Serenity Renewal for Families

Serenity Renewal for Families Supporting individuals & families affected directly or indirectly by addictions.

Serenity Renewal for Families offers ongoing education and counselling services to individuals and families directly or indirectly affected by addictions. Our programs assist a wide spectrum of clients as young as 5 to 85 and over, benefiting over 2,500 individuals each year in Ottawa and surrounding areas. Our work is made possible thanks to our dedicated professional staff and facilitators, plus more than 125 volunteers who participate in virtually all functions of our operations. In addition, over 250 partners (individuals, health and social service agencies, social workers, medical professionals) refer individuals and work with us to provide the necessary support to our clients. Serenity Renewal for Families is a registered charitable organization founded in 1983. We rely on the support of generous individuals and organizations to create happier, healthier lives in our community.

"I want to go, but I'm too nervous to walk in."We hear this all the time. And it makes total sense. Walking into a new b...
02/06/2026

"I want to go, but I'm too nervous to walk in."

We hear this all the time. And it makes total sense. Walking into a new building, meeting new people, and facing difficult topics takes a lot of courage.

That is exactly why our Introduction to Healing & Recovery workshop is virtual.

You can join us from your living room. You can wear your sweatpants. You can have your own coffee in your favourite mug. You can be in your safest space while you learn the tools to navigate your journey.

It’s the same expert guidance and community connection—just without the commute.

💻 The Details:

Format: 4-Week Series (Zoom)

Starts: Tuesday, Feb 17

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm EST

Cost: Sliding scale available (because cost should never be a barrier).

Just DM us the word "INTRO" and we will send you the registration details. 📩

Is it "caring"? or is it "codependency"? 💭The line can be blurry.We often think of codependency as weakness, but it usua...
02/05/2026

Is it "caring"? or is it "codependency"? 💭

The line can be blurry.

We often think of codependency as weakness, but it usually comes from a place of deep love and concern. It happens when we try so hard to help, save, or protect someone else that we slowly lose ourselves in the process.

It is the belief that "If you are okay, then I can be okay."

But true support requires two whole people.

We will be diving deep into this topic later this month at our Codependency Workshop (Feb 21). For now, we just want to ask: Does this definition resonate with you?

Drop a 💙 if you have ever felt that "loss of self."

"Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation."As we observe Black History Month, we are reflecting on the words o...
02/04/2026

"Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation."

As we observe Black History Month, we are reflecting on the words of the late author and activist Bell Hooks. Her work reminds us that true growth doesn't happen in a vacuum. It happens in relationship.

Whether it is your chosen family, your biological family, or a support group—we need each other to navigate the journey of recovery.

To our Black community members, staff, and volunteers: thank you for bringing your strength, stories, and wisdom to this shared space. We are stronger because we are together. 💙

02/03/2026

Change doesn't happen when we are comfortable. It happens when we are tired of the cycle. 🌀

If you found yourself nodding along to these signs, you might be ready to take the next step in your journey.

Recovery isn't about erasing the past or "fixing" the people around you. It’s about reclaiming your own peace and learning the tools to move forward—on your own terms.

Our Introduction to Healing & Recovery workshop is a safe place to begin that process.

🌱 Virtual Series (Join from home) 🗓 Starts: Tuesday, Feb 17 (4 weeks) ⏰ Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm 🗣 Facilitator: Liz VandenBygaart

Ready to try a new way? Comment or DM the word "INTRO" and we will send you the registration details directly. 📩

"Where do I even start?"It is the most common question we hear.When addiction affects your life—whether it is your own s...
02/02/2026

"Where do I even start?"

It is the most common question we hear.

When addiction affects your life—whether it is your own struggle or a family member’s—the path forward can feel overwhelming. There is so much information, so many opinions, and often, so much fear.

You don't have to map it out alone.

Our Introduction to Healing & Recovery workshop is designed to be that first step. It is a roadmap to help you understand what recovery actually looks like, how it affects the whole family, and what options are available to you.

💻 Workshop Details:

Format: Virtual (Zoom) – join from the comfort of home.

When: 4 Tuesdays, starting Feb 17.

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

Facilitator: Liz VandenBygaart.

To Register: We keep it simple. 📩 Email us at workshops@serenityrenewal.ca 💬 Or DM us the word "INTRO" and we will send you the details.

"Recovery is a family affair."At Serenity Renewal for Families, that means every family.As we step into Black History Mo...
02/01/2026

"Recovery is a family affair."
At Serenity Renewal for Families, that means every family.

As we step into Black History Month, we want to honour the diverse stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities here in Ottawa and across Canada. We know that systemic barriers often make accessing mental health support harder for marginalized communities.

Our commitment is to be a space where everyone—regardless of background, culture, or story—feels seen, safe, and supported in their healing.

This month (and every month), we are listening, learning, and celebrating the strength of our diverse community. 💙

And just like that, the first month of 2026 is done. ✔️We hope this month brought you some "Gentle Beginnings"—whether t...
01/31/2026

And just like that, the first month of 2026 is done. ✔️

We hope this month brought you some "Gentle Beginnings"—whether that meant a fresh start, a new boundary, or just getting through the tough days.

We are heading into February with a full heart and a busy calendar. Stay tuned for new workshop dates coming soon!

How are you feeling about heading into a new month? A) Energized ⚡️ B) Need a nap 😴 C) Hopeful 💙

Who is ready for the weekend? ❄️We are setting up the room and getting everything ready for tomorrow’s Couple's Communic...
01/30/2026

Who is ready for the weekend? ❄️

We are setting up the room and getting everything ready for tomorrow’s Couple's Communication workshop! We can’t wait to welcome everyone into the space for a day of learning and connection.

For everyone else, we hope you have a restful, gentle weekend. Stay warm, Ottawa! 💙

Are you listening? Or are you just waiting for your turn to speak? 👂💭There is a big difference.Active Listening is a sup...
01/29/2026

Are you listening? Or are you just waiting for your turn to speak? 👂💭

There is a big difference.

Active Listening is a superpower in relationships. It means putting down the phone, quieting your own defensive thoughts, and truly trying to understand the other person's perspective before you say a word.

It is simple, but it is rarely easy.

We will be practicing this skill live at our Couple's Communication workshop this Saturday!

We made it to the last stretch of January. 🗓️💨They say January is the "Monday" of the year—it can feel long, dark, and s...
01/28/2026

We made it to the last stretch of January. 🗓️💨

They say January is the "Monday" of the year—it can feel long, dark, and sometimes heavy.

So, we are doing a gentle check-in today. How is your battery life right now?

Drop an emoji below. 👇 (And remember: however you are feeling, you are doing a great job.) 💙

Ever find yourself in the same argument with your partner, over and over again? 🔄🗣️It’s frustrating, but it’s also norma...
01/27/2026

Ever find yourself in the same argument with your partner, over and over again? 🔄🗣️

It’s frustrating, but it’s also normal. Many of our communication patterns are deeply ingrained survival tactics. The good news? These patterns can be unlearned.

If you are ready to break the cycle and learn new tools for healthy connection, join Liz VandenBygaart this Saturday for our Couple's Communication workshop.

Grab one of the last spots. Call or send us an email for more info!

"We just can't seem to stop bickering." 😔We hear this a lot. And usually, there is a lot of shame attached to it. We liv...
01/26/2026

"We just can't seem to stop bickering." 😔

We hear this a lot. And usually, there is a lot of shame attached to it. We live in a world that tells us "perfect" couples are always smiling, always agreeing, and never going to bed angry.

But that is a myth.

Healthy relationships aren't defined by the absence of conflict. They are defined by the presence of repair.

It is about knowing how to say "I'm sorry," how to listen without getting defensive, and how to navigate the messy moments without tearing each other down.

If you are ready to learn those skills, we invite you to join us.

Couple's Communication Workshop Facilitated by Liz VandenBygaart
Date: This Saturday, Jan 31 ⏰ Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Registration is open now 💙

Address

404 McArthur Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K1K1G8

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+16135235143

Website

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