Jocelyne Constant is the latest United Way East Ontario Community Builder Award (CBA) winner for her dedication to the care, protection, and empowerment of children and families in our region.
On February 1, more than 500 people joined Black History Ottawa to kick off Black History Month at a sold-out event. Thanks to the help of Black History Ottawa and United Way volunteer recognition team member, Sarah Onyango, we surprised Jocelyne with her CBA.
The crowd was packed with community members, including the Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, Yasir Naqvi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa South, John Fraser, Ottawa city councillors, and many more.
Attendees enjoyed musical and dance performances, a powerful poem called “Heart and the Fist” by Aishah Salim, the unveiling of a new coin commemorating Black History from the Royal Canadian Mint, and Canada Post’s new Black History Month stamps.
Jocelyne Constant
For more than three decades, Jocelyne has dedicated her life to the care, protection, and empowerment of children and families in our community.
A former foster mother, current community advocate, and respected leader, Jocelyne is known for her strength and compassion.
As President and Vice President Francophone of the Ottawa Foster Parents Association, she has been a steady, guiding presence for children navigating circumstances beyond their control. Her work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves safety, dignity, love, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Jocelyne’s volunteerism is deeply hands-on and profoundly personal. As a foster mother to teenage girls, she chose to be a stable, nurturing adult, offering not just shelter but affirmation, guidance, and hope. Guided by the principle that ‘it takes a village’ to raise a child, Jocelyn modelled the values she teaches; compassion, responsibility, resilience, and love, knowing that children learn best through example. Her approach reflected that love is the essential nutrient and the greatest medicine a child can receive.
Beyond her work as a foster parent, Jocelyne has made significant contributions across the region through leadership and advocacy roles. She served on the Boards of Governors for La Cité collégiale and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Resource Centre, promoting diversity, education, and cultural values. She is also a champion with the Ottawa Police Service Outreach Recruitment Initiative, an Ambassador for the RCMP’s Beyond the Bridges Initiative, and Advocacy Chair for the Youth Advisory Committee.
Her commitment to education and child welfare has further led her to serve as a co-trainer and facilitator in parental conflict resolution, helping families better navigate the child welfare system.
A social and community activist at heart, Jocelyne’s lifelong advocacy is shaped by her upbringing in Haiti, her experience as a single parent, and her deep connection to community.
Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honours, including the Dr. Martin Luther King: 2008 DreamKeepers Award and the Ambassador of Peace Award, as well as a nomination for the YMCA Women of Distinction. Yet, for Jocelyne, contribution matters more than recognition. Her measure of success is found in the lives she has helped shape.
Jocelyne’s dedication to children, families, and community is enduring. Through her compassion, leadership, and tireless advocacy, she continues to strengthen our community and inspire others to step forward in service.
United Way East Ontario thanks Jocelyne for her extraordinary commitment and for the legacy of care, hope, and love she continues to build for generations to come.
Do you know a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support their community?
Our Community Builder Awards program accepts nominations year-round!
