Celebrating Community Resilience: Upstream Ottawa Marks 40 Years of Service
By
Andy (Kwaku) Kusi-Appiah
and
Adrian Harewood.
Abstract
Upstream Canada celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025, marking four decades of dedicated service in delivering mental health and substance abuse supports to Ottawa’s diverse communities. The event honoured the organization’s journey, recognized community champions, and emphasized the importance of locally grounded, culturally responsive care. As Upstream Ottawa embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to equity, accessibility, and community-driven solutions.
Introduction:
On December 4, 2025, St. Anthony Hall in Ottawa welcomed residents, mental-health advocates, and community supporters for a special celebration, marking the 40th anniversary of Upstream Ottawa.
The evening honoured four decades of dedicated service delivering mental health and substance-use ‘supports’ to Ottawa’s diverse and often underserved communities.
Guests arriving at St. Anthony’s Hall, the hall decorated, a sense of warmth and community.
Professor Adrian Harewood of Carleton University’s School of Journalism skilfully moderated the program. His thoughtful reflections helped trace Upstream Ottawa’s journey from its grassroots beginnings in 1985 to its present-day role as a vital community institution.
Upstream Ottawa, founded as Project Upstream Ottawa-Carleton Inc., began with a mission to support individuals living with mental illness through client-centred care and housing stabilization, backed by government funding and community contributions. Over the years the agency expanded its services to include intensive case management, youth-support services, and wrap-around wellness programs that address social isolation, housing instability, and other systemic challenges.
Professor Adrian Harewood, moderator of the evening, addressing the audience or guiding program proceedings.
As Upstream evolved, its commitment to equity and community responsiveness grew, exemplified by the introduction of culturally responsive programming for Black youth and families.
In 2021, the agency launched the AMANI Mental Health & Substance-Use Services for Black Youth (formerly SAPACCY) to respond to unique challenges faced by Black youth in Ottawa.
Honouring Champions of Community Care:
One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of awards recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to Upstream Ottawa’s mission. Among those honoured was Mr. Ebenezer (Eb) Amponsah, noted for his leadership and advocacy, especially for Black youth and families.
Eb Amponsah receiving his award, ideally with a smile or handshake, to personalize his contribution.
At the heart of the evening’s message was a powerful call for continued community-based mental health advocacy. In his remarks, Upstream Ottawa’s Executive Director, Bo Turpin, reiterated the importance of locally grounded supports, especially for Black and racialized communities who often face disproportionate mental-health burdens.
Bo Turpin, Executive Director at the podium.
The urgency of the work was underscored by a brief but meaningful visit from His Worship, Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa, who presented the Executive Director with a certificate recognizing 25 years of service, a milestone honouring decades of dedication and impact.
A Holistic Vision of Wellness:
Throughout the evening, community members, clients, and staff spoke to a broader vision of wellness, one that connects mental health with housing stability, social connection, culture, and community belonging.
Upstream Ottawa’s holistic approach recognizes that mental-health challenges are rarely isolated but often intertwined with eco-social and structural issues.
Upstream Ottawa’s programs, from case management to youth support to wellness- services outings, reflect that complexity. The organization continues to lead in offering culturally sensitive, equity-driven care, with a growing commitment to supporting the mental wellness of Black youth and families through AMANI.
A group photo of staff, board members, award recipients, clients, and community supporters gathered at the end of the evening, symbolizing solidarity, community, and collective commitment to mental health.
Looking Ahead: Renewed Commitment to Equity and Wellness
Forty years is a milestone worth celebrating, but for Upstream Ottawa, it is also a moment to recommit. As the organization embarks on its next chapter, its leadership emphasizes equity, accessibility, and culturally grounded care as central pillars. Their focus remains on meeting people where they are and ensuring no one is left behind because of systemic barriers.
Congratulations to Upstream Ottawa on this remarkable anniversary. Your decades of service in building a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient Ottawa , especially for Black and racialized communities, inspire us all.
Andy (Kwaku) Kusi-Appiah is the President and CEO of Environmental Stewardship Solutions (ESS), an Ontario registered organization that provides evidence-based solutions to environmental issues.
Adrian Harewood is a professor at the School of Journalism, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario.