Dakota Halfpenny, Author at United Way Elgin Middlesex

Fireside chat: ‘A community where everyone matters’

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 27, 2022 Comments Off

Mario had good life and a job as a chef. Then, about the time his vision started to dim, his life began to spiral: mental health, homelessness, addiction, isolation.

On Oct. 25, Mario told a group of United Way Elgin Middlesex’s leading supporters that he now feels connected and supported through the services offered by the London Coffee House.

“I’ve had my share of ups and downs,” he added, “and the place I got peace of mind was the Coffee House. It’s not just the coffee – it’s the love they share.”

Themed ReUnited: Building a community where everyone matters, the fireside chat featured conversations with a range of speakers who told stories of struggle and transformation. And participants learned more about the strategic impact United Way makes by investing donor dollars, collaborating with community and government partners and advocating for issues that matter to our community.

United Way 2022 Campaign Chair Alyson Paisley said the event was a thank you for attendees’ investment in the community – a closer look at some challenges and successes facing people in the region – and a pitch for continued support.

“I’m continuously thankful for the many generous individuals like yourselves who donate and make an impact,” Paisley said. “The giving of time, energy, money and support is what creates deep connections within our community.”

The event was sponsored by McCormick Canada.

Resilience and hope

Smiles and fist bumps were as plentiful as the food, when lunch was served outside The London Coffee House, a drop-in program run by CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services and funded by United Way Elgin Middlesex.

London Coffee House – a drop-in centre and a connection point for wrap-around services for neighbours in need – is supported through United Way Elgin Middlesex.

“Sometimes we are the only friendly face they see in the day. We meet them where they’re at and, whatever they need, we connect them to it,” said Kristy Bell, manager of outreach services at CMHA Thames Valley Mental Health and Addiction Services, which operates the Coffee House and My Sisters’ Place.

Bell said the number of people using the services has doubled. What gives her hope is their resilience, optimism and kindness. “People are still people, regardless of their circumstances.”

‘Then’ and ‘now’

Last year, the annual fireside chat with leading supporters – from all sectors and walks of life – took place virtually, online.

Being reunited this year is worth celebrating, said Kelly Ziegner, President and CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex.

“But like any reunion, after a few years away we see more clearly the differences between the ‘then’ and the ‘now’,” she noted. “The past two years have been exceptionally tough for people already on the margins.

“The elderly, children, families in precarious employment. People with mental health and addiction challenges. People who have housing and people who are unhoused.

“We need to acquaint ourselves – or reacquaint ourselves – with those stories too. The gritty parts, as well as the good,” Ziegner said.

Paisley said stories such as Mario’s are a microcosm of the 110,000 people in the region who were helped last year through more than 50 United Way funded services and programs.

Donors help United Way support local agencies that provide basic needs, poverty reduction and prevention, and housing security.

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Pay-it-forward meals bring street-level caring

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 19, 2022 Comments Off

One lunch guest at the London Coffee House remarked that this was the best food he’d had in a week – and his first hot meal in three days.

Through the generosity of United Way supporters this fall, more than 2,400 neighbours in need got access to nutritious locally sourced meals. Folks at several agencies enjoyed a menu that included butter chicken with rice, burgers and pizza as part of a pay-it-forward initiative integral to this year’s 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way Campaign Launch.

At London InterCommunity Health Centre, executive director Scott Courtice said, “We serve people for whom getting through daily life is a challenge. This meal means that our friends have one less worry, at least today, about finding something nutritious to eat.”

Participants in the 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way Campaign launch paid for at least one neighbour-in-need meal for every lunch ticket they purchased. Many London ticket-buyers generously donated their entire purchase when the planned in-person event on Sept. 19 was cancelled.

Volunteers from 3M Canada, along with Sponsored Employees representing a cross-section of area workplaces, helped make drop-in diners feel welcomed.

‘Somebody cares’

Smiles and fist bumps were as plentiful as the food, when lunch was served outside The London Coffee House, a drop-in program run by CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services and funded by United Way Elgin Middlesex.

For Coffee House friends, whose numbers are growing as cold weather approaches, “this lunch is a sign that somebody cares,” said staff member Paul Miszczyk.

“Every one of these people is battling loneliness. They can come down here and at least not be alone. You’d be surprised at what a smile will do for someone.”

Costs escalate

For people at The INN in St. Thomas, the neighbour-in-need meal was also a welcome sign of a community caring during tough times.

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Connie Sanders, food coordinator at The INN, said, “It gives everybody a full belly and, for at least a little while, everything is great.”

Sanders said food costs at The INN have escalated since the start of the pandemic: double the number of clients, plus food inflation, have meant higher expenses and more modest donations from the wider community where the general public is also struggling to keep up with their own rising expenses.

Social services that offer a range of help in the region all note the growing numbers and the growing complexity of issues for the most marginalized.

Courtice, of the London InterCommunity Health Centre, said systems to support people in need “have been in trouble for a long time, but the pandemic just broke people.

“Organizations like ours – London InterCommunity Health Centre and United Way Elgin Middlesex and others – once had to fill in the gaps. Now we’re staring into massive chasms in the safety net.

“And while we try to help keep people alive one more day and then another one more day after that, there’s also this huge need for all of us together to advocate for change.”

Advocacy and lasting solutions

The deeper questions underpinning an increase in daily needs require solutions, emphasized Kelly Ziegner, President and CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex.

“The pandemic amplified existing vulnerabilities and created whole new ones. People already on the margins are even worse off. And people who were ok before this – and then experienced an unforeseen rent increase or had to take unpaid time off work to stay home with a sick child – these folks are just not rebounding,” Ziegner said.

That’s why another key role of United Way is advocating policy shifts that give everyone a fair shot at a good life, she said.

“Longer-term solutions will come from intentional systemic change: Housing security. Fair wages. Long-term investments in food security, mental health and addiction support.”

This year, United Way Elgin Middlesex supports a network of 52 essential programs and seven pilot projects at 41 local agencies in London and in Elgin and Middlesex counties. United Way also funds 2-1-1 services and the New Beginnings Loan Fund for women leaving dangerous or abusive situations. Investments total $6.65 million.

United Way Elgin Middlesex is the region’s largest non-government funder of social services in the region.

The United Way 2022 Campaign is in full swing, with workplace fundraising campaigns accounting for about 70 per cent of donations. Events such as TD StairClimb for United Way also help raise money and a sense of shared community purpose.

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LiUNA Local 1059 ‘drives’ fundraising dollars

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 19, 2022 Comments Off

Hundreds of LiUNA Local 1059 skilled members, signatory employers and industry partners drove for the green and raised a whopping $160,000 for United Way Elgin Middlesex in a 2022 reboot of the groups’ annual charity golf tournament.

The donation amount, announced on October 18, brings the 22-year tournament total to almost $1.7 million.

“At a time when United Way partner agencies are telling us their needs have grown exponentially, LiUNA Local 1059 has consistently and enthusiastically ramped up its commitment to meeting that need.”

Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex

“This year’s figure is up fairly significantly from even pre-pandemic years,” said Brandon MacKinnon, Business Manager of LiUNA Local 1059.

He attributed the increase to a growing membership that recognizes a surging need in the community. “When they write the cheque for United Way, they know it’s for an organization that does a lot of good, so it’s a pretty easy sell,” he said.

Perennial supporters

LiUNA Local 1059 supporters have given so often, and so generously, that the well-used cardboard presentation cheque had to be replaced with a heftier metal one this year. “The larger the gift, the heavier the cheque,” MacKinnon quipped.

This year’s event – which spanned across two days in August – drew 300 participants from across the sector.

It is perennially the largest third-party fundraising event for United Way, said Kelly Ziegner, President and CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex.

“The dedication of LiUNA Local 1059 to our community is inspirational,” she said.

“At a time when United Way partner agencies are telling us their needs have grown exponentially, LiUNA Local 1059 has consistently and enthusiastically ramped up its commitment to meeting that need.”

United Way is the largest non-government funder of social services in the region and supports 52 community-based programs and services that reduce and prevent poverty, provide basic needs, and provide housing stability.

“Local 1059 has been proud to partner with United Way Elgin Middlesex for more than 20 years, donating 100% of the proceeds of our annual charity golf tournaments to support their vital programs and services,” MacKinnon said. “It’s our honour to work with an organization that shares our values of building upon and bettering our communities.”

Remembering Jim Braddon

by Dakota Halfpenny on October 3, 2022 Comments Off

When Jim Braddon joined United Way as the McCormick Canada Sponsored Employee in 1998, he brought a huge amount of energy and commitment to the role. He was a larger than life character who believed passionately in helping others and inspired all those around him to do more than they thought possible. His work helped to grow and strengthen the United Way Campaign that year, and for many years to come.

Jim was a “once-in-a-lifetime” Sponsored Employee. Except, of course, he was not just “once-in-a-lifetime” because he chose to come back as a Sponsored Employee every single year until 2013! Right up to the COVID-19 lock down in 2020, he was still volunteering at United Way events and showing up at our offices to check we were doing things properly.

Jim brought his hard work, dedication and, above all, his sense of humour to every Campaign and every task. He cultivated his “grumpy guy” persona but loved nothing more than to surprise people and make them laugh. He was always right there with a one-liner, to remind us all not to take ourselves too seriously, and he was also right there with a helping hand and true generosity. He understood hardship and his deep empathy shone through in everything he did.

Jim was at home in any environment and befriended everyone, from CEOs to front desk staff, wherever he went. Over the years, he took countless people under his wing as a friend and mentor. His dedication to United Way, the Optimists, the Kidney Foundation, and many other causes helped make our community a better place and directly helped hundreds of people over the years.

Jim will be sorely missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him and his loss will be deeply felt across our community.

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Region #ReUnited for 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way Campaign launch

by Dakota Halfpenny on September 23, 2022 Comments Off

Amid a backdrop of great music and delicious food-truck fare, hundreds of area residents reunited in person at this year’s 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way Campaign Launch in St. Thomas.

Guests attending the region’s signature gathering for both doing good and sharing good food, helped pay-it-forward as every lunch ticket purchased also bought a healthy meal for a neighbour in need.

After two years as a virtual event, the 3M Harvest Lunch and region-wide United Way Campaign Launch was an opportunity to reconnect, refresh and #ReUnite in person.

“Every donation and every act of kindness, no matter the size, helps ensure United Way funded programs and services are there when our community needs them most.”

Alyson Paisley, the United Way 2022 Campaign Chair and Vice-President Direct Distribution at Intact Financial Corporation

“Our annual 3M Harvest Lunch and United Way Campaign Launch is all about connection: with community, with each other, with a shared purpose of building a community where everyone matters,” said Kelly Ziegner, President and CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex.

“This event is both a celebration of those ties and a call to do even more good.”

The London version of the event, originally scheduled for Sept. 19, was cancelled as Canada marked it a day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.

Even so, hundreds of London ticket-buyers paid it forward by converting each purchase into two donated meals for neighbours in need.

About 2,300 neighbour-in-need tickets had been donated by the time of the Campaign launch – bringing the three year total, so far, to more than 8,300 meals for neighbours in need – with more opportunities to give until Sept. 23.

United Way partner agencies will deliver neighbour-in-need meals throughout the region in coming days.

Campaign launch: one in five in this region

Crucially, 3M Harvest Lunch marks the launch of United Way’s the annual Campaign to raise funds for essential social programs and services in our community.

United Way is the largest non-government funder of social services in the region.

About 110,000 people – one in five in this region – benefit directly each year from services provided by United Way partner agencies that reduce and prevent poverty, provide emergency and basic needs, provide safe and affordable housing, and promote social and economic inclusion for all.

They include YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, which offers a wide range of programs and services to people experiencing poverty, addiction or homelessness.

Apartment vacancy rates in St. Thomas are near zero, said Lindsay Rice, executive director of YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin. For people already living at the margins, she said, YWCA offers supportive, safe spaces. And hope.

Alyson Paisley, the United Way 2022 Campaign Chair and Vice-President Direct Distribution at Intact Financial Corporation, said, “We know the past two years have been especially tough on individuals and families who are already struggling with housing, food and other essentials. And every day, United Way partner agencies are helping thousands of people reconnect relationships, reduce poverty and recover good health.”

“We all have the potential to need help from social services, neighbours and friends,” Paisley said.

“We all have the potential to give help too, whether that’s by making a donation, joining United Way in advocating for issues that matter locally or collaborating with us to make meaningful change.

“I am always so gratified to see how our community steps up for one another,” Paisley added. “Every donation and every act of kindness, no matter the size, helps ensure United Way funded programs and services are there when our community needs them most.” 

Through workplace campaigns, fundraising events and individual donations of time and money, United Way donors help build a community where everyone matters.

Paisley and Ziegner expressed their thanks to the hundreds of volunteers, donors, sponsors and workplaces that made the 3M Harvest Lunch & United Way Campaign Launch a success.

Penny Wise, president and managing director of 3M Canada, and a past chair of the United Way Campaign, noted that 3M Canada has been a sponsor of the event for almost 20 years and shares a common goal of ensuring “every person in every community has a fair shot at their best life.”

3M Employees generously donate their time and money every year to support causes in the community, Wise noted. “I’m so proud to lead an organization where employees – who are overcoming their own challenges – are making the time to care for others.”

In-person London 3M Harvest Lunch cancelled Sept. 19

by Dakota Halfpenny on September 14, 2022 Comments Off

In consultation with presenting sponsor 3M Canada, United Way has cancelled the in-person component of London’s annual 3M Harvest Lunch event due to government announcements that September 19 will be a Day of Mourning acknowledging Queen Elizabeth’s passing.

Both organizations agreed it would be inappropriate to host the large public celebration that had been planned for that day.

Instead, the London event will pivot back to the “pay-it-forward” model that successfully delivered over 6,000 meals to neighbours in need through United Way agencies across our region these past two years when we haven’t been able to gather because of the pandemic.

The live and in-person St. Thomas Elgin 3M Harvest Lunch on Sept 22 will proceed as planned and become the official launch date for the United Way 2022 Campaign. Tickets are still available.

People who have already bought tickets to the London event will receive an income tax receipt for the full amount of their purchase, and their generous donation will now buy TWO meals for Neighbours in Need. And while there will be no in-person London event, people can still buy tickets to “pay it forward” by gifting lunch to participants at United Way funded partners.

Tickets are still available for the in-person St. Thomas 3M Harvest Lunch & United Way Campaign Launch on Sept. 22 at Horton Farmers’ Market featuring live entertainment and a range of local food-truck menu items for 300 people.

“Monday’s planned in-person component of 3M Harvest Lunch is cancelled in London, but the impact of providing meals for our neighbours in need continues thanks to the generosity of 3M Canada, sponsors, and donors,” said Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex. “We look forward to reuniting in person and launching our Campaign for the entire region on September 22 in St. Thomas.”

United Way is grateful to all ticket-buyers, sponsors, workplaces and partners for their support and understanding.

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UWEM staff on the move

by Dakota Halfpenny on August 5, 2022 Comments Off

United Way Elgin Middlesex would like to extend our congratulations to a long-time member of our team, Sara Middleton, who has been extended a secondment opportunity by United Way Centraide Canada to help them advance their community impact work at a national level. We are so thrilled to have our local Director of Community Impact sharing their experience and deep expertise of issues affecting local communities with our national movement.

While Sara fulfills her secondment, Roxanne Riddell has been appointed as our Interim Director of Community Impact. Roxanne is well known in our community through her tenure at UWEM as a Community Impact Specialist and her leadership as Project Coordinator of London for All.

Congratulations Sara and Roxanne!

Advocacy in Action, Open letter to Premier Doug Ford and Cabinet

Ontario United Ways call for action on tough issues

by Dakota Halfpenny on July 6, 2022 Comments Off

United Way leaders from across Ontario have come together to propose 21 recommendations to the provincial government to address the unignorable hurdles to a strong and vibrant Ontario, especially in the current crisis of affordability.

United Way leaders from across Ontario addressed an open letter to Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet yesterday morning calling for close collaboration to alleviate a multitude of social issues plaguing the province. From Sault Ste. Marie and Ottawa to Hamilton and Windsor, the leaders recommended four issue areas to focus on together — Housing Security, Income Security and Inclusive Employment, Inclusive Communities and Support for the Social Services Sector — to address the unignorable hurdles to a strong and vibrant Ontario, especially through the current crisis of affordability.

Through shutdowns and since, Ontario’s United Ways have been working with elected leaders, integrating networks of agencies and cross-sector partnerships to identify priorities, escalate concerns and share resources to support those most disproportionately impacted by poverty — Indigenous, Black or racialized peoples, people with disabilities, those living in low-income neighbourhoods, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, newcomers, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness.

Frontline partners at agencies funded by United Ways across the province are reporting record-high numbers of community members needing supports, and an increasing complexity of issues facing both urban and rural communities. In addition to meeting basic needs, public policy changes are necessary to address unaffordable housing, low-wage jobs, precarious employment, and mental health challenges to counteract the deepening poverty across the province. The leaders also warn that growing anti-Indigenous, anti-Black, and anti-Asian hate and Islamophobia further widens the poverty gaps and calls for concerted effort to build more inclusive communities.

“Addressing complex social challenges requires complex strategies and collective action. We look forward to working with the Premier and the Government of Ontario to prioritize the policy solutions proposed by United Ways in Ontario and speak further about how we can collaborate on the implementation of strategies that will ensure Ontario’s full economic and social recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex

United Ways across Ontario acknowledged positive steps made by the government through specific public policy like the Homelessness Prevention Program and the $13.2 billion dollar child-care agreement with the federal government but encourage Premier Ford and Ministers to do more. The letter recommends specific action such as expanding affordable housing options, establishing a living wage, hiring more addictions and mental health workers, improving access to services and initiatives focused on underserved, equity-deserving communities, and to work with the community services sector in a united way.

Dear Premier,

Congratulations on your re-election as the Premier of Ontario. Four years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine the tremendous responsibility government would need to shoulder to lead Ontarians through a global pandemic and two of the most challenging years in our province’s history. We know our shared goal of a prosperous Ontario is intrinsically linked to our social infrastructure which proved to be essential in meeting the needs of disadvantaged Ontarians during the pandemic, and is critical now in the face of the current affordability crisis across the province. Taking up leadership for the next four years means delivering concrete solutions to the unignorable hurdles to a strong and vibrant economy for all – homelessness, precarious work and inadequate income, food insecurity, and mental health challenges – with public policies and programs that enable all Ontarians to house, feed and support our families.

That is how we can strengthen Ontario and build a future where everyone has a place. And that is where United Ways, in collaboration with our community partners, can make a real contribution to government’s important work. Like government, United Way has been supporting communities across the province on the frontlines of the pandemic, and for decades before that. Through shutdowns and since, United Way has been the trusted partner of governments, distributing crucial emergency funds to support those most disproportionately impacted and facing continued need – Indigenous, Black or racialized peoples, persons with disabilities, those living in low-income neighbourhoods, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, newcomers, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. Ontario’s United Ways are working with local elected leaders, integrating our networks of agencies and cross sector partnerships to identify priorities, escalate concerns and share resources – all to bridge gaps and meet needs in real time. And we are continuing to work with municipalities to develop and deliver on the provincially mandated Community Safety and Well-being plans that are foundational to addressing so many of the issues that affect our communities.

Just like government, United Way is ready to do its best for the people of this province and we look forward to working with you to leverage the opportunities before us for the benefit of all Ontarians. In that spirit, we offer the following recommendations for our shared priorities and efforts.

Housing Security

A safe, affordable and accessible home is the first step in ensuring a stable life, foundational for people to access employment, educational opportunities, adequate food and other supports. We know the high cost of housing and energy is becoming prohibitive not just for people on a low income, but increasingly, middle income families as well. The affordable rental housing market offers few viable options – run down apartments, high utility rates and increasing rental costs. And for those on social assistance or in need of additional supports, the options are limited indeed. Stories in the news depict a broken system, where people benefiting from programs offered through one door are discharged into homelessness through another. This disconnect is our collective responsibility. We can and must do more.

The Province’s approach with Coordinated Access Systems and By Name List, and efforts to introduce new funding flexibility to Service Managers through the Homelessness Prevention Program, are positive steps.

But we know much more can be accomplished if we ensure people are housed permanently. We want to work with the Government of Ontario to:

Address Indigenous housing and homelessness in partnership with Indigenous leaders, First Nations communities, housing providers, and all levels of government.
Expand and protect the necessary range of affordable and accessible housing options through new investment in deeply affordable housing, including social housing and rent-geared-to-income homes, and through effective rent control policies that protect affordability, in rural and urban areas.
Increase collaboration and investment in transitional and supportive housing for people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Increase support to municipalities for investment in repair and renewal of naturally occurring existing affordable housing, including aging towers.
Support the ongoing partnership and participation of nonprofits in the housing market, including acquisition of multi-unit residential buildings by nonprofits.

Income Security and Inclusive Employment

Rising prices and inflation, at their highest rates in the last 40 years, are part of our foreseeable future, putting additional pressures on us all. However, the rising cost of living across Ontario puts unimaginable pressures on the workforce the economy depends on. Low-income earners struggle to make ends meet, impacting individual physical and mental health outcomes, collective well-being, and regional prosperity. We know that today’s minimum wage is not a living wage in any part of the province and has not kept pace with escalating expenses. The situation for those unable to work is even more dire, with social assistance rates and counterproductive claw back rules inadvertently blocking pathways to independence and effectively legislating poverty.

Over the last year, the Province has introduced promising policies that support Ontario workers – changes to labour legislation regarding temp agencies, licensing requirements and processing times for foreign credentials, and signing the $13.2 billion child care agreement with the federal government. We trust this direction will continue and we want to work with the Government of Ontario to:

Align Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works rates to livable levels, index them to inflation, and account for it in the coming budget.
Elevate the minimum wage to a truly living wage so people can cover their basic expenses and participate in their communities.
Invest in creating pathways to suitable, stable employment, including better labour market information, accessible employment training and wrap-around supports.
Support community benefits agreements which leverage infrastructure investments to provide employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities for residents.
Reduce precarious work conditions, extend the availability of paid sick days, and move forward promptly on childcare commitments to Ontario families.

Inclusive Communities

During the pandemic, the deep cracks in our system were laid bare for all to see. After an unprecedented spike in need for a wide range of services, now is the time to take stock of how we can support communities, neighbourhoods, families and individuals with equitable access to a robust array of social services. As we emerge from extended periods of pandemic-related isolation and brace for the long-term mental health repercussions to come, many in our community – children, youth and adults – have already fallen through the cracks, lives lost to an unprecedented number of opioid deaths across the province, personal tragedies and community crises that remain unaddressed. Our frontline partners also report increasing complexity amongst people needing social services experiencing multiple challenges of homelessness, food insecurity, mental health, and addictions resulting in calls, for example, of mayors of Ontario’s largest urban centres to “collectively raise the alarm on the need for a more robust social support system”.

As the government acknowledged in its 2021 Anti-Racism Strategic Plan annual progress report, against the backdrop of COVID-19, there has also been a rise in anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Asian racism, and more work must be done to build fully inclusive communities in Ontario.

The Province has shown strong leadership in the development of Community Safety and Well-being plans and we trust the government sees value in investing in the next step of this work, through funding and implementation. We want to work with the Government of Ontario to:

Support a wide range of wraparound services and supports including hiring mental health and addiction workers, providing harm reduction, crisis intervention and prevention services.
Engage community residents and leaders in meaningful consultations about local challenges and solutions, addressing unique needs in rural and urban communities.
Increase investment in anti-hate and anti-racism public education, relationship building as well as support for victims of hate, and immediate enactment of Our London Family Act.
Enable low-income households to participate in our increasingly digital world – adding phone and internet bills to utility listings for social assistance clients and partnering with social housing institutions to provide free WiFi, expanding access to a host of social services, employment and education opportunities.
Invest in a regional rural public transportation system that contributes to climate change reduction, connects workers to job and employment opportunities, and ensures seniors, persons with disabilities and people living on low income can access healthcare services.

Support for the Sector

The community services sector is running on empty. After working flat out through the last few years to sustain Ontarians by providing critical services, we now need to replenish and sustain the sector. According to an Ontario Nonprofit Network survey, almost two thirds of nonprofits reported an increase in demand for programs and services, but half of nonprofits reported pandemic related losses in 2020/21 revenue. To manage loss in revenue, one third of nonprofits reduced hours or laid off staff.

We know that support for the sector is crucial for the many Ontarians that rely on programs and services. Ontario’s nonprofit sector is also a major contributor to Ontario’s economy and job creation, contributing $65 billion to our province’s GDP and employing 844,000 workers. We want to work with the Government of Ontario to:

Provide flexible, long-term core funding so that community service providers can continue to deliver essential services and allocate resources in response to changing community needs.
Ensure provincial funding agreements reflect the costs of doing business, including administrative costs and competitive wages that attract and retain skilled staff.
Invest in infrastructure (e.g., technology) and capacity building to allow the sector to modernize service delivery, data collection and analysis, and impact reporting.
Sustain innovative pandemic-era tools and collaborations, with an emphasis on coordinated and improved access to place-based mental health services and initiatives focused on underserved, equity-deserving communities.
Work with community service stakeholders to develop and deploy an upstream strategy focused on the prevention of gender-based violence, in rural and urban settings.
Identify and invest in new approaches to funding and delivery of services in rural communities.

We know the potential for Ontario’s greatness is within our grasp but only if a bright and prosperous future is possible for each Ontarian. While everyone deserves better and to dream bigger, many need the support of their government and community to do that. Homes, stables jobs, sufficient incomes, accessible services and strong neighbourhoods are what we all need. They should be within reach – and they can be. But only if we work in a united way. And that is what our movement stands ready to accomplish, in partnership with government.

Sincerely,
Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex
Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director, United Way Bruce Grey
Mary Lou Hussak, Executive Director, United Way Centraide North East Ontario
Sharon McCormick, Chief Administrative Officer, United Way Centraide Simcoe Muskoka
Juliette Labossière, Executive Director, United Way/Centraide of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry
Lorraine Goddard, Chief Executive Officer, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County
Barbara Palace, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Chatham-Kent
Penny Barton Dyke, Executive Director, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes
Bhavana Varma, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington
Trish Buote, Executive Director, United Way Leeds & Grenville
Frances Hallworth, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Niagara
Kelly Gilson, Executive Director, United Way Oxford
Ryan Erb, Executive Director, United Way Perth-Huron
Cindy Murray, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Durham Region
Michael Allen, President/Chief Executive Officer, United Way East Ontario
Daniele Zanotti, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Greater Toronto
Glenna Banda, Executive Director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin
Brandi Hodge, Executive Director, United Way Hastings & Prince Edward
Brad Park, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Halton & Hamilton
Jim Russell, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Peterborough and District
Brian Shelley, Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer, United Way Simcoe Muskoka
Lori Huston, Executive Director, United Way Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District
Albert Brulé, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Thunder Bay
Joan Fisk, Chief Executive Officer, United Way Waterloo Region Communities

cc:
Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health
Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance
Honourable Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Honourable Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board
Honourable Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
Honourable Michael Parsa, Associate Minister of Housing

Giving everyone a fair shot at a good life

by Dakota Halfpenny on June 27, 2022 Comments Off

The #LoveLove Letter, United Way Elgin Middlesex

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Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO United Way Elgin Middlesex

Investor. Connector. Advocate.

At United Way, these are the roles we play as we tackle poverty so that everyone has a fair shot at a good life right here in Elgin Middlesex. And these are the roles you play too when you support United Way through your contributions, your volunteer time, and raising your voice to create lasting change.

United, we accomplished so much this past year. We transformed how we invest in our community by sharpening our focus on reducing poverty and increasing support for equity-seeking populations. We collaborated across sectors to develop strategies for a fair and equitable pandemic recovery. And we advocated for policy solutions that address the root causes of social issues our community grapples with.

I invite you to dive into our new Impact Report to learn more about how you are helping United Way improve lives locally. Discover Ashamaawaso (he/she feeds a child), a program by and for urban Indigenous families that addresses food scarcity and more. Be inspired by volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to help United Way meet the most urgent needs in our region. And see how convening partners and advocacy leads to action and change.

We’re an active ingredient in communities across this region. And you’re part of the mix.

On behalf of everyone at United Way, here’s to a safe and happy summer connecting with the ones you care about.

With gratitude,

P.S. Do you need help for you or a loved one? Call 211 anytime 24/7 to get connected to supports close to home.

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Our 2021-22 Impact Report is here! – Investor. Advocate. Connector. See how United Way is creating a stronger social safety net now. Explore our new 2021-22 Impact Report: What unites us

London Community Recovery Network mid-year review — As London emerges from this crisis, the London Community Recovery Network’s post-pandemic roadmap is aligning non-profits, business, Labour and the private sector to create a prosperous and equitable recovery. United Way was at the table to bring our perspective on the initiative’s three targets: investing in people, driving prosperity, and fostering community. Review the LCRN Mid-Year Report to learn more about the 260 planned, ongoing, or completed initiatives that are supporting London’s recovery.

Meet our Chair — “People give me hope,” says Alyson Paisley, the new United Way 2022 Campaign Chair. Throughout the uncertainty of the past two years, Alyson says she noticed one constant: people willing to step up for those in need. While the pandemic has left many feeling call-to-action fatigue, she’s inspired for a strong Campaign this year by the local love that unites us. Read Alyson’s story and meet the new Campaign Cabinet

ChangeMakers for the win! — Every year, our region’s most important fundraising campaign starts at zero. And every year, thousands of volunteer Champions step up in workplaces across the region to help United Way raise millions of dollars in 10 short months. After two years of virtual events, United Way’s annual ChangeMakers Awards celebrated their incredible achievement live and in person. Check out our ChangeMakers Awards recipients

Our new Impact Report is here

by Dakota Halfpenny on June 14, 2022 Comments Off

Like many non-profits during the pandemic, United Way had to pivot, mobilizing quickly to provide funding, make connections and advocate so that frontline social services could do what they do best: meet urgent needs.

At the same time, we started transforming how we work to create a stronger social safety net.

Today, $6.65M in Community Fund grants and other investments are working to prevent and reduce poverty and increase opportunities for equity-seeking populations in local communities across our region.

This is our story. And it’s your story too.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that working together, our actions contribute to a growing voice for social justice and building a fair and equitable community where everyone matters.

Learn more in our 2021-22 Impact Report: What unites us