Inclusion & Belonging
Everyone deserves to feel included, supported, and connected to their community.
Staying Connected and Valued
For many equity-deserving individuals continue to face barriers that limit their ability to participate fully in community life. These barriers can lead to isolation, reduced well-being, and fewer opportunities to build supportive relationships.
Your support helps create welcoming spaces, culturally safe programs, and inclusive opportunities that strengthen belonging for newcomers, Indigenous people, racialized communities, people with disabilities, rural residents, and others who face systemic inequities.
Together, we’re building a community where everyone feels valued, connected, and able to thrive.
The Issue
Too many children, youth, and adults face barriers to belonging—whether due to poverty, disability, cultural or linguistic barriers, rural isolation, or systemic discrimination. Without connection, people experience poorer mental health, limited opportunities, and reduced well-being.
23.2%
of immigrants and visible minority reported experiencing discrimination in Elgin- St. Thomas
2x
higher high school completion rates among mentored youth
35%
of 2SLGBTQ+ youth report a lower sense of belonging than youth who were not 2SLGBTQ+ (54%)
How United Way Helps
We invest in programs that help people, especially equity-deserving groups, build relationships, participate in community life, and strengthen their emotional and physical well-being.
Through partnerships with community organizations, we support programs that:
- Promote mentorship and positive relationships
- Support newcomer, Indigenous, disabled, rural, and senior populations
- Reduce isolation
- Encourage leadership and community participation
- Improve feelings of safety, belonging, and social connection
You Can Help
Everyone deserves to feel they matter.
Support programs that build community, connection, and belonging.
Our Community Partnerships
United Way Elgin Middlesex funds local organizations that create inclusive, welcoming, and culturally safe spaces for equity-deserving communities.
Your support allows us to invest $837,000 annually, supporting 10 agencies and 11 programs dedicated to strengthening connection, belonging, and participation.
Together, these partnerships help build a community where everyone feels valued and included.
Community Interpreter Access Program
Community Based Mentoring
Volunteer Services
Right path. Right tools. Bright future.
Women of the World
Culturally Integrative Coordination & Navigation Hub Program
Advocacy Centre
Ignite Youth Centre
2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Drop-In
WILL Immploy Mentorship Program
WILL Access Licensure Assistance Program
To see more on all funded programs follow the link below.
Our Impact
In 2024-2025, United Way–funded programs provided:
492
adults more engaged in their community
597
people with increased social connection
2,949
youth in healthy living activities
Our Collaborative Role
United Way Elgin Middlesex plays an active role in community planning. We participate in committees and collaborative tables that strengthen coordination across the social services sector, improve access to supports, and ensure that local strategies reflect community needs.
London Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership:
The London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) is a collaborative community initiative dedicated to making London and Middlesex a welcoming, inclusive, and thriving region for all. LMLIP brings together service providers, community organizations, multiple levels of government, and residents to support newcomer settlement and integration.