmony with others. The first phase of Music for Living resulted in a group of committed staff members who enjoyed coming together on their lunch hours to make music, and so a second phase was offered. Eventually the participants “graduated”, but nobody wanted to give it up, and so the group morphed into a choir, which came to be called “Sisters in Song and One Brother”. Over the years choir members have come and gone, but a core group has remained. The choir has performed at such events as the annual Christmas party, Volunteer Appreciation Events, Annual General Meetings, as

well as fundraisers and seniors’ residences. After eight years of leading, accompanying and singing with the choir, Stephanie will be stepping down as of June to pursue work in her other field of passion, conflict resolution. I recently sat down to talk to Stephanie about her experience with our choir.

When I asked about the benefits of singing at work, Stephanie’s face lit up as she responded “There are so many. For the individual, singing contributes to their physical, mental and social wellbeing. There are scientifically proven physiological changes to the body when we sing,” she explained, “more oxygen circulates to the organs, we have better posture, and our mental health and immune system are boosted. For an organization like a health centre, the choir brings together staff from different departments who might not normally interact, to

create beautiful music. Music can transcend differences and build positive relationships, which is crucial in a healthy organization.” There are challenges to sustaining a choir in the workplace, of course. The greatest is that people’s jobs come first, and so often they are unable to attend weekly practices on a regular basis. In a small choir, this has an impact on the blend of voices, and it takes a lot of energy for the choir leader to work with whoever shows up and give them the confidence to sing out their part. Stephanie has many great memories with the choir over the years, both during our more intimate practice times or when we were performing in public. There were times during a practice when a song would trigger an emotional response from one of the members, and they would share a story that would bring us all to tears or fits of laughter. There were fun, informal times when we sang Christmas carols in the lobby of our building, and when we sang for a group of families at Better Beginnings, and folks sang along who might not have ever had the opportunity to sing in a group before. There was a memorable concert when we sang at the Perley-Rideau and the residents

(Continued on page 8)

Left to Right: Stephanie, Jeannie, Wendy, Sandy, Iain and Helen at Grocery Bus Christmas Party.

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Rhubarb and strawberry is a much-loved combination enjoyed in pies and preserves. The rhubarb is in the cupcake with strawberry jam in the icing to get that special taste in every bite! Baking Time: 20 to 22 minutes

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cupcakes: 12

Ingredients 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour

1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder

1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt 1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar

2 Ontario Eggs

1/2 tsp (2 mL) vanilla

1/4 cup (50 mL) Ontario Milk

3/4 cup (175 mL) diced Ontario Rhubarb (about 1/4-inch/0.5 cm)

Icing: 1/4 cup (50 mL) cream cheese, softened

1 tbsp (15 mL) butter, at room temperature

3 tbsp (45 mL) strawberry jam

2 cups (500 mL) icing sugar, sifted

2 tsp (10 mL) Ontario Milk Strawberry jam (optional)

Preparation Line a muffin pan with paper liners; set aside. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, using electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in sugar until well combined. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and beat until fluffy. Gradually beat in flour mixture, alternating with milk, just until smooth. Stir in rhubarb. Using ice cream scoop or large spoons, spoon batter into prepared muffin pan, filling about 3/4 full. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool in pan on a rack for 5 minutes; remove cupcakes onto rack and cool completely. Icing: In medium bowl, using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in jam. Add icing sugar and milk; beat until very smooth. Spread icing over cooled cupcakes (or use piping bag). If desired, drizzle a bit of strawberry jam (thinned with a bit of water), over icing. Store in airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Nutrients per serving 1 Cupcake: Protein: 3 grams

Fat: 9 grams

Carbohydrate: 45 grams

Calories: 280

Fibre: 0 gram

Sodium: 140 mg

Rhubarb Cupcakes with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

Let’s Think Green this Spring and Summer

It’s become well known that vinegar is useful in many ways. From helping keep windows streak free, to cleaning an apple before you take a bite, vinegar can be a eco-friendly aid to help us complete many of the day to day tasks we face. We have compiled a short list of a few ideas that we thought were pretty cool: 1. Non-toxic oven cleaner: Fill a spray bottle

with vinegar and spray the inside of your oven generously. Sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar soaked surface and let it fizz. If the fizzing is unimpressive apply more vinegar and baking soda. After it has soaked for 10-15 minutes, scrub away with a scouring sponge and wipe clean with a wet cloth. Though this may not be the best solution for cleaning an oven that has just cooked a turkey dinner, it is an affordable, fumeless, eco-friendly way to handle typical oven messes and keep your oven clean throughout the year.

2. Clean Windows: Mix 2 tablespoons of white

vinegar with 500 mL of water in a spray bottle. Spray windows and then scrub with newspaper (not paper towels, which cause streaking). Don’t forget to dispose of your wet newspaper in your green bin!

3. Revitalize your Laundry: Get rid of odours,

refresh your colours and brighten your whites by adding a capful of white vinegar to your laundry. You can also whiten dingy socks and dishcloths by boiling them in a pot of water with a cup of distilled vinegar. After you boil them, soak them for 6 hours and then wash them as per usual.

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4. Wash Produce: Vinegar may help remove

bacteria from fruits and vegetables. Mix three parts water to one part white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray your produce thoroughly and then rinse with water.

5. Freshen your microwave: Rid of

microwave odour by boiling a bowl of vinegar and water in the microwave. The boiling vinegar will fill the microwave with steam. Allowing the steam to stay in the microwave for a couple of minutes will also loosen dried food. All you’ll need to do is wipe it dry and you’re done.

For more ideas, visit this site: www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/cleaning/10-brilliant-uses-for-vinegar---room-by-room/

Submitted By: The Green Team

South-East Ottawa CHC

P a g e 8 B e t w e e n U s / E n t r e N o u s

Staff Changes March 2015 Comings and Goings

Staff Changes:

Valerie Assoi: from Community Engagement Worker Hunt Club Riverside to Community Developer –Cedarwood- Sandalwood-Baycrest Allison Everett: from Housing Support Worker to Community Engagement Worker – Hunt Club Riverside

Hinda Hassan: from Housing Support Worker to Housing Case Worker with Housing Help

Welcome to new staff:

Nardin Maayteh: Youth Worker Catherine Atim: Youth Worker Michael St. Laurent: Administrative Assistant - Finance Diane MacKenzie: Relief Medical Secretary

Layout and Design: Catherine Janna catherij@seochc.on.ca

Between Us ~ Entre Nous is published three times a year by South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre.

Editor: Kelli Tonner

Proof Readers: James Tanguay Martha Smith

Letters, articles or suggestions are always welcome. Please address correspondence to the Editor at the address below.

South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre 1355 Bank St., Suite 600

Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8K7

The opinions expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Board of South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre.

were clearly engaged and enjoyed singing along with some of the old familiar tunes. And over the years there have been many magical moments when the harmonies are just right and we created a beautiful sound together. Stephanie is stepping down at this time not because she wants to, but because she needs to focus on her family and career. She said it has been an “amazing privilege” to sing and work with our choir. She has tremendous respect for the work our Health Centre does in the community, and for the dedication and commitment of the SEO staff. We will miss you, Stephanie, but we are so grateful for the time you spent with us and the musical gifts you shared. We wish you and your family love, good health and happiness, and may you find meaning and fulfillment whatever you do.

Submitted By, Jeannie Page,

Executive Assistant

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