Story highlights:
- When Somerset West Community Health Centre heard the LeBreton Flats neighbourhood was in desperate need of a community space, they knew they could count on United Way East Ontario to help make it happen.
- A Women United Community Action Grant helps make programming possible at LeBreton Together in the Sunshine Hub.
- Community members are now more connected with one another, more invested in their community, they have better access to resources and overall mental health has improved.
“It’s a safe, open space, where people can come and talk about anything, and that’s really important in our community as new members come into our community and feel welcome.”
There is a buzz when you walk into the Sunshine Hub, tucked into a cozy corner of Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats community.
On this day, residents and volunteers prepare dinner and desserts for their ‘Dinner Club’ get together. Folks from the neighbourhood—people from all walks of life—are milling about, checking in on one another and anyone not cooking is simply enjoying the company of others.
It’s a third space, and it’s something this community desperately needed, according to Somerset West Community Health Centre.
“They basically didn’t have any space to be and share and feel like home for the whole community,” says Pooneh Azimi, Community Health Promoter, Somerset West Community Health Centre. “That was very needed based on community feedbacks.”
In 2023, Somerset West went looking for a partner to make the Hub a reality, and knew they could count on United Way East Ontario. Residents, the PCL Hard Hat Heroes Grant Program, and Ottawa Community Housing also played key roles in establishing the Hub.
Third space: a social environment distinct from home (first place) and work (second place), where people can gather, relax, and engage in informal social interaction, fostering community and civic engagement.
“Somerset West and United Way, we share the same vision: We would like to see community members get together and get engaged in their own neighbourhoods.”
Women United Community Action Grant keeps community engaged
“What haven’t we done [at the Hub],” exclaims Chantele. “Yoga, breakfast clubs, we’re going to be having movie nights, exercise clubs, we’re going to be starting zumba classes – and of course, dinner clubs like this,” explains Chantele.
A Women United Community Action Grant powers programming at the Sunshine Hub. These grants give community groups and residents’ associations an opportunity to have direct input and influence into the improvement of their communities. It is a collaborative approach to supporting community groups and residents’ associations to develop their local initiatives to build healthy and strong communities.
“This community is for everyone. We are inclusive. But, of course, a major benefit of this Hub is it gives women in this community a safe circle to share their experiences and their talents.”
There are more than 70,000 Women United members worldwide—across six countries and 165 communities. As part of this powerful movement, our members leverage their time, talents, and funds to empower women in our communities to build strong, independent lives.
Improving mental health and seeing our communities thrive
“The Hub, before it was here, nobody [in the community] interacted with each other,” says Chantele. “We would all keep in our corners, unless you were dropping the kids off to school and at the bus stop, there would be a quick conversation, but that’s it.”
At United Way, we know that, often, people experiencing the worst mental health also face barriers in getting help.
When there aren’t enough places that feel safe, speak your language, or reflect your identity, it’s hard to know where to turn. Marginalized groups like Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized communities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and those living in poverty are more likely to experience these challenges.
Chantele says the Hub has been a lifeline for many of her neighbours.
“Since the Hub opened—you see the gathering here—it’s everyone coming together, talking about their day, sharing their cultures. They have somewhere to come, to talk, find out information about programs in the area, and just get that connection with other people.”
“It makes me feel warm inside seeing people smile and feeling the connection everyone has,” Chantele adds.
When you give to United Way East Ontario, your support brings us one step closer to a future where everyone thrives.
