June 29, 2023
OTTAWA - Upstream Ottawa has completed a year of rapid growth, following two years of restrictions on operations due to COVID-19.
At its Annual General Meeting, held June 27, Executive Director Bo Turpin noted the major growth in Upstream operations with the addition of the Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY), with four additional staff members hired to deliver this new program.
Mr. Turpin noted the increased complexity of mental health cases being dealt with by Upstream in the last year and the pressing need for adequate funding for mental health and substance-use health services in Ottawa. Wait times for intensive case management can now be up to four years.
Véronique Joncas, Chair of the Upstream Board of Directors, thanked the staff, volunteers and board for their efforts in the past year, noting the exceptional personal service to clients delivered by Upstream.
Ms. Joncas thanked three outgoing members of the Board of Directors for their contributions of time and expertise: Jane Murray, Elliot Culligan and Kelton Weekes.
Board members Nik Karajovic (Upstream Treasurer), Melonie Bidgood and Jenni Condon, were reappointed to two-year terms on the board.
Ms. Joncas noted that there will be some additional recruitment for the Board of Directors in the months ahead to add diversity, mental health experience and fundraising expertise to the board. Those interested may contact Upstream at info@upstreamottawa.ca.
The AGM meeting was hosted by KPMG at its downtown Ottawa office. KPMG has generously supported Upstream Ottawa over a number of years, through events like the AGM, as well as the financial expertise and time of staff, as board members.
Upstream provides a range of critical community supports and affordable housing options to adults and youth living with mental health and substance use health issues. Services include: intensive mental health case management, housing, youth support services with a focus on Black youth and their families, crisis prevention, medication management and life-skills coaching.
A complete list of Board Members is available on Upstream Ottawa - Our Board.
For more information go to upstreamottawa.ca, or contact us at info@upstreamottawa.ca.
