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SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH IN OTTAWA: JOIN OUR RUNNING TEAM OR DONATE TODAY!
I was in a really, really dark place.
Although Serena had experienced mental health challenges in the past, she was in college when they escalated to critical levels, culminating in burnout and the inability to properly care for herself. Despite being perceived as high-functioning, Serena recalls a point at which increasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and the re-emergence of past trauma led to her "completely falling apart," making it impossible to mask her progressively debilitating symptoms. Incapacitated and facing the risk of homelessness, Serena was lost and didn’t know where to turn.
While Serena’s story is her own, its circumstances are not unique.
Statistics almost guarantee that you or someone you care about will experience a mental health or substance use challenge in their lifetime. One in four Ottawa residents rate their mental and emotional well-being as only "fair" or "poor." In any given year, one in five people in Canada experience mental health challenges. Approximately the same number have experienced problematic substance use in their lifetime. As a society, we’re all affected.
Upstream really stepped in and became the hero in my eyes.
From housing, to transportation, to medication management, to support groups, to monthly luncheons, to weekly meetings with her case manager, Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support provided the support that Serena needed to survive when times were at their toughest.
Each year, Upstream directly serves over 200 youth, adults, and families through our Clinical Programs (Intensive Case Management, for all populations needing support, and AMANI Mental Health & Substance Use Services, for Black youth ages 12-29) and our Wellness Services (including housing, transportation, luncheons, social opportunities, recreational outings, a holiday dinner, and more!). Combined, these supports offer unique, wraparound care for our clients.
Having that support was immeasurable.
With support from Upstream, Serena now has the resources, skills, and social supports necessary to not only survive but thrive. Today, Serena sits on our Board of Directors, bringing a valuable perspective to each meeting for the benefit of those who rely on Upstream in the ways that she did.
Since 1985, Upstream has been a leader in community mental health support, providing clients with the holistic services they need to live the self-guided and fulfilling lives that they deserve. Though our Clinical Programs receive government funding, our Wellness Services do not, and rely on the generosity of donors — and runners! — so we can continue to offer them and enrich and improve the lives of our program participants.
We invite you to support these clients, good people just like Serena, at this year's Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend by running and fundraising for Upstream! Together, we will change the lives of our neighbours in Ottawa, while instilling hope in our community and creating a society that is more just, connected, and well.
REGISTER TO RUN & FUNDRAISE FOR US IN RACE WEEKEND
We are encouraging each of our runners to raise $1000 for Upstream Ottawa. While this may sound intimidating, it’s actually quite achievable with the easy online tools and team support you’ll gain access to! Consider that asking 20 family members, colleagues, and friends to each support with $50 for a cause you care about gets you there!
That said, you can raise any amount you're comfortable with, noting that you'll receive a free race registration for next year's event from Run Ottawa once you hit $500!
When registering:
1. For the race of your choice, choose between "General Registration" or "Green Bib Registration." Both cost the same amount, but choosing Green Bib gives an immediate donation to us in lieu of you receiving a medal — just make sure to select "Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support" when asked where you want your Green Bib donation to go!
2. During registration on Page 2, choose "Yes, I'd like to fundraise" and then select "Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support" from the drop-down. Choosing this will create your individual fundraising page for you, linked to our team! You will receive a separate email asking you to claim your page, which is through a website called JustGiving.
👉 Register to run in the race of your choice right here!
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🏃 ALREADY REGISTERED TO RUN BUT WANT TO NOW JOIN OUR TEAM TO FUNDRAISE?
Yes, you can! Simply click the orange START FUNDRAISING button on this page to join our team. Follow the prompts to create a JustGiving account and set up your personal fundraising page and goal.
❤️ JUST WANT TO DONATE TO OUR TEAM?
Thank you for your support! You can donate to our team on our JustGiving page, either to the team as a whole by clicking "Give Now" or by selecting an individual runner to support.