OTTAWA--Upstream Ottawa is seeking new volunteers to help advance the cause of
improved mental health support services in this city.

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.

Alongside our clinical mental health and substance-use health support services, Upstream offers clients a variety of wellness services. None of these services are funded by government.

We hope to recruit new volunteers, from diverse backgrounds, to bring fresh ideas, energy and new community contacts. Upstream is seeking the following:

Volunteers to serve on the Upstream Golf Committee, which plans and runs the annual Upstream Classic Charity Golf Tournament. The tournament, chaired by Jenni of the New Hot 89, is a highly successful and fun event, selling out in the last three years. We seek volunteers who would help: plan the tournament by attending online meetings of the golf group; make contacts with businesses and individuals who might support the tournament; volunteer at the tournament to
help make it a fun and successful day.

Volunteers to serve on the Fundraising Committee. Upstream has made significant advances in developing its fundraising strategy and capabilities. We seek volunteers to: attend monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee; assist the Development Officer with new and existing fundraising events; make new contacts with potential business supporters or individual donors; assist the Development Officer with new products that could be used for fundraising; assist the Development Officer and Executive Director with grant applications.

Volunteers to serve on the Communications Committee. Upstream Ottawa needs to communicate to the public about the mental health needs of our community and how the organization is meeting those needs. Upstream maintains a website, regularly posts on its social media channels, attends various community events and responds quickly to media opportunities. We seek volunteers to: attend online monthly meetings of the Communications Committee; write and edit documents; assist with the management of the website; assist with social media strategies and posts and; help develop new ideas for future communications.

These volunteer activities require about four or five hours a month, on average. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please send an email to info@upstreamottawa.ca, with Volunteer Opportunity in the Subject line, and some information on your background, availability and contact information.

For more information on Upstream, go to upstreamottawa.ca.