MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF HISTORY

The story of the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre dates back to 1986, a time of economic crisis. In many sectors, hardship is a fact of life. But in Orléans-Cumberland, some are surprised at how many families are finding it difficult to cope.

A small group of people in the Township of Cumberland decides to do something about it by setting up a social services committee. One year later, it has grown to include an information and referral service. In the spring of 1988, the first Board of Directors is elected and takes up residence in its birthplace that everyone refers to as " the little house " located on St. Joseph Bouvevard.  in August 1989, the first Executive Director is hired.  The Centre offers basic services including a food and clothing bank in addition to a crisis referral service.  In January 1997, the Food Bank opens its doors on Taylor Creek Rd.

Today, the CRC is a respected community institution both as a strong advocate for the vulnerable and a champion of positive social change. It manages a comprehensive range of programs and services thanks to a multidisciplinary group of professionals that includes a nurse, a dietician, social workers, childhood educators, speech-language specialists and community development workers. These professionals are led by a management team and supported by some 162 volunteers annually.

From 1986 to this day, the CRC has been and continues to be At the heart of it all.

OUR ACTION: PEOPLE-ORIENTED, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN

The Orléans-Cumberland community is reflected in the very composition of our Board of Directors. The Board is made up of nine volunteer members representing key sectors of activities such as health, business, education, high tech and social services. Four basic principles guide our actions each day as we carry out our mission:

1. Our Centre is the gateway to a range of social and community services. 
2. All services and programs are provided in both official languages by our multidisciplinary team. 
3. We serve people in the communities of Orléans, Cumberland, Sarsfield, Navan, Vars and Carlsbad Springs paying particular attention to those most vulnerable and at risk. 
4. We provide various forms of support to individuals, families and groups using an approach that focuses on prevention, community education and advocacy.

ACTION THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

Partnership is one of the CRC’s core strengths and a tremendous point of pride, because it empowers us to play a lead role in our community where we are needed the most. 

Founding member of the Community Family Health Team of Ottawa East which provides primary health care

Provider of short and long term counseling services 

Educator through the expertise of a nurse and dietician in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes

Advocate for children in the prevention of abuse 

Architect of community support initiatives such as Celebration of Women’s Day, Clothing Day

Social advocate: prevention of housing eviction, support to abused women, home management, income tax clinic, application for social assistance Facilitator: free access to computers, Internet and basic computer skills training provided by volunteers.

Education and employment: online courses toward high school crédits as well as employment and counselling for returning or joining the workplace.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

The Orléans-Cumberland CRC is proud to be one of the 14 member Centres of the Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa. The Coalition’s work throughout Ottawa is vital to the health of our city. You can learn more about our activities with the Coalition at www.coalitionottawa.ca.