Members of Parliament Guest Servers

Today we had members of Parliament and the Parliamentary Senate serving lunch in the soup kitchen. Senators Asha Seth, Jim Munson, Senator Tobias Enverga and MP Joe Daniel took time out of their busy schedules to come and assist with the noon meal.

In the spirit of the holiday season, Senator Asha Seth generously sponsored the lunch was able to meet and speak with the most vulnerable men and women amongst us.

There was close to 500 people in our lunch line today for the wonderful meal that was served. Clients were absolutely thrilled to receive large chicken breasts and chocolates for dessert. Some of the guests were even overheard saying it was the best meal they ever had!

We are so grateful to Senators Seth, Munson, Enverga and MP Daniel for their compassion and dedication to the homeless and impoverished in our community.

Beth Shalom

On Sunday a large and enthusiastic group of volunteers from Congregation Beth Shalom came to help out in the soup kitchen. We were extremely grateful for all their help as the kitchen was particularly busy with hungry clients trying to warm up from the cold. From the time the doors opened till everyone was served the group hustled around with constant smiles. A big thank you to everyone in the group.

 

United Way Volunteers

Yesterday we had a very special group of volunteers come to our Murray St. locations. During the local United Way campaign, certain businesses will provide staff members who work directly with United Way Ottawa. These volunteers decided to come to Shepherds of Good Hope in order to see firsthand some of the work that goes on. They rolled up their sleeves and pitched in with tasks ranging from cleaning to activities with the clients. A big thank you to all the volunteers and to United Way for helping to build stronger communities.

Top Ten Reasons I Love to Come to Work

I have been with Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation for over 2 years now.  I thought I would share to you my absolute favourite reasons I do what I do.

I know that each day I am helping to make a difference.

I am inspired by the people we serve.

I see the difference our work makes in the lives of those we serve

I see compassion and caring at every level.

I know we make every effort never to turn anyone away and that the hardest-to-serve men and women in our community are being taken care of.

I know that we are working on new initiatives every day to serve the homeless in our community.

I know that together with our partners in the community we work at finding permanent housing for those in the shelter system.

I know that we create supportive living environments and housing for those living in shelters that cannot manage on their own, that we provide them with a place to call home. 

I know that we could not do any of the work we do without the support of our donors and our community,  I am truly inspired by their caring.

I know that working here has made me a grateful and content person

 

 

 

I hope your work inspires you every day just like mine does! 

 

To learn more about Shepherds of Good Hope, click HERE

Easter Lunch

Yesterday, I joined the staff and volunteers in the kitchen to help serve a delicious Easter lunch to our clients.

As they entered, I handed out chocolate and wished them all a Happy Easter.

It was really great to spend the holiday with the family we have created here at Shepherds of Good Hope.  Some people don't have a family or home to go to and we want them to know they are always welcome here, cared for by staff, volunteers and generous donors.

A Big Welcome to Deirdre!

 

 

I just wanted to take some time to share with you a fantastic article that our friend, Kelly Egan, wrote for the Ottawa Citizen.

 

Deirdre Freiheit joined Shepherds of Good Hope as Chief Executive Officer on March 3, 2014.  This article is a fantastic introduction.

 

 http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Shepherd+charge/9550340/story.html