Our Mission & Vision
Mission
We work with others to nurture a resilient community through the building of resident capacity, fostering a sense of belonging, solidarity, and ensuring the delivery of quality, diverse, and innovative community and social services in safe and inclusive spaces.
Vision
We believe in a future where our residents and neighbours lead together, building strong connections, driving social innovation and ensuring everyone in our community flourishes.
Our Values
Benevolence
We place listening, respect, and compassion at the heart of everything we do.
Equity
We promote fair and inclusive access to our services so that everyone can receive the support they need.
Innovation
We develop creative and collaborative approaches to respond to the evolving needs of our community.
Residents-focus
Our decisions and programs are guided by the needs, ideas, and lived experiences of our residents.
Our Theory of change
IF we ensure access to basic needs and essential services, including food, while empowering community through social innovation and place-based supports that strengthen community connections and address the root causes of vulnerability,
THEN we will enhance the well-being of vulnerable residents and enable more community members to lead, contribute, and foster a safe, inclusive, and connected community with a strong sense of belonging.
North Star
A community-centric approach that leverages local partnerships and collaborations.
Our Strategic Priorities 2026-2030
Deepening diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility across our work.
Developing our organizational well-being to be more sustainable.
Nurturing community capacities to support resident leadership.
Leveraging partnerships, collaborations, and social infrastructure to support our community.
Our Service Area
We are located in the city's east end, and cover the neighbourhoods of New Edinburgh, Manor Park, Rockcliffe Park, CFB Rockcliffe, Overbrook, Lindenlea, Viscount Alexander Park, Quarries, Cardinal Glen, Rockcliffe Mews, Forbes, Castle Heights and part of Carson Grove.
Residency Requirements: Ward 13, Postal codes starting with K1K and, in some cases, K1G (Avenues K through U) and K1M (on the East side of the river)
The Centre's History
1974
Neighbourhood activism resulted in the birth of the Overbrook Community Council. From 1974 to 1978, the Council undertook the research and preparation of a proposal to the City of Ottawa to enlarge the recreation centre to include medical and social services. A satellite health clinic of the Ste-Anne Clinic was envisioned.
Food Bank Volunteers. 2002.
1982
The Recreation Centre was renovated to accommodate a ‘Multi-service Centre’. The Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton provided the coordination and the clerical support, Home Management Services, a Special Care Service, and a team of nurses form Ottawa Public Health. Through a secondment, Catholic Family Services provided a social worker.
Article published in The Citizen. 1982.
1988
The Overbook-Forbes Community Service Association was incorporated – under Federal Charter – and was recognized as a registered charitable organization.
Article in French. 1984.
1990
The Overbrook-Forbes CRC became autonomous from the Region and was given an operating budget administered by its Board of Directors.
Ginette Gratton Community Champions. 2004.
1992
Due to lack of space, the Centre moved to 1155 Lola Street.
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Picture of Rideau High school
making its donation bins. 2010.
In the 1990’s the Centre added the Emergency Food Program, Intake and Crisis Intervention, Community Development, and Children and Youth services
In the 2000’s the Centre made another move to 225 Donald Street with 3 times the space. Programs for young children and seniors are added as well as new partnerships with Ottawa Community Housing, the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre, and Action Logement.
The Centre established the Leetia and Isaac Community House in the Carson Grove area.
The 25th anniversary Overbrook-Forbes Community Resource Centre. 2007.
2008 - 2009
The Centre underwent extensive renovations to accommodate the long-awaited arrival of the Family Health Team
Anti-Poverty Project. 2009.
2012
Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Centre. The Centre adopted a new name and became Rideau-Rockcliffe - a brand new name signifying our best effort to reach out to all the residents of our catchment area by adopting the municipal Ward 13 name of Rideau Rockcliffe.
The centre's 30 year anniversary. 2012.
2013
Official opening of the new Carson’s Community House, the Membership Discussion with Crime Prevention Ottawa (regarding the Ottawa Gang Strategy Steering Committee & Post –Incident Neighbourhood Support Protocol), launch of the Centre website, and endorsement of the Poverty and Hunger Working Group.
