Marsha Wilson has been helping vulnerable women in Ottawa for over twenty five years. As Director of St. Joe’s Women’s Centre, Marsha has played a key role in welcoming countless homeless women into a community environment that provides them with a sense of safety and care.

On the practical side, Marsha helps advocate for the needs of these women, requests donations of toiletries or other basic items, and ensures that they have access to proper food. On the personal side, Marsha provides moral support, mentoring and advice that can help the women of St. Joe’s positively change the paths of their lives. For her commitment to women at a difficult – and even desperate – time in their lives, and for her belief in their abilities and potential, Marsha Wilson is one of #150GreatPeople in Ottawa. Here, she answers the questionnaire:

What makes Ottawa special to you?

We moved from the Maritimes forty-nine years ago, and even though I call Ottawa my home, I’ll always be a Maritimer. At a ball-game I met my former husband who’s been my best friend and mentor. #Canada150 created a sense of how proud I am to say I live in our National Capital, and awed at the celebrations that were inclusive for all. Our community believes in the importance of social responsibility, and for this I’m grateful.

What do you love most about living and working in Ottawa?

I love the landscape of our Capital City, our diverse culture, and all that Ottawa has to offer; from skating or boating on the Canal, culture programs and foremost a city that promotes diversity and inclusion, one which I am proud to call home.

The work that you do helps to make Ottawa a better place – why is this important to you?

For the past twenty-six years, I’ve been blessed to hold the position as Director of St. Joe’s Women’s Centre. St. Joe’s is one of many non-governmental social service agencies which work with some of the most vulnerable people within our city. I truly believe our mission has enriched the lives of women who are homeless and/or at risk of being homeless, women from all faiths, cultures, ethnicities and sexual orientation. Women who refer to St. Joe’s as a “Home Way from Home.

You give back to the Ottawa community in various ways – is there one Ottawa-related achievement of which you are most proud?

My parents taught us at an early age the importance of being involved within your community. Mom was always volunteering in our small community of Hartland NB, sending off boxes of clothing to those in need, or offering a meal and bed for the night. Giving back to my community has been rewarding in more ways then one. I’ve volunteered in different capacities, from helping the disabled with swimming classes, to working on fund-raising events, and being a member of agency Boards of Directors. Each undertaking enriched my life more then I could imagine.

What do you hope for Ottawa in the future?

That our city will continue to grow in cultural diversity and acceptance, and for our community to be more conscious of the challenges faced by those who walk the streets of Ottawa.