Supporting

Every year or 2 we present, on our membership form. a few groups which we are interested in supporting for the coming year(s).  

For this year, based on the membership input in Sept. 2025 - Jan . 2026 we are supporting :

• The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County.  "This not-for-profit charity supports caregivers of people living with dementia and provides numerous education sessions (in person and online) for anyone interested in learning more about dementia, including risk factors for developing dementia.   I think this charity would be a very good fit to WOS since more women are diagnosed with dementia than men and women are very often the primary caregiver for loved ones with dementia.  We also know that exercise and socialization are two of the modifiable risk factors on the list of things we can do to improve our likelihood of avoiding dementia.  So, kudos to WOS for the wonderful outings that ensure we have lots of both!!  Their annual report for 2023-24 gives further information.    This is a local charity and funds raised in this community stay in the community to support the many services offered."   

These other 2 groups were well received as well and may be considered in future years.

• Women Warriors.org . "Therapeutic Engagement and Peer support for Wonen and 2sLGBTQ+ military veterans living with trauma.   Their Healing Garden is located on Pepin Court in Blackburn Hamlet in the Greenbelt. They offer a variety of evidence-based therapeutic programs in curated safe spaces for individuals and small groups of Women, 2sLGBTQ+, BiPOC and Indigenous Military Veterans, including Canadian Citizens and Permenant Residents who served in Allied Forces."  

• https://www.youvillecentre.org/.  "At Youville Centre, we believe that every child and youth has the ability to learn and grow, and that every young mother deserves to have a dream that anything is possible. Our myriad of programs and services help our young moms to work towards personal, academic and parenting goals in order to create a brighter future for themselves and their children.” The centre looks after the needs of mother and child preparing them for the opportunity of a successful future". (From their webiste)   "School, childcare, counselling…all important.  What really stuck with me was the care into the future with bursaries for the women to pursue post-secondary education.  AND, there are bursaries for their children so they too can pursue post secondary education when they are older. " 

Our thanks to those members who have contributed suggestions.