SUMMER 2015
FIVEOSEVEN NEWS
Centre 507 • Safe haven, stepping stone • Serving Ottawa since 1983
Housed in Centretown United Church • 507 Bank St., Ottawa K2P 1Z5 • 613-233-5626 • www.centre507.org
CENTRE 507: A STEPPING STONE FOR DAVID
to see the video.) David
is also open about
telling his story, in the
hope of helping others
For six months, he cleaned the Centre for two hours a day.
with similar challenges.
Now he is doing the same at TD Place, home of the Ottawa
He says that living with
Redblacks.
schizoaffective disorder
and an addiction to
Previous cleaning jobs had left 45-year-old David feeling
down, comparing himself unfavourably with more privileged cannabis is “a battle
every day.” But his
colleagues at the cost of his self-esteem. But Centre
success in finding a David Girouard
507’s “wonderful and respectful” staff members
“I live
new cleaning job is one of many signs that
helped him turn his thinking around.
modestly being on
he is winning some battles.
He began to see cleaning as a contribution
disability... Others in
the world have no
David’s attitude is inspiring: “I live modestly being
to the Centre and its important work. As a
support like
on disability… Others in the world have no support
Christian, David draws on a biblical passage
disability, hospitals,
like disability, hospitals, doctors. In Africa, a lot
to explain: “A cleaner is like a small part of the
doctors.”
don’t even have clean water, electricity or shoes…no
body — a toe for example. But, without that toe,
food, no school, no free hospitals and…for them, I’m
it’s hard to walk.”
living like a king.”
Articulate and creative, David makes music, graphics, videos
Although the paid cleaner position was a victim of budget
and websites. He saved enough money from his 507 job to
cuts imposed recently on Centre 507, subsequent donations
buy a keyboard to play. He also bought a video camera,
from individual supporters will enable us to maintain this
which he has already put to good use by making a virtual
position until the end of the calendar year.
video tour of the Centre. (Visit Centre 507’s Facebook page
David Girouard’s job as cleaner at Centre 507 gave him a
reason to get up in the morning, a paycheque and a stronger
resumé, which has helped land him another job.
LOOKING GOOD WITH CENTRE 507’S NEW BARBER SERVICE
Every two weeks, about 10 Centre 507
participants get a free haircut,
compliments of Barry Nelthorpe.
With a career spanning close to 50 years, the retired barbershop owner
has the skills and customer service experience to convince even the
most particular participants to sign up for a new look. After seeing
the great haircuts sported by his fellow participants, one participant
declared, “You can do whatever you like to my hair. I fully trust you.”
Nelthorpe, a fixture for decades at Snobby’s, his Laurier Avenue
barbershop, was quick to say yes when Kitty Galt, a Centre 507
support worker, asked if he might like to help out. And his work does
so much more than just make people look good.
The participants who get their hair cut often say it alters how they
perceive themselves, boosts their self-confidence and encourages them
to take on new challenges. Nelthorpe’s one-on-one connection with
participants also brings some much appreciated personal interaction
between participants and someone who clearly cares about them.
507 Barber Barry Nelthorpe gives a participant a new look.
“I may have retired, but being a barber is something I know inside out.
It has been a practical way for me to support the Centre and help
contribute to the great work they do,” said Nelthorpe.
507 COMMUNITY VEGETABLE GARDEN BLOOMS
The loss of six ash trees in front of
Centre 507 has turned from a sad story
to a happy one. The congregation
of Centretown United Church is
partnering with Centre 507 to grow
vegetables where the trees used to be.
The vegetables will go into lunches at
Centre 507. Along with volunteers
from the congregation and the
neighbourhood, Centre participants
are helping to grow the vegetables.
A grant from Just Food Ottawa helped
the garden to take shape. Big Yellow
Bag Ltd. delivered soil at a discount.
And the Grade 3-4 class at Elgin Street
Public school has signed on to grow
some vegetable seedlings in the
classroom over the winter for next
year’s garden.
Curtis Fortier, from Napanee
Machine Welding and Fabrication
donated a truck, chain saw, axes
and his expertise in removing
stumps from each planter.
Centre
participants
are helping
to grow the
vegetables
Jim Miller, Jane Ambridge and Brian Ure with the first
lettuce and leeks.
CENTRE 507’S WISH LIST
• Bus tickets
• Coffee
• Coffee whitener
Centre 507
• Deodorant
• Razors
• Sugar
• Tim Hortons cards
• Toilet paper
CENTRE 507: SAFE HAVEN, STEPPING STONE
Centre 507 is a drop-in centre that is open to all who seek a safe, friendly and
supportive environment.
Free services offered at Centre 507:
Free services offered at Centre 507: Supportive listening/counselling • Advocacy & referrals • Crisis intervention
Information on community resources • Community outreach workers from other agencies • Hot food, snacks, coffee
Clothing & toiletries • Telephones • Computers • Needle exchange • Sewing • Recreational events and special outings
Holiday meals and seasonal activities
YES!
I would like to contribute to the work of Centre 507. Please find enclosed my donation of :
❐ $25
❐ $50
❐ $100
❐ Other amount: $
Income tax receipts are provided for donations over $10. Please fill out the following to receive a tax receipt:
Name: Phone number:
Address: City/town: Postal Code:
This information will not be sold or shared in any way. Please make your cheque payable to Centre 507.
Our mailing address is: Centre 507, 507 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1Z5
Tel: 613-233-5626
Fax: 613-233-5088 Web: www.centre507.org
Email: manager@centre507.org
Registered charitable business number: 118848472RR0001
Donate Online! Go to: www.centre507.org/support-us/financial-support/