On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Serenity Renewal for Families marked a monumental occasion in Ottawa’s history as the City officially proclaimed Serenity Renewal for Families Day in recognition of the organization’s 41 years of life-changing support to individuals and families impacted by addiction.

Since its founding in 1983 by a nun and an addictions counselor, Serenity Renewal for Families has filled a critical gap in addiction recovery services by offering short-term counselling, educational workshops, and programs for individuals and families. Over four decades, the organization has supported more than 100,000 people, creating a lasting legacy of hope and resilience in the community.

 

A Day of Gratitude and Reflection

The Gathering of Gratitude brought together staff, volunteers, donors, board members, and city leaders to celebrate this milestone. City Councillors Stephanie Plante and Rawlson King attended on behalf of Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who issued the proclamation.

The event highlighted the incredible work of the organization through the voices of those it has touched. Among the speakers was Catherine, who shared her powerful journey of overcoming addiction with the help of Serenity Renewal for Families.

“This time in my life, I was in total crisis,” Catherine said, recounting the despair and isolation she felt before finding the organization. She spoke of Serenity Renewal’s non-judgmental approach, recalling how she was embraced even after missing her first appointment. Today, Catherine has come full circle and now leads workshops to help others navigate their recovery.

Honoring Commitment and Leadership

In addition to celebrating its history, the event also recognized key individuals whose dedication has driven Serenity Renewal’s mission forward:

  • Michelle Tasker, Manager, and Jill Egan, Director of Donor Relations, were honoured for 10 years of service, reflecting their deep commitment to the organization and its mission.
  • Neil Leslie, Executive Director, was celebrated for his five years of leadership, guiding the organization during a time of growing demand for its services.

Leslie spoke about the importance of addressing not only addiction but its impact on families. “It creates a safe space not only for the person who’s in recovery but also for the family members surrounding them,” he explained.

A Growing Need

As the demand for Serenity Renewal’s services continues to grow, Leslie emphasized the critical role of donors and supporters. “If it wasn’t for them, we can’t do what we’re doing,” he said.

The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that no one is turned away due to financial reasons, ensuring that every individual and family seeking help can find the support they need.

 

Looking Ahead

The proclamation of Serenity Renewal for Families Day is not just a recognition of past achievements but a testament to the ongoing importance of the organization’s work. The day serves as a reminder that recovery is a journey that touches not only individuals but their families and the broader community.

As Catherine eloquently put it, “You are a valuable human being. We want you to recover.”

Thank You

We extend heartfelt gratitude to:

  • Our volunteers, donors, and community supporters, whose generosity makes our work possible
  • Our dedicated staff and board members, who tirelessly bring our mission to life
  • The City of Ottawa and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for recognizing our efforts with this incredible honour

This special day was a celebration of healing, hope, and community, and it was a testament to what can be achieved when people come together to support one another.

Experience the Celebration

Together, we look forward to continuing our mission and expanding our reach to help even more families find hope and healing.

#SerenityRenewalDay #41YearsOfImpact #HopeAndHealing