Rotariansfor Wabano

Presentation to Orleans ClubOctober 2, 2013

Presentation todayAbout the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health and its expansion

What is the Rotarians for Wabano Campaign?

Discussion

Aboriginal people helping each other

Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is one of 10 Aboriginal health centres in Ontario.

• Vanier centre only such centre in Ottawa area

In the 14 years since it was created, it has become an internationally recognized health care facility

• 10,000 aboriginal and non-aboriginals used its services last year

• Provides health care, outreach, vocational training and cultural promotion

Expanded Wabano Centre just opened in May 2013

With demand far exceeding what the Centre could deliver, their Board sought to expand capacity and programs with a building expansion that will reflect their culture, exemplify beauty, and build community.

The expanded centre offers enhanced mental health services to support youth in crisis, and social enterprise initiatives to build capacity in the community.

Wabano is a hub for culturally-based education for health professionals and the broader community to work with Aboriginal people.

It is also home to a maternal wellness centre for new and expectant mothers, ensuring families and their young ones have the supports they need to get off to a good start.

　

“It takes foresight to know that space isn’t just bricks and mortar — it is beauty. It revolves around optimism. It is a trust in the power of space to humanize us, to protect and enrich us.”Allison Fisher, Executive Director, Wabano

Wabano's growth benefits all of us

A progressive and successful model of how Aboriginals can work together to create a better future for Aboriginal people who live off reserve.

Wabano self-funds (i.e. does not receive government funding) for many of their programs, such as vocational counseling and outreach to the homeless.

The outcomes of this impressive model goes beyond the Aboriginal community to strengthen the Canadian fabric.

Wabano changes lives everyday

Walk-in clinics

Family doctors and nurse practitioners

Pre and post-natal care

Traditional medicines

Diabetes care, dietician and fitness programs

Wabano changes lives everyday

On-the-street care: youth outreach workers, addictions workers, outreach nurse.Drop-in lunch program. After school programs.Housing support for those at risk.Vocational training.

Joshua's Story

Joshua, a Haida man, met a Wabano outreach worker on a snowy street.

He had recently been released from prison, where he completed drug rehab.

He had no home, income, or people he could rely upon.

That day the worker gave him bus tickets and offered to meet the following day.

With ongoing support from Wabano workers, volunteers and programs, Joshua now works full-time, is substance free, and has an apartment.

When David entered Wabano’s circle, he was abusing alcohol.

He and his wife placed their children with Children’s Aid.

Wabano connected Dave with programs, introduced him to an Elder, and directed him to a men’s lodge at the Bronson Centre.

Dave cleaned up and got his life together. He started volunteering at the centre and later joined the team as a custodian. Thanks to his progress, Children’s Aid allowed Dave’s kids to go back home.

“I used to wish that I could do it over. Wabano gave me that option. Life is not perfect. But a day can be perfect. And today is perfect because I have my family.”

David’s Story

Wabano helped me clean up, now I help clean up

Wabano.David Higo

Monica Ethier had been asked to dance in the centre’s opening celebrations in 1998. “My mother had sewn my dress, and gave me a pep talk before I went on. She told me, ‘There is nothing like this centre anywhere. I want you to understand the significance of what you’re about to take part in.’”

And so Monica’s journey with Wabano began as she danced for her community 15 years ago. From there, Monica became a client of Wabano. She took part in Wabano’s youth programs as a teenager and did a co-op placement the summer before grade 12. When she graduated high school, she was hired as the FASD and perinatal program assistant.

Monica's story

Now 25, Monica has stepped into a new role as sewing program coordinator. Through sewing workshops, women gain skills to seek employment or start a business, while also creating projects that support Wabano.

“The more time I spend at Wabano, the more my mom’s words resonate with me, and the more I see the importance of Wabano,” says Monica. “Sewing helped me along my path, and it’s something I can give back to my community.”

Vocational Training 

Culturally-based education on home and industrial sewing and crafts.

Applying traditional Aboriginal design elements to modern-day sewing techniques.

Employment in apparel manufacturing industry.

1000s of StoriesThe Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health impacts over 10,000 lives every year.

Some are truly life-altering, others are much less dramatic; but all benefit from the sense of community and caring that Wabano offers to an important, and often neglected, part of our society.

Startling StatisticsCanada ranks 4th out of 177 countries on UN development index, but drops to 68th when First Nations statistics are added.

70% of Aboriginal people in Canada live off reserve.

They make up 30% of the homeless population in Ottawa.

Just over 1/2 of aboriginal children live in poverty.

3/4 drop out of school before Grade 12.

Ottawa is home to over 35,000 Aboriginal citizens.

Funding Information

Total Project Cost: $16.2 million

Government partners supporting Wabano’s growth have provided approx $9 million

Community campaignis over $2.6 million and rising

Service above selfRotarians for Wabano

campaignLike Wabano, Rotary is committed to bettering the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Our campaign goal is to raise $1.5 million to support the capital and vocational program costs.

Our dollar-a-day program looks to generate 1500 donations at $1000 each. This commitment can be fulfilled over 3 years.

Our campaign of $1.5 million will be the largest non-governmental contribution.

Service above selfRotarians for Wabano

campaignOur fundraising is focused on Wabano’s vocational programs, rooms and equipment designed to assist Aboriginal people.

“This Campaign is a good example of how Rotarians can make a difference when we reach across Club lines and work together.”Réné Melchers, Former District Governor

Campaign is underwayOfficially kicked off in March, 2013, we’re currently reaching out to Rotarians across the District.

This is a large campaign that is easily attainable with many little steps. A grassroots appeal for only $1/day over 3 years from 1000 people.

Help us spread the word, invite us to your club, take a tour of the new facility, organize a fundraising project…

For discussion

How can Rotarians in the District support

this campaign?

How can the organizing committee generate interest and awareness in our

goal?

Thank you for your support!

Stop by and say hi at the District meeting this weekend!

Check out the web site for more information and upcoming events at http://wabano.rotaryottawasouth.ca

Contact us at:rotariansforwabano@rotaryottawasouth.ca