A Journey of Continuous Growth and Grassroots Commitment

We remain committed to staying true to you, our community, as we continue to grow and expand. We are proud to grow alongside those we serve and deliver programs with a community-centred approach.

Our activities continue to be shared by our core values:

Working with the whole family

Following the community's lead

Providing culturally responsive programs

Building on individual strengths

Responsive Programs and Services

Community engagement is at the core of everything we do. We believe that effective services require two-way communication.

We actively seek and incorporate participant feedback and listen carefully to community insights and needs. This collaborative approach allows us to tailor our programs specifically for Black, racialized, newcomer, and multicultural families and people living on fixed or low incomes. By working alongside community members, we co-create stronger, more responsive services and build a more vibrant community.

We create safe, welcoming spaces where children and youth can learn, play, and grow. We provide continuous support by working with the whole family unit, from preschool to school-aged children to youth to adults.

Our Story

A Pillar of Ottawa West Since 1976

1

1976

We opened the doors to our first location in a townhouse in the Britannia Woods neighbourhood. We started as a community association offering initiatives to help the families living in the Britannia Woods neighbourhood access social, educational and recreational support. Before long, we blossomed into a community hub.

2

Early 1990s

Responding to food insecurity in our community, we rose to the occasion by implementing an Emergency Food Pantry. Initially founded by members of the Bay Ward faith communities, the Britannia Woods Food Pantry has been a member agency of the Ottawa Food Bank since 1994.

3

2007

After three decades of community contribution, we incorporated the organization.

4

2010

We were recognized as a registered Canadian charity when we got charitable status in 2010.
5

2015

We expanded our reach to offer city-wide programs while keeping our roots in the Britannia Woods neighbourhood. Every program we offer is designed to build a stronger, more connected community.
6

2018

We opened a new satellite office with our first mental health program, SNAP® (Stop Now and Plan). Since launching SNAP, we have expanded to offer 6 culturally informed mental health and wellness programs.
7

2025

Britannia Woods Community House evolves into Britannia Woods Community Services.

Our Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles

Vision

A community where individuals have equitable access to opportunities to reach their highest potential and well-being.

Mission

Through an equity-focused approach, we provide innovative, accessible, and culturally responsive support to individuals, families, and communities.

Guiding Principles

Our Team

We believe in the power and compassion of people to make lasting change. Our team brings a variety of professional backgrounds and lived experiences to work. Team members include social workers, therapists, counselors, service workers, youth workers, youth justice workers, student and family advocates, and community development practitioners. All of us are united by our passion for equity, high ethical standards, and the desire to uplift our communities.

Our Directors

Mohamed Sofa

Executive Director

Diana Belghali

Community Services and Operations Director

Shannon Black

Director of Mental Health & Counselling

Our Board

Tricia Ross

Chair

Safaa Al-Habach

Vice-Chair

Nadir Nur

Treasurer

Larry Hill

Secretary

Trisha Banks

Director

Emmanuel Clersaint

Director

Muriel Nishimwe

Director

Our Partners

We acknowledge and value the support of our funders and partners. Our programs would not be possible without your commitment to community development.

Our Community Partners

Ontario Trillium Foundation

As Organizational Mentors (OMs) through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Youth Opportunities Fund, we support five organizations working to create positive change in their communities. Our role is to guide and assist these organizations in strengthening their operations, governance, strategy building, planning, financial management, and service delivery.

The organizations we support include:

Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition (OBMHC)

BWCS is part of this network of Black leaders in academics, health and social services, and community association. As part of this network, we offer clinical supervision dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for Black communities in Ottawa. We also provide clients with outreach information to family physicians, community organizations, pharmacists and other stakeholders in their local communities.

Ottawa Community House Coalition (OCCH)

We are among the 16 community houses in the coalition that work together to address local needs and enhance community well-being. Our contribution includes housing our fellow community houses’ HR and financial management and supporting them by coordinating programs, advocating and building partnerships, and implementing strategic initiatives.

Our Funders and Supporters