These 5 best social worker services in Ottawa have your back when push comes to shove
Sometimes, life gets the best of us and we need a little help to get out of the mud and keep the wheel spinning, because as cliché as it sounds, no man is an island after all.
This is where social workers come in, who can be absolute superheroes to the right person at the right time. In fact, we personally know several people who were saved by one when family matters were piling up.
So if you’re ever struggling with something and you thought of keeping it to yourself, then in the words of the great Michael Jordan: Stop it, get some help, and give the best social workers in Ottawa a chance!
How much do social worker services cost in Ottawa?
Social worker services in Ottawa cost between $70 and $130 for a private hourly consultation. However, this can vary depending on the type of service.
Some social workers also provide free or low-cost services for the most vulnerable, which can include financial assistance programs, housing programs, and community mental health support.
1. Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre
Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) focuses on providing social services for all ages in the diverse communities of West Ottawa.
The center was founded in 1986, so they’re not new to providing professional assistance to those who are struggling with their basic needs, finances, and even family matters.
Their team of bilingual social workers seems to make efforts to ensure you feel right at home, even if it’s as simple as offering a tissue box and some water.
They’re no stranger to various programs and workshops. We personally love their EarlyON Child and Family Centre programs that provide free drop-ins for parents and their 0 to 6-year-old children.
We think their services are complemented well by their facilities, which include counseling offices, workshop rooms, and playrooms.
It’s just a bit of a letdown that they are sometimes hard to contact by phone and barely return calls at all.
Great help for the community
“I love this center! They offer a wide range of services for the community. I particularly enjoy the programs for children 0-6 years old, the dental service and the workshops for parents. I consider that they represent a great help for the community.”
- Carol Montes, Google Review
Always felt welcome, safe, and supported
“Essential resource with many services for residents . Not until you need, do you realize how much information and support there is there . From the very young to the long lived , it’s an amazing inclusive facility that I’ve always felt welcome and safe and supported.”
- Natalie Gosselin-Watters, Google Review
2. Operation Come Home
Operation Come Home is a center of social workers that aims to help homeless youth gain access to various support services.
They’re partnered with Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Network for Education, Rotary Club of Ottawa, and many more. Given this, they have an impressive network of resources you can benefit from.
The facilities are readily equipped for their education, job, and housing services, so we feel that they definitely did not overlook any aspect of a homeless youth’s life.
The social workers really make a big impact on their clients’ living conditions. We’ve personally seen them feed the youth breakfast, help them find employment, and even fund their reunion with their families.
However, we do believe that they’re more limited in terms of services for other age groups. It’s not the most ideal if you’re either below 16 or above 29 years old.
Can’t sing their praises enough!
“This place is amazing for helping homeless youth to get what they need to try and get off the streets. They have housing programs, job programs, a school program, and a fair few other programs to help street youth now and for their future. I can’t sing their praises enough!”
- Corey Illings, Google Review
The staff’s amazing
“I was homeless in Rideau, Ottawa and they helped me get back to my family.. for the time being there, they fed me and helped get me back into school and out of drugs and bad crowds. They found me shelter and helped pay for a bus back home. The staffs amazing and will always give you the best advice.”
- Alyssa Rose, Google Review
3. Belong Ottawa at Centre 454
Belong Ottawa at Centre 454 is big on community, all thanks to their equally big team of social workers.
They’re very inclusive of the needy and marginalized. Whether it’s homeless people or those struggling to make ends meet, they are a highly trusted safe space that helps you get back on your feet.
However, their inclusivity and popularity are a double-edged sword, as the place does get crowded at times, and you may not be served right away.
Still, it has facilities that you don’t typically see in social service organizations, such as laundromats, showers, and karaoke bars.
But of course, the main highlight of it all is the people who make it happen. They tirelessly work to provide services like giving access to warm meals, referring people to health support, and facilitating social activities.
Centre 454 is also open 7 days a week, which earns it plus points in the accessibility department.
Caring, respectful staff
“Thank you to the caring, respectful staff of Belong Ottawa. It has been a long, cold, difficult winter for so many on the street. Having a respectful, safe place to grab a snack, warm up and receive information about services in the city is invaluable. Keep up the good work.”
- Wendy Reynolds, Google Review
Awesome people here
“For helping people on the street and people that don’t have a place to go or be . You can meet awesome 👌 people here and anywhere you go in Gen. But when I went here there was the wagon crew came up and they had food , drinks , clothing and all types of stuff here . Condos to these guys for helping others . I stand tall and salute those who help others . Thank you to all who help others who want help that is.”
- Patrick Clayton, Google Review
4. Jewish Family Services of Ottawa
Jewish Family Services of Ottawa (JFS Ottawa) is an all-rounder in its social worker services, whether you’re Jewish or not.
They seem to have something for just about anyone. From children and youth programs to Thelma Steinman Seniors Support services, they’re taking steps to make sure everyone is cared for.
For the Jewish, specifically, JFS’s Tikvah Program offers financial support for those with low income. We also find it commendable that they have dedicated Shalom Bayit services geared toward female Jewish victims of abuse.
We heard a lot of positive feedback from past clients regarding their counseling services. Not only are they very attentive, but they’re also great critical thinkers for every individual problem.
As for the sole negative, we’ve also heard a few clients say that some staff members were incompetent and lacked concern.
Welcoming, friendly, caring, and compassionate
“I have recently sought out the help of Jewish Family Services of Ottawa. My experience thus far has been surprisingly smooth, fast and about as anxiety free as possible given the difficult nature of the issues I (we) are facing. All the staff were welcoming, friendly, caring and compassionate every step of the way. I am beyond grateful and am looking forward to working with these fine folks.”
- Chris Dacey, Google Review
Incredible organization
“JFS is doing BIG things, and making a huge difference. The mental health system was a traumatic revolving door, until I found my awesome therapist at JFS. It’s an Incredible organization with many programs. They help a lot of people, including me. I’m honoured to be a part of it!”
- Taylor S, Google Review
5. Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre
Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre’s (EORC) over 40 years of dedication to serving the community make it a highly experienced organization for when the going gets tough.
It’s good to see that people of all ages are well covered here, owing to multiple services like individual child counseling, student assistance, adult day program, and caregiver support.
We find it admirable that there are also specific programs against abuse, which we’ve been told are spearheaded by 24/7 staff who are very supportive and quick to take action.
Satisfied clients also told us of the level of accountability and compassion EORC’s social workers possess. No one ever leaves with a frown bigger than when they came in.
We just wish they were open on a Saturday so their services could be more accessible to busier people.
Provides you with endless love and support
“When you feel like you have hit the wall and someone gives you hope and provides you with endless love and support, nothing beats that. My case worker Karen iam forever grateful. Thank you for receiving me with wide arms. My counsellor Maggy, thank you! These are amazing people who will give you support 100% without doubt. Thank you!!!!”
- Janice Judy, Google Review
Amazing counselling
“I am forever grateful for the help and support from the EORC. I was in a terrible situation and without the support group and the amazing counselling I would probably still be there. Tracy Golden was a big part of the help I needed to get out. Thank you Tracy and other counsellors for your support.”
- Kelly Albert, Google Review