Ottawa addiction recovery organization celebrates 42 years

The City of Ottawa has declared Nov. 23 ‘Serenity Renewal for Families Day’ in recognition of the addiction’s support organization. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

A local addiction support non-profit celebrated its forty-second anniversary with special recognition from the City of Ottawa on Sunday.

Serenity Renewal for Families provides counselling, workshops and family programs to adults, children and entire households affected by addiction. The charity was recognized by city councillor Rawlson King who officially proclaimed Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 Serenity Renewal for Families Day.

Neil Leslie, the executive director of the non-profit, says the centre consistently supports around 2,000 people every year.

“Half of the people who access our services are people in recovery and half are the family members surrounding a loved one who are affected by that person’s addiction,” Leslie said.

Leslie says the organization’s programs help people with any type of addiction.

Marianka Berlin, who graduated from a Serenity Renewal for Families addictions program, says she and her family participated in a variety of programs, which helped them reconnect after rehab.

“Luckily, we had a great staff member’s here who taught us what words to use and why it’s good to talk about drugs and alcohol, and what that means to them in their lives early, and not later,” Berlin says.

Sarah Eastman was also a member at Serenity Renewal for Families. Now, she helps deliver the same workshops she was once a part of.

“I feel like I get more out of it than the participants in the workshops get out of it, because it really solidifies my own recovery journey,” Eastman said.

This year, the organization introduced a new program, Rebound Choices which is operated in partnership with the Catholic School Board and aims to reach young people early in their decision-making years.

“Last year, we increased our youth interactions by 55 per cent. By the end of this fiscal year, we should be increasing it by 265 per cent,” Leslie says. “It’s marvelous to get to the youth young enough so that hopefully they will make better choices down the road.”

Serenity Renewal for Families continues to offer year-round counselling and education programs aimed at helping rebuild their lives, one step at a time.

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