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Building Community: Highlights from Options' Summer 2026 Open House
- optionspcl5
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
On Saturday, June 27, Options welcomed community members to its second annual Open House, inviting families, supporters, neighbors, and first-time visitors to spend the morning discovering the Centre and the people behind its mission.
Throughout this whole morning, guests toured the Centre, connected with staff and volunteers, learned about the services available to women and families, and enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere designed to encourage conversation and community. The morning concluded with the much-anticipated raffle draw.
While an Open House is often an opportunity to showcase a building, what makes Options' truly special isn't the space itself — it's the meaningful conversations, new connections, and sense of community that emerge throughout the event. With activities designed for all ages, the Open House offered something for the whole family. Children enjoyed bouncy castles and face painting while parents and grandparents had the opportunity to tour the Centre, connect with staff and volunteers, and learn more about the programs and services available. From the youngest visitors to the oldest, everyone was invited to feel welcome and included.
A neighbor shared how a simple message on the back of a volunteer's T-shirt left a lasting impression: It takes a village. “I believe that's true,” she said. “It's not just the parents, but a network, contacts, and a community! That really inspired me” she concluded. Living just around the corner from Options, she admitted that she had heard of the Centre before but never realized how close it was — or all that it had to offer.
For another guest, returning to Options after several years revealed just how much the Centre had grown. "I love Nadine's Closet!" they shared. "Dignity is important — very important. Everything here reflects that. The welcoming spaces, the way people can sit together and simply share their hearts...It’s awesome!"
Whether you've never stepped through our doors or have visited us before, there's always something new to discover — from new programs and services to updates throughout the Centre. We would love the chance to welcome you, answer your questions, and help you get to know Options a little better.
The highlight of the event was a young couple who had recently been referred to Options by someone at Boutique Encore while shopping for items for their growing family. The timing could hardly have been more meaningful: the day after the Open House marked exactly one year since they had arrived in Canada with their two children. Now expecting another baby, they described discovering Options as "a gift."
Having no relatives nearby and still learning to navigate Quebec's systems, they shared how comforting it was to know there was a place where they could ask questions, express their fears, and receive practical support.
"I feel very, very lucky," the father said emotionally. "With the coming of the little one, there's a lot to manage and it can be stressful but today, there are positive vibes everywhere and finding Options is bringing a lot of positive emotions" happily expressed the mother.
When asked what message they were taking home from the event, one participant, coming all the way from Montreal, reflected on the importance of community and faith.
"Community and unity. As the Body of Christ, we need to stick together. God often works through simple acts of obedience that quietly make a real difference—and that's what I see happening here." – Angel, Open house 2026 participant
Another attendee offered a simple but yet powerful takeaway:
"Life is not always easy, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth it."
Guests also spoke about the importance of organizations like Options within the community. One participant described the Centre as "a beacon of hope" for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, while another emphasized how valuable it is for women experiencing unexpected pregnancies to know they have somewhere they can find information, encouragement, and compassionate support.
Hesitating about attending a future Options event? We asked a few participants what they would say to someone considering coming. Here are some answers:
"Walk through the doors. Get to know your community, see what's here, meet the people, and discover what Options has to offer."
"The people here are kind. They give their time, they listen, and it's worth getting involved— whether to volunteer, support the ministry, or simply receive help yourself."
Events like the Open House remind us that while buildings and programs matter, it is relationships that truly change lives. Every conversation, every connection, and every act of kindness contributes to building the "village" that so many families need.
To everyone who joined us, volunteered, donated, or helped make this event possible —
THANK YOU. Your presence helped make this year's Open House a beautiful reminder that no one is meant to walk life's journey alone.
We look forward to welcoming you again at a future Options event!
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