A Journey of Continuous Growth and Grassroots Commitment

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
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.
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.
2007
After three decades of community contribution, we incorporated the organization.
2010
2015
2018
2025
Our Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles

Vision

Mission

Guiding Principles
- Community-Centred ExcellenceWe provide programs and services that are driven by the needs of our community and informed by lived expertise.
- AccountabilityWe demonstrate accountability to community members by fostering trust, delivering high-quality services, advocating relentlessly, and upholding ethical standards.
- LeadershipWe, as a leadership team, embody the values and lived experiences of the communities we serve. We demonstrate our commitment through sponsorship, dedication, and the cultivation of a culture of safety.
- Compassionate & Strength-BasedWe prioritize empathy, inclusion, and dignity. We collaborate with our clients to focus on their personal, relational, and community strengths.
- ResponsiveWe align our programs and services with the evolving needs of the families and individuals we serve, enhancing them in the process.
- AdvocacyWe engage in advocacy, both at systemic and individual levels, firmly grounded in the principles of safety, equity, and the overall well-being of those we serve.
Our Team

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

The organizations we support include:
- Youth Engagement and Community Outreach
- Black Youth Design Hub
- Circles of Support for Our Children’s Success (CSCS)
- Empower'em
- Maama Support Circles


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)


Our Funders and Supporters































