Utilizing technology to keep residents of Ottawa’s Centretown community connected

For over 50 years, the Centretown Community Health Centre (CCHC) has been providing health and related services to Ottawa residents, specifically people living in the Centretown area. One of the first health centres to open in Ontario, CCHC provides a variety of programming and support through community development, health promotion, children’s programs and mental health and addictions services. As COVID-19 hit, the organization needed to pivot and sought virtual solutions to continue its services. As many of its clients are high risk and don’t have access to technology on a regular basis, CCHC needed solutions that could allow it to remain connected to recipients of in-person programming.

"The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation grant helped CCHC and our front line staff get clients the access they need to remain connected to services and community"

With a $20,000 grant from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, CCHC has been able to continue to connect with its clients and offer the vital support that its in-person services typically provide, including creating a virtual community leader program and supplying volunteers with new tablets. Additionally, it has distributed mobile devices with pre-paid plans to highest risk clients so they can stay connected when it matters most. Through this grant, the team at CCHC was able to continue to engage its community and update residents on new virtual programming, including preparing materials to keep community members engaged.

“The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation grant helped CCHC and our front line staff get clients the access they need to remain connected to services and community,” says CCHC’s Director of Mental Health and Addictions, Tamara Chipperfield. “Ensuring our most vulnerable clients are well connected and receive the support they need during this time of uncertainty is a priority. Thank you TELUS Friendly Future Foundation”

The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is helping build brighter futures by enhancing technology programs and keeping residents of this community connected. By ensuring that they have the resources and programs they need, the CCHC can continue supporting Centretown’s most marginalized residents.