Search Results

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, we’re reminded that fall is a season of both reflection and renewal. At Nelson House, this time of year brings. At Nelson House, this time of year brings new opportunities to strengthen our community, raise awareness, and continue providing vital support to women and children experiencing violence. On September 23, 2025, Nelson House held our Annual General Meeting. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate our achievements, and share our vision for the future as we continue supporting women and children fleeing violence. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to making the evening a success. Your ongoing support strengthens our work and our community. In this edition, you’ll find updates on our ongoing programs, highlights from recent events, and a look at the important initiatives ahead. Together, with your support, we are creating safety, fostering resilience, and building hope. Thank you for standing with us this season and beyond.  Table of Content Message from our Executive Director, Clarissa Arthur Events Gratitude for donations  How You Can Help  Thank you Message from our Executive Director Clarissa & Mayor Sutcliffe It has been three months since I assumed my role as Executive Director of Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton. I am inspired by the dedication of staff and community members who consistently come together to support our programs and services. Repeatedly, I am reminded that this is more than just a “role”; it is a duty to educate others and raise awareness about gender-based violence. Last month, I was honoured to attend the Mayor’s Breakfast Series, where I had the opportunity to connect with other community leaders and discuss collaborative ways to improve our city and services. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe created a relaxed yet meaningful opportunity for us to share our successes and different needs around the table. I’ve had the opportunity to connect locally and provincially with many others across the sector. I am looking forward to attending events at Queen's Park in November to highlight National Housing Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. At Nelson House, we are committed to advocating for increased funding and systemic policy reform to enable communities to work together effectively in preventing and addressing intimate partner violence (IPV). As always, thank you for your continued support. Honouring Susan Sherring’s Legacy The Sue Sherring planning team and NH Executive Director NH Executive Director addressing the crowd at the Sue Sherring Event On October 7, 2025, the 4th Annual Susan Sherring Legacy Fundraiser brought the community together to celebrate Susan’s lasting impact and commitment to supporting women and children fleeing violence. Nelson House is deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed. Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, $16,000 was raised in support of Nelson House and our work to provide safety, hope, and new beginnings for survivors. Susan’s legacy continues to inspire action and compassion across our community. Royal Lepage Night Light Walk Shirts designed by NH residents Nelson House is honoured to have been one of three local shelters supported through the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk, a powerful 3 km evening event that raised awareness and funds for women and children fleeing intimate partner violence. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, $32,000 was raised in total to be shared among Nelson House, Harmony House, and Maison d’amitié. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and walked in solidarity with survivors. Your support helps us continue providing safety, hope, and new beginnings for women and children in need. 2025 RONA Home Sweet Home Campaign The 2025 RONA Home Sweet Home Campaign officially concluded on October 12, and we are so grateful to have once again been selected as a recipient. From September 1 to October 12, customers at RONA+ Nepean generously donated at checkout, with 100% of proceedsgoing directly to Nelson House to support women and children fleeing violence. Last year, this campaign raised over $5,000, and we are deeply thankful to the RONA Foundation and our local store team for continuing to stand with survivors and invest in safe, stable futures. Your generosity reminds us what community support can achieve. Thank you for helping us build safety, hope, and new beginnings. Royal LePage Performance Donation Nelson House is deeply grateful to Royal LePage Performance Realty for their extraordinary donation of $38,755 this summer. This contribution was made possible through the generosity of Realtors who donated a portion of their commissions as well as through small fundraising events hosted at their offices. Your dedication and compassion make a tangible difference in the lives of women and children fleeing violence. With your support, Nelson House cancontinue to provide safe shelter, critical resources, and hope for the future Thank you, Royal LePage Performance Realty, for being such a valued partner in our mission to create safer and stronger communities. Thank you, ETFO! Nelson House extends our heartfelt thanks to the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) for their generous support of $ 500. It truly takes a village to create safety and hope for women and children fleeing violence, and we are so thankful that ETFO is part of ours. Your commitment strengthens our work and helps ensure families in our community have the support they need. Thank you, Hailey Jane Jewelry We are delighted to thank Hailey Jane Jewelry for choosing Nelson House as a beneficiary of their 10 year anniversary celebration. Your beautiful event and the generosity of guests helped raise funds that directly support women and children fleeing violence. These contributions help provide safe shelter, counseling, essentials, and around the clock support for families rebuilding their lives. Our heartfelt thanks to Hailey, the team, event partners, and every attendee who gave, shared, and celebrated community with us. Your kindness makes a real difference. Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity, and Nelson House is proud to take part once again. On this day, people all around the world come together to give back and support causes close to their hearts. - Dec 2, 2025 Your donation helps us provide safe shelter, resources, and hope for women and children fleeing violence. Every contribution makes a difference. Mark your calendar and join us in making Giving Tuesday a powerful reminder of the impact we can create together. How You Can Help Donate: Every dollar helps us provide shelter and support. Fundraise: Host a community event to raise awareness and funds. Follow & Share: Help spread the word on social media! Thank You To our donors, staff, and community partners—thank you. You are the reason Nelson House can continue being a place of safety, empowerment, and new beginnings. Together, we are building a future where all women and children live free from violence.

Clarissa Arthur Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton is dedicated to providing all persons who identify as women and their children shelter, support, and information so they can take steps toward ending violence against all women.   After an extensive and comprehensive search, the Board of Directors of Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton is pleased to announce the appointment of Clarissa Arthur as our new Executive Director.   Clarissa has over 20 years of experience in community social services in Ottawa, starting in front-line roles at Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre, The Parent Resource Centre, and Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, as well as progressively more responsible roles at the Youville Centre – Ottawa, helping young mothers build a brighter future for themselves and their children. Since 2019, Clarissa has been the Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Ottawa, working closely with local school Boards to raise and grant funds to support the needs of students in Ottawa.   Clarissa’s passion and experience in supporting high-risk populations through a trauma-informed lens will drive necessary change through fostering strong partnerships and expanding Nelson House’s impact in our community.   Clarissa holds her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Certificate in Infant Mental Health, and Honours Diplomas in Early Childhood Education, and Child and Youth Work.   Clarissa’s combination of frontline and leadership experience, complimented by her fundraising expertise and education, have made her a passionate and grounded leader, who seeks to make a meaningful impact in the social services space in our community.   We are very excited to welcome her to Nelson House in early July 2025.

As we turn the page on 2024 and step into a new year, we at Nelson House want to express our deepest gratitude for your incredible support. This past year, your kindness and generosity have allowed us to continue providing life-saving support to women and families impacted by domestic violence. In 2024, thanks to supporters like you: · Nelson House supported 1,920 individuals through our shelter, transitional housing, crisis line, and community outreach programs, providing safety and hope to those in need. · Hundreds of meals, essential items, and supplies were provided to survivors to meet their immediate needs. · Awareness campaigns and community outreach efforts helped educate the public about gender-based violence and the importance of standing together to end it. · Counselling and support programs gave survivors the tools they need to regain confidence and rebuild their futures. Your belief in our mission and commitment to change make everything we do possible. Every donation, every shared post, every conversation about this critical issue helps us create a safer, more compassionate community. Looking Ahead in 2025 This is how you can help: · Donate Today: Your contributions help us provide resources and programs to survivors · Raise Awareness: Share our mission on social media to help spread the word. · Volunteer Your Time: Reach out to learn how you can directly support our initiatives. From all of us at Nelson House, thank you for your continued support. Your dedication inspires us every day, and we look forward to partnering with you in the year ahead to make 2025 a year of progress, hope, and change. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and prosperous New Year.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global campaign designed to spotlight and address the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls. Beginning on November 25—International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—and concluding on December 10—Human Rights Day—the campaign brings together activists, organizations, and governments to advocate for systemic change. The Urgency of Action: Gender-based violence (GBV) affects 1 in 3 women globally, often within their own homes. This violence devastates families, creates intergenerational cycles of trauma, and hinders gender equality. While survivors show incredible resilience, their recovery often depends on having access to safe spaces, legal support, and resources for rebuilding their lives. Organizations like Nelson House provide such crucial services. The Role of Nelson House: Nelson House offers culturally responsive support to women and children fleeing abuse. From emergency shelter and legal assistance to childcare and emotional support, their programs empower survivors to rebuild with dignity and strength. During the 16 Days, Nelson House joins voices worldwide to amplify the call for safer, equitable communities. How Can You Help? Raise Awareness:  Share stories, statistics, and resources to educate others about GBV. Donate:  Support organizations like Nelson House that directly assist survivors and advocate for systemic change. Advocate:  Push for policies that protect survivors and prevent violence, such as funding shelters and reforming legal frameworks. Volunteer:  Your time can make a difference, whether through assisting shelters or raising funds for survivor-focused initiatives. Looking Ahead - The 16 Days of Activism is more than a campaign; it’s a call to action to break the silence, dismantle harmful norms, and create a world where everyone can live free from violence. Every action—no matter how small—contributes to this vision. Together, we can make an impact. Share, support, and stand united to #EndGBV. X - @NelsonOttawa Instagram - Nelsonhouse613 LinkedIn - Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton Facebook - Nelson House of Ottawa-Carleton

What is Wrapped in Courage? Stand with Survivors and Show Your Support Every year, communities across Ontario come together for the Wrapped in Courage  campaign—a powerful movement supporting women, children, and gender-diverse individuals fleeing violence. By wearing purple scarves, we’re showing solidarity with survivors of all backgrounds and taking a stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Why Wrapped in Courage Matters: Wrapped in Courage is more than just a campaign—it’s a way to let survivors know they’re not alone. This campaign emphasizes cultural sensitivity and inclusivity , calling on everyone in our community to join in a united front against GBV. How You Can Get Involved: Wear Purple on Wrapped in Courage Day (November 28) to show your support for survivors. Share our message on social media using the hashtags #WrappedInCourage and #EndGBV. Donate to help Nelson House continue providing life-saving services to survivors of all backgrounds. Every scarf worn, every post shared, and every donation made brings us closer to a safer, more inclusive community for all. Follow us for updates  on how you can participate, and let’s stand together to create change. To purchase a scarf click here . To learn more about Wrapped In Courage visit - https://wrappedincourage.ca/ . Please follow Nelson House across platforms and support the work we do. X - @NelsonOttawa Instagram - Nelsonhouse613 LinkedIn - Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton Facebook - Nelson House of Ottawa-Carleton

A Big Thank-you to the Royal Lepage Shelter Foundation and Royal Lepage Performance Realty for your Generous Donation of $25,000! Your donation will help us fund beds for women and children in our community. We thank-you for your ongoing support.