The drop-in center is home to many of our members. Sometimes it is a quiet reflective space to share a coffee with a friend, and at other moments it is teeming with activity.

Respecting our alternative approach of member empowerment, all the activities and programming are decided by members through the Special Members Assemblies. Members and new comers may meet with a community worker who will listen and enable the person to find solutions to their problem or refer them to the appropriate service.

The drop-in is also the place to have some fun. Here we celebrate seasonal occasions, birthdays, Mental Health Week, International Women’s Day, Mother’s day, Father’s Day and many other occasions that touch members’ lives. There are weekly outings within the city as well as other excursions such as the sugar shack, Ottawa museum day, apple picking or a day in the country. Corn roasts, bowling outings, movie nights and the ever popular weekly community meals give members and staff the opportunity to spend quality time together in a relaxed setting.

Educational and occupational activities range from courses in yoga, art therapy, newsletter writing, tam tams, animal workshop and music appreciation. Music is very much alive in the drop-in and regular music jams give everyone the chance to take center stage. A good voice is not a pre-requisite, all that is needed is the desire to sing, play an instrument or shake some maracas and join in the good time. The Projet PAL Choir gathers twice a month to sing out loud. They perform at PAL and within the community.

New members are welcome

The drop-in center assures that each and every member celebrates their birthday amongst friends, that Christmas does not need to be a lonely time, and that a meal shared in good company simply tastes better. It is why so many refer to PAL as their family. It’s why they call it home.