EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S MESSAGE

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1 2017 FALL NEWSLETTER Inside This Newsletter Message from Sue 1, 5 Philippine Night 2 Garden Party & Fashion Show Resident Retreat 3 Building the Dream 4 Upcoming Events 5 Shelter Needs 6 Holiday Wishlist 7 Make a Difference 8 Mission Statement Cornerstone provides emergency shelter and supportive housing for a diversity of women. Our services are offered in an environment which promotes dignity and a sense of hope. We are committed to public education and advocacy, and strive to increase safe, affordable housing and to end 2 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S MESSAGE Cornerstone s theme this summer has been one of growth and forward movement. Our annual Garden Party and Fashion Show highlighted the spectacular designs of Sukhoo-Sukhoo and the contributions of many of our media, community supporters and local business friends. The new venue at the residence of the German Ambassador was a big hit, and even the rain didn t dampen the spirited buzz of the day. Our new initiative to create 42 new units of affordable supportive housing for women in Westboro is moving forward with an incredible positive energy. Once we received news that we were successful in our application for Action Ottawa funding, a combination of municipal, federal and provincial grants, we quickly moved from the feasibility stage to the design-development phase of the project. Regular meetings with CSV architects, planning consultants, designers, engineers, City of Ottawa staff and McDonald Brothers Construction have been competently guided by our development consultants at Cahdco. On May 4, we publicly launched the Building the Dream capital campaign to raise $1.5 million toward the cost of renovations as required in our funding agreement. A sold out foodie night at the 373 Princeton site of our new housing featured delicious appetizers prepared by 12 amazing local chefs and organized by Patrick Garland of Absinthe and Sheila Whyte of Thyme and Again. Our capital campaign team has put together a very dynamic campaign strategy which allows donors to invest in the aspects of the new project which most closely resonate with their desires to make a life changing impact on the lives of women transitioning to a new life. (continued on page 5)

2 Page Fall Newsletter P H I L I P P I N E N I G H T AT T H E R A C E T R A C K Philippines Night at the Rideau Carleton Entertainment Centre took place on Sunday, June 4. This event, hosted by Friends of One Vision, celebrated the beautiful culture of the Philippines while raising money for Cornerstone. Friends of One Vision present a cheque from their Philippine Night to Cornerstone staff.. Event organizer Betty Obas made sure the evening offered something for everyone. An all you can eat Philippine Buffet, a 50/50 Draw, music by DJ Mike and Aquilina, dancing and of course horse-racing, kept guests in good spirits. Among those in attendance were Ottawa s Deputy Mayor, Mark Taylor and Cornerstone Senior Manager, Nicola Dunn. Cornerstone is thankful for the support of good friends like Friends of One Vision! G A R D E N P A R T Y AT T H E G E R M A N A M B A S S A D O R S R E S I D E N C E The beautiful garden of German Ambassador Werner Wnendt and Eleonore Wnendt was the site of this year s Garden Party & Fashion Show. Sponsored by Ottawa s premiere fashion designer Frank Sukhoo, gourmet catering company Thyme & Again, McKeen metro Glebe and labour and law experts Emond Harnden, the afternoon was a delightful mix of food, fashion and fun. Available for tasting was Château des Charmes Amazing Wines hosted by Savvy Company, as well as craft beer from Beau s Brewery. CBC s Lucy van Oldenbarneveld served as Master of Ceremonies, and thanks to the protection of the patio awning, managed to stay dry throughout the program. Guests were treated to a lively dance performance by the Cherún Merú Venezuelan Dance Company and a lovely vocal performance by Deborah Davis. Journalist Julie Beun emceed the fashion show, which showcased Sukhoo Sukhoo clients modelling designs created especially for them.

3 2017 Fall Newsletter Page 3 M I N W A A S H I N L O D G E R E T R E A T B Y W R I T E R IN R E S I D E N C E - S H E E N A Y. On the weekend of June 9-11, I was fortunate enough to be able to join a group of Cornerstone women at a retreat, put on by the women of Minwaashin Lodge. Minwaashin Lodge serves First Nations, Inuit and Metis women. This retreat was a way for these women to share with other women their traditions and teachings. Fifteen Cornerstone women, myself included, went on a school bus to the campsite about 1 hour from Ottawa. To be honest, I was unsure of what to expect and my nervous energy was hard to contain. When we arrived at the campground, we were assigned to a cabin. The cabins had bunkbeds and Cornerstone was offered a whole cabin to get settled in. The Minwaashin women invited everybody into a circle and started a smudging ceremony. They taught us why they used the smudging and everybody in the group was able to take part in the ceremony. I watched intently because this was all new to me and I wanted to do it right and respect their traditions. The Minwaashin women arranged for their guests to take part in many different workshops that went on all weekend. I made a medicine pouch, I painted stones and tie dyed a shirt. I also learned about the Fire Keepers and how to respect the sweat lodge. I did not go in the sweat lodge because that particular weekend was very hot and humid. Some of the Cornerstone women went into the sweat lodge and they felt privileged to have taken part in that ceremony. Some of the women from Minwaashin Lodge danced for us in their beautiful traditional clothes. While there were a lot of activities to participate in, it was also important to just sit and listen to their wonderful cultural and spiritual teachings. For myself, the highlight of the weekend was watching the dancers and eating some of their cultural food. This weekend was truly inspirational. It was a safe place for women, all women, to get together and encourage and teach and respect each other and to learn about how good we have it and how strong the Minwaashin women are. We were outsiders and they took us in with welcoming open arms. They are truly remarkable people. For more information about Minwaashin Lodge and Aboriginal Support please visit:

4 Page Fall Newsletter B U I L D I N G T H E D R E A M C A M P A I G N U P D A T E The Building the Dream capital campaign to renovate the former Jeanne d Arc Building located at 373 Princeton Avenue into 42 new units of safe, affordable housing is in full-swing! With a goal of $1.5 million, there is much work to be done. The campaign had a very successful launch on the 4th of May with a Meet 373 Princeton foodie event. The evening saw over 300 supporters come through the doors raising over $14,000. Our sincere thanks go out to all who made this evening a foodie favorite: Cococo Chocolatiers Absinthe Café Anna March Thyme & Again Savvy Wine The Albion Room Beyond the Pale La Maison Conroy Beau s Brewery Fauna Parkdale Food Centre Savoy Cultivating Cooks The Ottawa Mission Gezellig Longfields-Davidson SS Culinary Arts Program Whalesbone Paul Skinner Coconut Lagoon How You Can Help There are several ways to be involved with Building the Dream. Monetary donations in any amount will bring us closer to reaching our goal. They can be made online at or mailed to our administrative office at 314 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 7K2 Request a Cornerstone representative to speak at your next group meeting. Host a Building the Dream informational session. Have a gathering of friends at your home or another location of your choice. Cornerstone will provide a representative to come and speak at your event. Attend upcoming Cornerstone events. Find more information on our website at

5 Page Fall Newsletter U P C O M I N G E V E N T S Tea for Cornerstone An afternoon tea complete with live piano music, finger sandwiches, delectable scones with cream and homemade jam and delicious desserts. Silent auction as well! Saturday, September 23, 2017, 2-4 pm St. John s Anglican Church 325 Sandhill Rd., Kanata Tickets $10 each available at the door For more information call march.ca All proceeds benefit Building the Dream Campaign Art, Architecture, & Landscape: Spaces for Healing, Connection, and Community A presentation and panel discussion on how architecture and design contribute to personal well-being, with Principal and founder of Luce et Studio Architects in La Jolla, California, Jennifer Luce and Special Guests. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and finish with desserts created by Cornerstone s Cordon Bleu Chef Paul Skinner. Friday, November 3, 2017, 6-8pm The Orange Gallery 290 City Centre Ave, Ottawa Tickets $60 each available online at For more information call ext. 514 M E S S A G E F R O M S U E G A R V E Y ( C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1) Our plans to expand Cornerstone s capacity to respond to women leaving homelessness are always sobered by the alarming fact that more than 7,000 people were homeless in Ottawa last year. Equally alarming is the fact that the two groups who experienced the greatest increase were families and women over the age of 50. So there is still work to do. With your support, Cornerstone is stepping up to make a difference. Choose Hope! Sue

6 Page Spring Fall Newsletter H O M E L E S S N E S S U P D A T E S Did you know? In 2016, 967 single women stayed in an emergency shelter. This is a 5.6% increase from The average shelter stay was 59 nights. Shelters saw a 21% increase in the number of women over 50, and a 31.2% increase among those over new affordable housing options were created in The average market rent for a bachelor apartment was $812. Ontario Works income was $706 per month. Ontario Disability Support Program per individual per month was $1,128. Minimum wage was $11.40 per hour. From 2015 to 2016, shelters saw a 20.1% increase in the number of women over 50 and a 31.2% increase among those over 60. For women over 60, their average length of stay increased from 76 days in 2014, to 82 days in 2015, to 86 days in S O U R C E : T HE A L L I A N C E TO E ND H O M E L E S S N E S S P R O G R E S S R E P O R T S H E L T E R N E E D S Sixty-one women come to our shelter every day seeking a safe place to stay and a hot meal to eat. Breakfast items are in short supply, and donations of the following items would be greatly appreciated: *Cereal *Peanut Butter *Oatmeal *Canned Fruit *Pancake Mix * Maple Syrup Fresh Fruits and vegetables Items can be delivered directly to 172 O Connor Street. Thank You!

7 Page Spring Fall Newsletter H O L I D A Y S E A S O N Looking for ways to help this holiday season? Cornerstone residents are so very thankful for the many thoughtful and generous gifts that come their way each year. Here are some of the items most needed by our residents: Wish List Pajamas all colours and sizes XS - XXXL Bathrobes all colours and sizes XS - XXXL Underwear all sizes Slippers any size Socks Make-up and Skin Care Products: Mascara Blush Foundation Eyeshadow Gift Cards: Shoppers President s Choice Metro Rexall Walmart Tim Hortons MacDonald s Subway Long Distance Calling Cards Postage stamps Large bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and deoderant

8 2017 Fall Newsletter Page 8 C O N N E C T W I T H US Did you know that we re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? Keep up with all of the latest Cornerstone news by following us on our social media outlets. Here s where to find us: Facebook: Instagram: M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E You have the power to transform our nation s capital into a better, safer place for women in transition. By joining our Cornerstone family as a donor, a volunteer, or an advocate in your community, you can help women take control of their own lives. Your contribution will make a difference by ensuring that every woman who comes to Cornerstone will receive the supports she needs to rebuild her life after experiencing trauma, abuse and homelessness. Please consider making a gift today. You can help us in our efforts to use our resources wisely by signing up to receive the newsletter electronically. Simply send an to: connie.franklin@cornerstonewomen.ca. I would like to make a donation, I am enclosing: $200 $100 $50 $30 Name: In person or by mail: Cornerstone Housing for Women Attn: Connie Franklin 314 Booth St., Ottawa, ON K1R 7K2 Donate Online: make a secure online donation through our website: By Phone: Ext. 503 Address: City: Prov: Postal Code: Our Charitable Registration Number: RR0001