Souls of Ottawa Association is an Ontario not-for-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of residents through recreational, cultural, and community engagement initiatives. The Association provides opportunities for individuals and families to participate in programs that encourage social inclusion, physical wellness, cultural appreciation, and civic participation.

A flagship initiative of the Association is the Souls of Ottawa Table Tennis Club, offering affordable and accessible recreational opportunities for youth, adults, and seniors.

Humble Beginning of Souls of Ottawa 

Mr. Giasuddin, thank you for being a part of the solution!

Because of you and your belief in the Shepherds of Good Hope's mission, Suzanne now has a permanement place to call home. So many people come through our doors each day at Shepherds of Good Hope. So many stories and so many personalities that touch our hearts – Suzanne is one of those. We are honoured to be able to share her story with you.

At 71-year-old, Suzanne is still sharp, witty, and hilarious. She is a retired social worker who used to work for the City of Ottawa.

"I used to refer people to Shepherds of Good Hope. I never thought I’d end up there myself."

Born and raised in Ottawa, she remembers growing up on Murray St. with her family. She sang at the cathedral and was even asked to join the Pope’s Choir.

At 19, she married a man that was seven years her senior and eventually gave birth to two sons.

Later in her adult life, things took a turn for the worse. Suzanne endured an extremely abusive marriage, and she faced personal health challenges because of the trauma she had experienced.

However, Suzanne persevered.

She rented a beautiful studio apartment in an upscale retirement residence. After nearly two years there, things began to deteriorate. Her relationships with the residence’s staff became strained.

One night after experiencing a medical emergency, she was admitted to the hospital. Upon her return home, Suzanne found that her lease had been terminated, and she had been evicted.

"My life's possessions had been removed from my apartment – clothes, jewellery, memories – even my beloved cat – gone," she recalls.

At 70 years old, with a walker, and limited mobility, Suzanne found herself without a place to call home and nowhere to turn. She lost all hope.

"That day I ended up at Shepherds of Good Hope's shelter. It was not a day I ever thought I would experience." 

At Shepherds of Good Hope, she joined the Managed Alcohol Program. Nearly a year later, a staff member told Suzanne that her stay at the shelter was coming to an end. But this time, it was because she was moving into a brand-new 42-bed supportive housing residence built right here in Ottawa.

"I felt like I had won the lottery. Once again, I had my own beautiful apartment, but this time, I had a community that accepted and supported me. I felt I was gaining back a part of myself that I had lost."