This lady’s legacy will live on
Sister Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Kinsella passed away on June 15. After retiring from decades of teaching, and support work, Sister Betty Ann focused on making a difference for young mothers and their children.
She knew the most important thing one could provide a young mother was an education. To that end, in 1985 she created the Youville Centre.
Sister Betty Ann was a woman of deep faith, clear vision, tireless energy and commitment to action. A board member noted, when Sister Betty Ann spoke to bureaucrats, “There was no box to check, but she didn’t take no for an answer.”
Youville originally opened in an old school on Melrose Avenue in Hintonburg. It had Ottawa Board of Education teachers offering high school completion, on-site child care, and some temporary accommodation.
Housing support, transport for mother, child and their necessities, were just some of what Youville provided for these young mothers.
In her time as executive director, Sister Betty Ann worked directly with the young moms, with community partners and various levels of government to develop services and supports for young mothers and children.
As Youville’s primary fundraiser, she secured funding for its current location at 150 Mann Ave. in Sandy Hill, where Youville now supports up to 60 young mothers and 55 children on a daily basis.
Youville Centre was the first of its kind in Canada. For her work with Youville, Sister Betty Ann was recognized with many awards, such as the Order of Ontario and the Meritorious Service Medal.
A group of Youville alumnae agreed: “This incredible woman changed our lives and that of every young woman and child to whom she provided a new path ... She was our stepping stone to success and self-worth. We’ll miss you, Sister.” Sister Betty Ann’s legacy continues.
Brian Rintoul, Nepean
A budget is a two-edged sword. Lots of programs have a limited life but somehow morph into capturing new and different services to self-preserve their resources … Do we really need a ‘fun game and puzzle book’ about the recycling program? Bill Merritt