“The faces at Belong Ottawa bring me joy every day.”
For the past 13 years, Cecilia has found a second home at Belong Ottawa’s drop-in programs at Centre 454 and The Well. As a longtime participant, Cecilia has found comfort coming to Belong Ottawa for many reasons, and above them all is the staff who have supported her across many chapters in her life.
“At Centre 454 and The Well, the staff have been awesome. They have helped me a lot. If it weren’t for them, I would not be on my journey to finding myself again.”
Over the years, Cecilia has triumphed over personal challenges with staff at Belong Ottawa cheering her on. Today, Cecilia is focused on healthy living and self-care, striving to be her best version of herself. While Belong Ottawa offers essential services that nourish the body like respite, meals, and showers, Cecilia’s favourite parts are activities including outings, crafts, and karaoke, which nourish her mind and soul.
One of Cecilia’s favourite memories is a pre-pandemic karaoke tournament between Belong Ottawa’s three programs, where her team – Team Centre 454 – overtook Team The Well and Team St Lukes Table to take home the winning trophy: a sparkling, golden microphone.
On good days and bad, Cecilia sees Belong Ottawa as a consistent place for support, knowing she will find friendly faces and a safe place to be.
“The part of Belong Ottawa I love the most is the staff. They come in and treat us as they are. They come outside and socialize with us. They talk to us. They put up with us. That is the best part here.”
Belong Ottawa’s team includes staff from diverse backgrounds, many with lived experience. What unites them is their belief in Belong Ottawa’s mission of dignity, wellness, and hope for all. No matter where someone is on their journey, they belong at Belong Ottawa.
For Cecilia, “We All Belong” means community and mutual support, and taking care of one another. “We belong to each other. Every drop-in centre, every shelter – we belong period, and we belong to each other.”
“Respect one another. Do not look down on people. Do not look down on street people because they are human too. Some of them are lost, but they will find their way back.”
As we celebrate 70 years at Centre 454, 41 years at St Luke’s Table, and 40 years at The Well, Cecilia reminds us everyone deserves dignity, even if that starts with a smile.
Help us continue fostering dignity at Belong Ottawa. Click here to learn how you can support our work.
We All Belong
In celebration of 70 years at Centre 454, 41 years at St Luke’s Table, and 40 years at The Well Belong Ottawa is telling the stories of our diverse community members and how they have found belonging within our programs. Follow along with #WeAllBelong and #BelongOttawa.
