One thing leads to another, doesn’t it? That’s certainly true for some people in Ottawa, Ontario, churched and unchurched, sheltered and unsheltered. Hear now how they have connected so that all their gifts may flourish.

 

 

Centre 507 in Ottawa started from a need seen by the people of McLeod-Stewarton United Church (now known as Centretown since amalgamation with Bell Street). The church members noticed that people lingered after visiting the food bank, standing around chatting. Rather than ask them to move on, these first volunteers brought in a couple of couches, put the coffee pot on, and joined the conversation. Strangers had opportunities to become friends and community members.

 

 

This was the start of Centre 507’s drop-in centre. Today, the centre helps people living on the streets, in shelters, or in rooming houses with education, shelter, job searches, life skills, and access to social services. The centre also has an outreach team, armed with backpacks filled with food and other supplies, that seeks out those people who find refuge wherever they can.

 

 

Artistic Expressions is the latest joint project of Centretown United Church and Centre 507. Artists who lack paper, canvas, paint, pencil, camera, or carving tools are given equipped studio space and the encouragement to express their artistic talents.

 

 

 

There are as many reasons as there are people why a person might need help. Our mission and service partners provide helping hands so that people can reclaim their lives again. Your gifts to our Mission and Service Fund help to make artists flourish and help make new lives possible.

 

 

Every gift to the church’s mission and service is used wisely and helps transform lives. Please continue to give generously.