Public Speaking at The HAven
The Haven recently held an engaging three-day workshop on public speaking facilitated by Rameen A., Haniyah A., and Nabiha A., the founders of The Spirited Speakers Club! This interactive event focused on building confidence, enhancing speaking abilities, and mastering the art of captivating presentations.
Rameen, Haniyah, and Nabiha are university students with significant experience in presentation courses and case study competitions. They have honed their skills in business pitches and advanced interview techniques. Dedicated to assisting our tenants, they volunteered their time to ensure everyone gained the confidence to engage an audience. Participants participated in group activities and practiced their skills throughout the session.
Their involvement created an experience that allowed tenants to develop essential public speaking and presentation skills. Through collaborative activities and practical exercises, participants had the opportunity to enhance their clarity and composure while presenting.
The session was informative and engaging for all tenants who took part, and we eagerly anticipate seeing these new skills in action soon!
Thank you, Rameen, Haniyah and Nabiha, for educating our community. We eagerly anticipate your return in the summer to instruct our tenants and students interested in participating.
Rameen, Haniyah, and Nabiha are university students with significant experience in presentation courses and case study competitions. They have honed their skills in business pitches and advanced interview techniques. Dedicated to assisting our tenants, they volunteered their time to ensure everyone gained the confidence to engage an audience. Participants participated in group activities and practiced their skills throughout the session.
Their involvement created an experience that allowed tenants to develop essential public speaking and presentation skills. Through collaborative activities and practical exercises, participants had the opportunity to enhance their clarity and composure while presenting.
The session was informative and engaging for all tenants who took part, and we eagerly anticipate seeing these new skills in action soon!
Thank you, Rameen, Haniyah and Nabiha, for educating our community. We eagerly anticipate your return in the summer to instruct our tenants and students interested in participating.
Community Volunteer Spotlight: Nabiha
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Nabiha is a tenant volunteer who is a shining example of kindness and dedication. Despite her busy schedule caring for her family, she always makes time to give back to the community. As a volunteer leader at the Homework Club, she supports children with their studies, making a meaningful impact on their learning journey.
Nabiha also goes the extra mile at community events, lending a hand wherever needed—even stepping in as an interpreter to support those facing language barriers. No matter how packed her day is, she’s always ready to help the community. If you are a student or educator interested in volunteering your time to help educate the next generation, please email: [email protected] Thank you, Nabiha, for your incredible commitment and generosity! |
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Meet Carol:
Inspiring Creativity Through Sewing at The Haven
For the past four years, Carol has been a dedicated volunteer at The Haven, sharing her sewing skills with our tenants. Through her classes, participants have learned to create beautiful items like blankets, pillow covers, and even puppets!
Carol, along with her amazing team of volunteers, teaches tenants how to use sewing machines and choose the best fabrics for their projects. Her hands-on guidance and enthusiasm make learning fun and accessible for everyone.
This year, Carol has launched an exciting new program for younger children at The Haven! She’s teaching them how to sew by starting with a fun and creative project—making puppets. It’s a wonderful way to inspire confidence, creativity, and new skills in our youngest community members.
Thank you, Carol, for your dedication and for making such a positive impact in our community!
Carol, along with her amazing team of volunteers, teaches tenants how to use sewing machines and choose the best fabrics for their projects. Her hands-on guidance and enthusiasm make learning fun and accessible for everyone.
This year, Carol has launched an exciting new program for younger children at The Haven! She’s teaching them how to sew by starting with a fun and creative project—making puppets. It’s a wonderful way to inspire confidence, creativity, and new skills in our youngest community members.
Thank you, Carol, for your dedication and for making such a positive impact in our community!
A Magical Start to the Season
The Christmas Celebration at The Haven was truly magical! Sparkling lights and a beautiful ballet performance by the Arise School of Dance set the tone for an unforgettable evening filled with joy and holiday spirit.
Guests sang classic Christmas carols, shared hot chocolate and cookies, and celebrated as children lit up with excitement while receiving gifts. It was a heartwarming way to come together as a community.
A special thank-you to the faith communities and profit organization who generously donated cookies and gifts:
- Knox United Church
- Barrhaven United Church
- Sequoia Church
- Salvation Army
- Bells Corners United Church
- Christian Reformed Church
- Manotick United Church
- Natalie Sloan from DNS Electrical Contracting
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!
Happy Holidays!
Guests sang classic Christmas carols, shared hot chocolate and cookies, and celebrated as children lit up with excitement while receiving gifts. It was a heartwarming way to come together as a community.
A special thank-you to the faith communities and profit organization who generously donated cookies and gifts:
- Knox United Church
- Barrhaven United Church
- Sequoia Church
- Salvation Army
- Bells Corners United Church
- Christian Reformed Church
- Manotick United Church
- Natalie Sloan from DNS Electrical Contracting
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!
Happy Holidays!
Thanksgiving at the Haven
The Haven hosted a Multicultural Thanksgiving dinner that brought together tenants to celebrate diversity within MHI. Participants share not only their favourite cultural dishes but also the unique stories, family traditions, and treasured memories behind them. At the potluck, each dish served as a conversation starter, highlighting the rich cultural heritage that makes MHI different from most affordable housing providers.
Candis W., tenant and creative writer volunteer, shared a heartfelt poem expressing her deep love for the lively and welcoming community at The Haven. In her verses, she beautifully captured the warmth and togetherness of the neighbourhood, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and cultures that coexist.
The Haven’s multicultural Thanksgiving dinner demonstrated how food can bridge divides and inspire a sense of belonging. Thank you to all who attended.
Candis W., tenant and creative writer volunteer, shared a heartfelt poem expressing her deep love for the lively and welcoming community at The Haven. In her verses, she beautifully captured the warmth and togetherness of the neighbourhood, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and cultures that coexist.
The Haven’s multicultural Thanksgiving dinner demonstrated how food can bridge divides and inspire a sense of belonging. Thank you to all who attended.
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The Blake House Annual BBQ: A Community Celebration
Before the school year began, we hosted our Blake House Annual BBQ, and it was a huge success! A big thank you to our amazing residents who pitched in and made it all possible. From planning the event to setting up the grills, decorating, and organizing fun activities, it was a real community effort!
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, lively music, and plenty of good vibes. We had face painting for the kids (and maybe a few fun-loving adults!), while neighbours connected over great food and fantastic conversations. It was heartwarming to see everyone come together, not just for a meal, but to truly enjoy each other’s company.
A special shoutout to the Vanier Community Center for their support! We couldn’t have done it without the teamwork and enthusiasm of our wonderful residents. Here's to many more events that bring our community even closer!
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, lively music, and plenty of good vibes. We had face painting for the kids (and maybe a few fun-loving adults!), while neighbours connected over great food and fantastic conversations. It was heartwarming to see everyone come together, not just for a meal, but to truly enjoy each other’s company.
A special shoutout to the Vanier Community Center for their support! We couldn’t have done it without the teamwork and enthusiasm of our wonderful residents. Here's to many more events that bring our community even closer!
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Summer Activities at the Haven
Library Visit
During the summertime, Elizabeth Fosbery Richardson, a dedicated professional overseeing Children's Programs at the Ottawa Public Library, visited the Haven Community Coffee event, where she actively interacted with our Haven residents. She captivated the younger attendees with an enthralling and interactive storytime session, encouraging them to participate in a book exchange. Furthermore, she provided a special opportunity for parents to sign up for a library card, emphasizing the importance of fostering and nurturing their children's reading skills.
Paint Night
The annual Paint Night at The Haven is a highly anticipated event among its residents. This exciting gathering offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to unleash their creativity through art. It's a heartwarming occasion for parents and children to come together and bond over their shared love for artistic expression. Stephanie Saunders, known for her unwavering dedication, generously volunteers each year to lead the class and create a nurturing space for the residents. Her commitment has significantly impacted the community, providing an invaluable platform for The
Haven members to explore and showcase their artistic talents.
Baking Class
At Our Haven, our dedicated tenant volunteer, Siti Zamlah Jukim, organizes a delightful and enriching baking class for the children. With her expertise and passion for baking, she skillfully guides the kids through creating mouthwatering and soft donuts from the beginning. This class offers an incredible opportunity for the children to acquire new culinary skills and thoroughly enjoy themselves in the process.
During the summertime, Elizabeth Fosbery Richardson, a dedicated professional overseeing Children's Programs at the Ottawa Public Library, visited the Haven Community Coffee event, where she actively interacted with our Haven residents. She captivated the younger attendees with an enthralling and interactive storytime session, encouraging them to participate in a book exchange. Furthermore, she provided a special opportunity for parents to sign up for a library card, emphasizing the importance of fostering and nurturing their children's reading skills.
Paint Night
The annual Paint Night at The Haven is a highly anticipated event among its residents. This exciting gathering offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to unleash their creativity through art. It's a heartwarming occasion for parents and children to come together and bond over their shared love for artistic expression. Stephanie Saunders, known for her unwavering dedication, generously volunteers each year to lead the class and create a nurturing space for the residents. Her commitment has significantly impacted the community, providing an invaluable platform for The
Haven members to explore and showcase their artistic talents.
Baking Class
At Our Haven, our dedicated tenant volunteer, Siti Zamlah Jukim, organizes a delightful and enriching baking class for the children. With her expertise and passion for baking, she skillfully guides the kids through creating mouthwatering and soft donuts from the beginning. This class offers an incredible opportunity for the children to acquire new culinary skills and thoroughly enjoy themselves in the process.
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A Chocolate Seder for passover
Rabbi Mikelberg, a Senior Rabbi from the Temple Israel in Ottawa and MHI Patron, planned a Passover celebration at MHI's The Haven.
Passover is a time of great significance in Jewish culture, and it's important to educate children about its meaning and traditions. Delicious treats are also a significant part of the celebration. The Rabbi understands that engaging children in learning about the holiday is essential, and he has put together a creative and engaging program for them.
During the Passover celebration, Rabbi Mikelberg taught the children about the importance of Passover and its connection to universal themes such as freedom, redemption, and hope. He explained the significance of the holiday's traditions, such as the Seder meal, the Haggadah, and the story of Exodus.
The Passover celebration was packed with thrilling activities that used chocolate and candy to retell the story of Exodus and the Jewish people's escape from Egypt and slavery. For example, six chocolates symbolized different parts of the Passover story, and each section had an introductory text explaining what each step meant. These activities were designed to engage kids and make them more interactive.
The children were excited to participate and they enjoyed the chocolate-themed activities that helped them understand the holiday's significance. We thank Rabbi Mikelberg's efforts to educate and engage children in Jewish culture and tradition.
Rabbi Mikelberg, a Senior Rabbi from the Temple Israel in Ottawa and MHI Patron, planned a Passover celebration at MHI's The Haven.
Passover is a time of great significance in Jewish culture, and it's important to educate children about its meaning and traditions. Delicious treats are also a significant part of the celebration. The Rabbi understands that engaging children in learning about the holiday is essential, and he has put together a creative and engaging program for them.
During the Passover celebration, Rabbi Mikelberg taught the children about the importance of Passover and its connection to universal themes such as freedom, redemption, and hope. He explained the significance of the holiday's traditions, such as the Seder meal, the Haggadah, and the story of Exodus.
The Passover celebration was packed with thrilling activities that used chocolate and candy to retell the story of Exodus and the Jewish people's escape from Egypt and slavery. For example, six chocolates symbolized different parts of the Passover story, and each section had an introductory text explaining what each step meant. These activities were designed to engage kids and make them more interactive.
The children were excited to participate and they enjoyed the chocolate-themed activities that helped them understand the holiday's significance. We thank Rabbi Mikelberg's efforts to educate and engage children in Jewish culture and tradition.
Eid celebrations at the haven
The Haven celebrated Eid Mubarak, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this Eid celebration was the invitation extended by Muslim kids at the Haven to non-Muslim kids to join them in celebrating Eid Mubarak. This gesture was a shining example of the spirit of inclusivity and harmony at the heart of Eid, and it truly embodied the sense of community that we strive for at The Haven.
During the event, a couple of community kids shared their Ramadan experiences and what it meant to them. They spoke about the importance of fasting and prayer during the holy month and how it helps them to deepen their connection with God and their community.
The turnout for the celebration was great with many children and families coming together to enjoy various activities. Music played, and delicious food was served, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event was filled with joy, laughter, and friendship as people from different backgrounds and faiths united to celebrate the spirit of Eid. Overall, it was a wonderful event that fostered unity and love.
Thank you to our sponsors Islamic Relief Canada.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this Eid celebration was the invitation extended by Muslim kids at the Haven to non-Muslim kids to join them in celebrating Eid Mubarak. This gesture was a shining example of the spirit of inclusivity and harmony at the heart of Eid, and it truly embodied the sense of community that we strive for at The Haven.
During the event, a couple of community kids shared their Ramadan experiences and what it meant to them. They spoke about the importance of fasting and prayer during the holy month and how it helps them to deepen their connection with God and their community.
The turnout for the celebration was great with many children and families coming together to enjoy various activities. Music played, and delicious food was served, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event was filled with joy, laughter, and friendship as people from different backgrounds and faiths united to celebrate the spirit of Eid. Overall, it was a wonderful event that fostered unity and love.
Thank you to our sponsors Islamic Relief Canada.
The Haven kids participate in coding workshop
During the March break, Multifaith Housing Initiative partnered with Cistel Technology Inc., a leading technology consulting company, to organize a coding workshop for The Haven's kids. The workshop aimed to provide them with an opportunity to learn about the foundations of coding in a fun and interactive environment.
The workshop was led by two experienced instructors, Andrew Foster and Flor Deza, who worked together to teach the basics of coding. Carlos Zaidi, Principal Consultant at Cistel Technology Inc., was also present to help guide the workshop.
Participants were able to understand the fundamentals of coding and apply them in various games and activities. The workshop allowed the children to flex their problem-solving skills, in creative and innovative ways. The coding workshop was a great success, with the participants showing a keen interest in learning more about coding.
The workshop was led by two experienced instructors, Andrew Foster and Flor Deza, who worked together to teach the basics of coding. Carlos Zaidi, Principal Consultant at Cistel Technology Inc., was also present to help guide the workshop.
Participants were able to understand the fundamentals of coding and apply them in various games and activities. The workshop allowed the children to flex their problem-solving skills, in creative and innovative ways. The coding workshop was a great success, with the participants showing a keen interest in learning more about coding.
New program supports tenant health
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A group of parents, caregivers, and guardians of adults with cognitive disabilities have come together to help create a wellness program for those living at MHI's The Haven. The program is designed to provide social interaction to boost mental and physical health in a supportive and inclusive space. Its purpose is to encourage healthy relationships with others, personal growth, and development. The program is structured around various activities such as group discussion, workshops, physical fitness, and creative expression. parents, caregivers, and guardians play an active role in the program, providing guidance and encouragement to the participants and MHI's program coordinators. They work collaboratively to ensure that all relevant topics, such as personal hygiene, nutrition, and stress management, are addressed effectively. This new program is a excellent example of working together for the health and wellbeing of everyone living at The Haven!
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dancing into the new year with zumba!
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The Haven has recently introduced a new program for the new year, Zumba, to help combat the Winter Blues and provide a healthy outlet for the residents. The program, led by certified Zumba instructor Valeria Ventura, aims to offer a fun and engaging way for tenants to stay active during the colder months.
Valeria Ventura is a passionate dancer who has been involved in the Latin community since 2012. She brings her extensive experience and love for dance to the Zumba classes, creating a lively and upbeat atmosphere that participants love! The Zumba classes have quickly become a highlight providing a space for residents to moving their bodies in a fun and active way. It's been particularly heartwarming to see adults with cognitive disabilities join the class and be active alongside their peers. |
take your seat at Rise academy
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Parents of high schoolers, Rise Academy enables students in grades 7 to 12 to earn credits for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Rise Academy held an information session at MHI's The Haven, outlining their online High School credit program. Program representatives meet with students twice weekly for 30 minutes in person to develop a program that meets the student's needs and interests. The credit options include community service learning, where students can choose a community or organization to volunteer with to earn credits towards their high school diploma. |
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Rise Academy representative Rebecca spoke at the information session, outlining how Rise Academy benefits students through multifaceted learning and the opportunity to network. She explained how students can leverage their skills to develop knowledge in various fields, sometimes making the transition after high school easier and provided examples of successful student projects developed through Rise's platform.
10th grader and MHI tenant Ola participated in the program and spoke about their experience. Ola volunteered with a local clothing drive and collaborated with Soungui Fitness to coordinated the drive with the gym owners, attended Ottawa's Diefendbunker to experience Peacekeeping efforts, and interviewed online content creators.
Think your child may be interested? Learn more about Rise Academy at www.riseacademy.ca
10th grader and MHI tenant Ola participated in the program and spoke about their experience. Ola volunteered with a local clothing drive and collaborated with Soungui Fitness to coordinated the drive with the gym owners, attended Ottawa's Diefendbunker to experience Peacekeeping efforts, and interviewed online content creators.
Think your child may be interested? Learn more about Rise Academy at www.riseacademy.ca
holiday party round up
There's a lot to celebrate this holiday season at all of our housing communities! First up, The Haven, with it's Holiday Party and Christmas Play.
The annual Christmas celebration at The Haven brought together members of the church community, Salvation Army, and The Haven for holiday cheer and marking the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The children were captivated by Pastor Paul's reading from the Christmas book, asking them the names of the characters in the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.
David Hill, Ottawa City Councillor, Ward 3 Barrhaven West reprised his role as Joseph, the husband of Mary, for the play. This is Mr. Hill's fourth holiday party with him and his family at The Haven (more on the councilor's history of volunteering with MHI to come in early 2024!). Can you can spot Mr. Hill in one of the images below? (hint: he's wearing a pink cloak!).
Thank you to DNS Electrical Contracting who purchased gifts for The Haven Kids, and Toys R Us who worked alongside the company to surprise the kids. Thank you to our local churches, who are part of MHI's membership, for donating gifts for all The Haven kids who are eleven years old and younger. In addition to the toys for The Haven kids, the churches donated dozens of Christmas cookies for the party and residents of MHI's The Haven.
Happy Holidays from MHI!
P.S. Check out our holiday cookie recipe here.
The annual Christmas celebration at The Haven brought together members of the church community, Salvation Army, and The Haven for holiday cheer and marking the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The children were captivated by Pastor Paul's reading from the Christmas book, asking them the names of the characters in the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.
David Hill, Ottawa City Councillor, Ward 3 Barrhaven West reprised his role as Joseph, the husband of Mary, for the play. This is Mr. Hill's fourth holiday party with him and his family at The Haven (more on the councilor's history of volunteering with MHI to come in early 2024!). Can you can spot Mr. Hill in one of the images below? (hint: he's wearing a pink cloak!).
Thank you to DNS Electrical Contracting who purchased gifts for The Haven Kids, and Toys R Us who worked alongside the company to surprise the kids. Thank you to our local churches, who are part of MHI's membership, for donating gifts for all The Haven kids who are eleven years old and younger. In addition to the toys for The Haven kids, the churches donated dozens of Christmas cookies for the party and residents of MHI's The Haven.
Happy Holidays from MHI!
P.S. Check out our holiday cookie recipe here.
Thank you | Merci | Meegwetch to:
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Cookie Donations
Barrhaven United Church Bells Corners United Church Knox United Church Manotick United Church Salvation Army, Barrhaven Sequoia Community Church Choirs Manotick United Church Salvation Army, Barrhaven Tableau David, Tammie, McKenna and Casey Hill |
Gift Donations
Bells Corners United Church Manotick United Church Salvation Army, Barrhaven Sequoia Community Church DNS Electrical Contracting Toys R Us Barrhaven Story teller Paul Whynacht, minister Manotick United Church Violinist Capt. Laura Van Schaick, Salvation Army, Barrhaven Reverend Dianne Cardin, MHI Patron, Membership & Outreach Committee Member |
Volunteer Appreciation at the Haven
The Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was a wonderful event that brought together tenants who have been selflessly volunteering their time to make the Haven community a better place. Members of the Haven community organized the event to honour those who have been making a positive impact for years.
This celebration was a testament to the unwavering commitment of these volunteers, who have dedicated countless hours to support Haven's vision of becoming a thriving community. Their tireless efforts have inspired us all, and we are grateful for their selflessness and dedication.
The Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to these remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of community and service. The Haven community is fortunate to have such compassionate and dedicated volunteers, and we look forward to continuing our work together to make Haven an even better place for all.
This celebration was a testament to the unwavering commitment of these volunteers, who have dedicated countless hours to support Haven's vision of becoming a thriving community. Their tireless efforts have inspired us all, and we are grateful for their selflessness and dedication.
The Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to these remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of community and service. The Haven community is fortunate to have such compassionate and dedicated volunteers, and we look forward to continuing our work together to make Haven an even better place for all.
words of the heart
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The Creative Writing Workshop at The Haven, led by volunteer instructor and MHI Patron Suzanne Doerge, was a dynamic and inspiring event that brought together amateur writers in a supportive environment. Suzanne, a seasoned writer with a passion for teaching, guided participants through various writing exercises and techniques designed to unlock creativity and enhance storytelling skills.
The workshop covered a range of poetry styles, allowing participants to explore their unique voices and experiment with different forms of expression. Suzanne fostered a sense of community among attendees, encouraging them to share their work in Words from the Heart, the group's mini newsletter, and at their poetry reading that was held in the community room at The Haven in November. Congrats to all of the participants! |
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