MOVING ALONG …
Everyone at Centre 454 is very excited about returning home to St. Alban’s.
Over the past eight months, the Centre has partnered with the Diocese and the renewed parish at St. Alban’s to prepare for our return. The original plan was to move in January 2012, but like most renovation projects it often takes longer than hoped. Tremendous progress has been made and we are blessed to have a wonderful dedicated team of professionals and volunteers who are working hard to make it happen. The plan now is to have Centre operations up and running at St. Alban’s by Spring 2012 – an appropriate time for new beginnings!
OPEN HOUSE AT ST. ALBAN'S
On Sunday July 17th, Centre 454 hosted an Open House at St. Alban’s.
In the summer heat, approximately 60 people dropped by to tour the space and chat with participants, staff, and Board members about the work of the Centre. Bishop John was unable to attend but sent his best wishes and hopes in a letter read by Mary-Martha Hale. Everyone was grateful for the cool lemonade provided by the Parish of St. Alban's and the amazing buffet of food provided by the Parish of March. As plans for our move develop, the Centre looks forward to more opportunities to meet and get to know our neighbours in the community.
CLICK HERE for more details
CHOOSE HOPE TODAY FOR TOMORROW
The Centre is actively preparing for our return to St. Alban's. Please join us on our journey home.
CLICK HERE to view the insert that was included in the Centre's Spring 2011 newsletter.
 |
WORKING TOGETHER
Centre 454 is committed to working collaboratively with our neighbours and all stakeholders as we plan our return to St. Alban’s.
CLICK HERE to view Centre 454's presentation at the community meeting hosted by Councillor Fleury on April 18, 2011.
PLANNING THE MOVE "BACK HOME"
Centre 454 is planning to move back to St. Alban's Church at 454 King Edward Avenue later in 2011.
In February 2011, the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa reached an agreement with the ANiC leaders of St. Alban the Martyr Church. On July 1st, the Diocese reclaimed St. Alban's and, as part of their program for renewal, has invited Centre 454 to return home later this year.
For 24 years, Centre 454 operated out of a portion of the basement of St. Alban's Church. The former parish requested more of the shared space, so in 2000 the Centre moved to our current location at 216 Murray Street.
Moving back to the church will give a sense of sanctuary to our participants that we cannot offer now. It will also clearly identify us as part of the family of community ministries of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. The plan is for Centre 454 to occupy the full basement of St. Alban's Church.
Even though it's only 6 blocks away, Centre 454 is carefully planning every step of the move. That includes re-establishing ties with the community.
Centre 454 will continue meetings with local community members, service providers and City officials to get feedback on the move. We have identified many shared concerns and are working on a plan of action before, during and after the move, to ensure a safe, inclusive, and vibrant neighbourhood surrounding St. Alban's Church.
At St. Alban's, Centre 454 will continue to offer a full range of services including social recreation, supportive counselling, and practical and spiritual supports.
We will continue to host professionals from other agencies who provide specialized services. These agencies include the Canadian Mental Health Association, City of Ottawa Health Department, Housing Help, John Howard Society, Royal Ottawa Centre for Mental Health, Jewish Family Services, and the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health.
If you would like to get in touch with us about this venture, please contact us at centre454@ottawa.anglican.ca. Throughout the year we will be posting regular updates on this page to keep you apprised of our progress.
Choose Hope!
Mary-Martha Hale
Executive Director
Centre 454