CityNews Sam and Sarah
December 15, 2022Women’s Service Organizations come together for IWD: Together, we can go farther
February 8, 2023CityNews Sam and Sarah
December 15, 2022Women’s Service Organizations come together for IWD: Together, we can go farther
February 8, 2023Cornerstone's 2023 Gratitude Report
As we enter a new year, I reflect back on how we got here, and I am completely amazed by how incredible our community is. We could not have gotten through 2022 without all of you.
I am honoured to be a part of such a compassionate Cornerstone community that has been there to support vulnerable women and gender-diverse people for nearly four decades now.
We have a lot to be thankful for, as we navigated another trying year. We moved back to our O’Connor shelter at the beginning of 2022. There was a sense of relief after our shelter had been on the move for nearly two years. We welcomed volunteers back into our programs, we brought back programming. There was laughter in the halls again, a real sense of community came back to life. There was a sense of relief and hope on the horizon.
We also finished the first year of our strategic framework and wow, did we accomplish a lot! However, that relief wavered throughout the year as we coped with numerous obstacles at once:
- We had an increase in omicron COVID cases and staffing shortages.
- We were confronted by an occupation right outside our doorstep.
- We, unfortunately, had a fire in one of our resident’s rooms at Booth Street, which led to resident evacuation for more than 3 months
- Food insecurity was at an all-time high for our organization as we navigated the rising food costs
With YOU by our side, we know healing and hope are possible. We are so thankful.
What I am most thankful for from this past year are the connections with new and familiar friends of Cornerstone. I look forward to reconnecting with you this year and focusing on healing and recovery for our community.
Our Cornerstone Community has not wavered - we have become stronger, more resilient, and more dedicated than ever – and for this, I would like to send my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you. To our staff, and their families; to our donors; to our neighbours and community; to our community partners; and to our volunteers – THANK YOU!
We look forward to seeing you all in the new year as we look towards opening our newest supportive housing residence and celebrating our 40th anniversary!
Sarah Davis
Executive Director
Meet our Young Professional Advisory Board
In 2022, the Young Professionals Advisory Board (YPAB) had the privilege of supporting Cornerstone Housing for Women through volunteering, fundraising, and raising awareness. Its efforts remained limited by pandemic restrictions, but it was able to raise $3,880.00 to support the women of Cornerstone. The team participated in Coldest Night of the Year, raising money and awareness for Cornerstone. It also ran a Mother’s Day fundraiser in partnership with Richmond Nurseries in which beautiful flowers were delivered to recipients across Ottawa. As the year progressed and restrictions began to lift, the YPAB was able to hold its first in-person event in several years. Its Summer Mixer was a networking event to raise money and awareness for Cornerstone.
The YPAB is excited for the opportunities 2023 will bring, and plans to continue with many of its traditional fundraisers while adding new ones.
CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY: UPCOMING EVENTS
Coldest Night of the Year - WALK
It’s cold out there Ottawa! The Coldest Night of the Year charity walk returns to Ottawa’s Westboro Village for an in-person event for 2023! Feel the bite of the night on February 25, 2023 as a reminder of the hardships people endure when they don’t yet have a home.
THE BASICS OF LEAVING A GIFT IN YOUR WILL
Do you have a will? Want to leave a lasting legacy on the charity of your choice? Join us on October 31st, 9 am-10 am, and learn more about the basics of leaving a gift in your will, powers of attorney, leaving stock donations, and hearing beneficiary information from leading experts.
SUPPORT CORNERSTONE
Your generosity makes women’s lives better!
URGENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE NEEDS:
- Mops, buckets, Dustpans
- Travel Sized Toiletries
- New coffee makers
- New kettles
- Craft Supplies
- Sheets (Single)
- New Pillows
- New Underwear
- Body Towels
- $10 Gift Cards to PC, Dollarama, Giant Tiger