Melissa

by Dakota Halfpenny on December 5, 2024 Comments Off on Melissa
Melissa, a former participant and SLWAR advocate

“What makes SLWAR special is that we meet women where they are, with no strings attached.”

Melissa, Women's Advisory Group & SLWAR advocate

Women engaged in survival sex work often face a tangled web of challenges—homelessness, addiction, and trauma. The Street Level Women at Risk (SLWAR) program supports these women by helping them find stable housing and a chance to rebuild their lives, free of judgment or preconditions.

Jaclyn Seeler, former program manager with SLWAR, emphasizes that the program is driven by women with lived experience. “They know the barriers and understand the system in a way others can’t,” she says. Their input is woven into every aspect of the program, from planning to implementation.

Housing is SLWAR’s top priority, providing women with a stable foundation from which they can set goals and connect with local services. The program’s personalized approach allows each woman to define her own needs and path forward.

Melissa, a former participant and SLWAR advocate, knows firsthand the struggles many of these women face. “What makes SLWAR special is that we meet women where they are, with no strings attached,” she explains. “Basically it’s a program that offers multiple options for support. The main thing is: housing first.”

Through collaboration with dozens of local partners, including the London Police Service, SLWAR achieved a 100% success rate in securing housing for the women they work with. Many women have decreased their involvement in sex work, and relationships with their children have improved. SLWAR is proof that by listening and learning from those who need assistance, and collaborating with other, we can make a real difference for the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Here’s the impact that support from donors like you made in our community last year:

126
individuals gained access to social benefits through advocacy services

38,409
individuals accessed basic needs

365
shelter nights were provided

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Dakota HalfpennyMelissa

Matthew

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 29, 2024 Comments Off on Matthew
Matt Wannan, of the London Food Coalition

“”While it might seem like a luxury, it shouldn’t be. It should just be humanizing that we all get to eat good quality, nourishing food.”

Matthew Wannan, London Food Coalition

Have you ever wondered what happens to slightly bruised peaches or imperfect apples at the grocery store? Or where food goes when it’s nearing its expiration date? For too long, this food ended up in landfills, going to waste despite still being edible.

The London Food Coalition (LFC) is changing that. Thanks to a partnership of over 25 local organizations, the LFC rescues food that would otherwise be thrown out and redirects it to individuals and families in need. With over 3,500 people relying on the London Food Bank, this effort is making a real difference.

“It’s not just about feeding the hungry,” says Tosha Densky, LFC’s president. “It’s about nutrition, health, and community vibrancy. If we have an abundance, why wouldn’t we share it?”

Since they acquired a refrigerator truck, the LFC has rescued over one million pounds of food top help fill the plates of families across London.

Much of the food comes from grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers who have surplus produce. It’s then distributed through a network of partners that serve diverse cultural and religious communities, ensuring everyone’s needs and tastes are met. LFC Coordinator Matthew Wannan says, “While it might seem like a luxury, it shouldn’t be. It should just be humanizing that we all get to eat good quality, nourishing food.”

With food prices rising, many people have to prioritize other expenses over nutrition. The LFC’s work provides not only meals but also healthier, more nutrient-dense options that many couldn’t otherwise afford. Densky believes that by continuing to work together, we can end food insecurity in London.

Here’s the impact that support from donors like you made in our community last year:

6,479
children and youth from low-income families increased their access to healthy food through United Way funded programs last year

210,686
meals and snacks were provided

32,736
food boxes/food hampers were provided

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Dakota HalfpennyMatthew

Natalie

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 29, 2024 Comments Off on Natalie
Natalie Ingram, St. Thomas Elgin Second Stage Housing, Program care coordinator

“Success is when we get them to see that they’re actually not that broken, and to see their value and feel confidence again.”

Natalie Ingram, St. Thomas Elgin Second Stage Housing, Program care coordinator

Leaving an abusive relationship can be a difficult and dangerous step, especially when there is a housing crisis. That’s where St. Thomas Elgin Second Stage Housing (STESSH) comes in, offering women and their children a safe place to rebuild their lives.

After escaping abuse, women may struggle to find their next step following a stay in a short-term shelter. That’s where Second Stage Housing come in, offering women longer-term lodging and support to regain their independence. Program care coordinator Natalie Ingram explains, “We are that second step from a shelter type environment where it’s short-term. Our goal is to help women move forward and find a place they feel safe. Everything is really based on what that woman needs specifically.”

Domestic violence crosses all socioeconomic boundaries, and leaving can often plunge women into poverty. Even those from comfortable backgrounds may find themselves struggling to start over, relying on government assistance for the first time. SESSH helps them navigate these challenges and rebuild their lives.

Children, too, need support in processing the trauma of living through abuse. Family support worker Shelby Marks helps children at STESSH learn to express their feelings in healthy ways, guiding them toward emotional recovery. “A lot of the children’s program focuses on them learning how to deal with their feelings in a positive way. Some of them have a lot of anger, based on what they’ve seen or heard living in a home with abusive relationships.”

Without organizations like STESSH, many women would remain trapped in abusive relationships. By offering shelter, guidance, and emotional support, STESSH helps women and their children find hope and stability.

Here’s the impact that support from donors like you made in our community last year:

365
shelter nights were provided

404
clients were able to maintain housing through housing stability programs

38,409
individuals accessed basic needs through United Way funded programs last year

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Dakota HalfpennyNatalie

Sara

by Dakota Halfpenny on September 27, 2024 Comments Off on Sara
Sara, Lifelong learner and future educator, LDA program participant

Don’t diss our abilities! We are people just like everyone else, no matter what.”

Sara, Lifelong learner and future educator

Sara Stapleton is getting ready to graduate from Fanshawe College this year. Like a lot of 20-year-olds, she’s not completely sure what she wants to do, but she finds it rewarding to work with children.

Sixteen years ago, a doctor told Sara’s family that the effects of cancer treatments on her brain meant she was unlikely to ever earn a high school diploma. Sara turned that prediction upside down. She did it through hard work, determination, and help from a United Way-funded agency: the Learning Disabilities Association of London Region (“LDALR”). Last year, Sara graduated with a 90% in English and entered the Early Childhood Education Program at Fanshawe College.

Like United Way, the LDALR is committed to making sure every student has a fair shot – that they have the tools they need to succeed. For Sara, that help came in the form of tutoring, camps, and having someone in her corner when the going got tough.

In grade seven, Sara was hitting a low point at school. “I felt like an alien…like I wasn’t worth it.” Luckily, LDALR was able to help Sara’s teachers better understand her needs, and equipped Sara with the tools to advocate for herself.

Now, as a college student, when she meets a new teacher she says, “I’m Sara Stapleton. I have a learning disability, and these are the things that I need.”

Sara channels her positive memories while she is learning to be a teacher herself. “If I can help little kids be stronger and believe in themselves that’s such an amazing thing. I totally want to give them the same feeling that I had coming out of tutoring.”

Sara got her fair shot at succeeding in school because of the Learning Disabilities Association of London Region. United Way believes that everyone – from students to seniors to single parents – deserves that kind of chance. That’s why United Way advocates for and invests in the LDALR.

Learning Disabilities Association of London Region program participants with teacher

Here’s the impact that support from donors like you made in our community last year:

32,751
people accessed basic needs like food, clothing and shelter to help move from poverty to possibility

15,092
people received support to improve their well-being including programs for families, seniors and people with disabilities

12,136
children and youth got help to reach their full potential though healthy living, mentoring and more

In all,102,590 people received support through a United Way funded program.

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Joan

by Dakota Halfpenny on June 26, 2024 Comments Off on Joan
Joan, Participant and volunteer, at My Sisters’ Place and London Coffee House

Before, I might see people down on their luck and think, ‘get a job,’ but now I understand. You need empathy and respect for
every single person because everyone has a different story.”

Joan, participant and volunteer at My Sisters’ Place and London Coffee House

Joan’s morning routine is as familiar as it is rewarding: eat breakfast, drink a cup of tea (black, no sugar) and then head out to meet friends at My Sisters’ Place or the London Coffee House.

“Most times, it’s fun, enjoyable, comradeship. It’s invigorating,” she says, then throws her head back in a laugh. “When I’m with the girls – oh, we laugh ourselves silly.”

Her description is different from how you might imagine My Sisters’ Place and the Coffee House, where women and men who experience homelessness or are at risk of homelessness can find support, basic needs and friendship.

When things fall apart

Not so long ago, Joan would have thought differently about the drop-in sites too, if she’d even thought about them at all.

That was when she had a job she loved, an apartment and good health.

Then things came apart. She fell and broke her hip, spent 2-1/2 months
in hospital, lost her job and lost her apartment.

Joan lived in her car for three months before connecting with local agencies, transitional housing and, more recently, the seniors’ apartment where she lives. It has been a long haul.

“That fall totally changed my life. Before, I might see people down on their luck and think, ‘get a job,’ but now I understand. You need empathy and respect for every single person because everyone has a different story.”

United Way is here, with neighbours like Joan

Through our partner agencies, United Way helps stories take a turn for the better:
• the isolated rural senior who gets a ride to a medical appointment;
• the marginalized kid whose time at summer camp builds belonging
and leadership;
• the person who receives wrap-around support to move from
homelessness to housing;
• the family getting a basket of fresh produce when the month’s
expenses stretch beyond their meagre means.

Because of donors like you, United Way Elgin Middlesex can invest $4.2 million this year to help 44 local programs work with neighbours-in-need to provide poverty relief, housing stability and belonging.

They include My Sisters’ Place and London Coffee House, both programs of CMHA – Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services.

Having received help from My Sisters’ Place during her toughest times, Joan now finds joy in walking with others through their struggles and successes. She laughs and cries with her friends. She helps make meals. She listens.

“With all the people I know and love now, why wouldn’t I give back?” she says. “I think, ‘yes, Joan, you are blessed.’ I wouldn’t think twice about helping someone.”

Opportunities and partnerships

From the kitchen of the Coffee House, where she is preparing chili for 100 people, agency nutritionist Cheryl overhears the conversation and interjects: “Joan is love, to the power of 11-cubed.”

Joan insists there are many like her all across the region: People who need help. People who help. Opportunities everywhere.

“It’s not all about me and it’s not all about you. It’s about all of us together,” says Joan. “We can make sure all the supports are there when people need them. We can make things better.”

We’re focused on funding programs and services that improve lives and help folks meet their most immediate and pressing needs. That means investing in local people through local organizations that do great work. Together, we’re building a community where everyone has a fair shot at a good life.

Participant getting a coffee from the window at London Coffee House

Where we invest:

United Way is the region’s largest non-government funder of social services, for an all-local investment of $6 million this year.*

That amount includes a Community Fund investment of $4.2 million to:

Move people from poverty to possibility
Includes housing supports, basic needs and social connection at neighbourhood resource centres.

Build a strong community with resilient and healthy people
Includes counselling for low-income families, newcomer services, supports for women survivors of violence, programs with Indigenous people and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and a buddy program for adults with developmental disabilities.

Help kids be all they can be
Includes one-on-one mentoring, support for kids with learning disabilities, overnight summer camp for at-risk children, educational and employment resources for youth.

*United Way is also a funder of the 2-1-1 information service to help people navigate through a network of government and community programs; the New Beginnings Loan Fund helping families flee violence in the home; Ontario Living Wage allocations; and non-partisan advocacy with and on behalf of neighbours-in-need.

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Dakota HalfpennyJoan

Joe

by Dakota Halfpenny on May 18, 2023 Comments Off on Joe
Joe Douglas, director, Stevenson Children's Camp

“It’s not just a kid going to a camp for a week during the summer. It’s much larger than that.”

Joe, Director, Stevenson Children's Camp

During his first day at summer camp almost two decades ago, Joe Douglas received an unexpected gift: a vote of confidence in his leadership potential.

He was nine, maybe 10 years old – trying to find solid footing amid the shifting sands of family life and learning how to get along in a roughedges neighbourhood that rewarded bravado more than bravery.

“I was a good kid but it wouldn’t have taken much for me to have taken a completely different path,” he says today.

The pivot-point was his aunt’s suggestion that Joe and his brother attend the United Way-funded Stevenson Children’s Camp near Dorchester.

Fellow campers voted Joe leader of the day the morning he arrived. And later, when he helped a non-swimmer play a game in the pool, the lifeguard commended him for his kindness.

Fast-forward into adulthood, Joe is now serving as executive director of Stevenson Camp and says those moments changed how he thought about himself. “It’s those little things that feel big when you’re a kid. People believed in me. They saw my potential.”

Today, Joe and his team of counsellors, leaders and other staff strive to work that same magic in each of the 768 kids who visit every summer.

Campers don’t just learn archery, swimming and silly supper songs. They experience – some of them for the first time – what it’s like to be a kid. What it’s like to hear someone declare their worth.

They learn to find and follow their life’s compass.

“It’s not just a kid going to a camp for a week during the summer. It’s much larger than that,” Joe says.

Surrounded by people who care

One in four children in this region is part of a family living below the poverty line. Through donor dollars, United Way Elgin Middlesex proudly supports Stevenson Children’s camp and numerous other programs, projects and services to prevent and reduce poverty and give all kids a place to belong (see sidebar for more).

Kids who come to Stevenson Camp – where the fee is a nominal $25/week, and sometimes nothing at all – are referred from local schools, community resource centres, Children’s Aid Society of London & Middlesex and other agencies and groups.

While they have diverse backgrounds and unique histories, they share a common need, says Joe: “To be loved. To be believed in. To be safe. They need to be trusted. They need to be surrounded by people who care.

“Here, they’re able to just be kids and flourish and have friendships. They don’t have to be the tough kid or the silly kid or whatever layers they had to put on at school or at home. They get to be their true selves, and then they can take back home a bit of who they really are.”

They learn to take appropriate risks, on the low-ropes course or wayfinding through the woods. “Some of them are so used to failing, they’re afraid to try new things – even sleeping away from home for a week is a really big thing. We give them the confidence to try.”

Camp inspired Joe to earn a diploma in child and youth work. Camp is also where he met his wife Jes, where they both worked and where she continues to be a key volunteer.

Most of the leaders-in-training, counsellors and staff are former campers. Some make their way to become early-childhood educators or youth workers and social workers.
And so, the cycle of leaders growing new leaders continues, even if it isn’t immediately apparent while making s’mores around a campfire.

“Some of these seeds we’re planting, we’re not going to see the results right away,” Joe says. “And then years later, you see a young adult who tells you, ‘Everyone gave up on me, but you didn’t,’ and they’re now in child-focused careers, helping other kids.”

Stevenson Children’s Camp director Joe Douglas and his son Bayne on the playground

Your gift also supports youth here:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin and Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area: One-on-one mentoring with a screened, trained adult volunteer for children and youth identified as “at-risk”

BCG London: Academic and financial support for children and youth to ensure success in education, fee assistance for low-income families for day camps and after-school clubs

Neighbourhood Resource Centres throughout London: social, recreational and leadership programs for children, youth and families

Ignite Youth Centre, Elgin-St. Thomas Youth Employment Counselling Centre: social, education and employment support, and mentoring for youth aged 12-19

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Dakota HalfpennyJoe

Tanya

by Dakota Halfpenny on March 8, 2023 Comments Off on Tanya

“I’m proud that I’m working on just improving myself. I’m proud that I’m talking to the right supports.”

Tanya, United Way program participant

‘I’m a person, I’ve got a name’

Homelessness can happen to anyone. I’m the perfect example. I worked full-time for years, had a house, had a marriage. Everything was fine – until it just wasn’t fine. I suffered a bit of an emotional breakdown and that’s what led me to homelessness.

Coming home to the YWCA’s housing stability program – where I had a safety net, my own room, privacy, food – that was a blessing. Everybody was welcoming. The staff are great. The girls that live here were instant friendships and instant supports as well.

Here, I’m a person, I’ve got a name. Everybody knows your story and they can tell when you’re having a bad day. I celebrated my birthday here and it was a terrible day. I found out, online, that my mom had died that day. I fell apart. And the girls were great. They brought joy to that day for me.

My next step, now that I’ve found a part-time job, is to slowly, hopefully, try to save some money to be independent in my own apartment once again. But I realize that’s not something that’s going to happen overnight either. That’s one thing that’s amazing about this place, too. I don’t feel pressured like, ‘you have 60 days to find a job and get the heck out.’ I know they don’t want you to live here forever – they want to see us all succeed on our own – but we have that time.

I’ve definitely seen personal growth for me, so that’s probably the best thing I’ve gotten out of here thus far. I’m proud that I’m working on just improving myself. I’m proud that I’m talking to the right supports. I’m proud that I have gotten myself together enough to get a job, a good job. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve made. I’m proud of the strength I didn’t know I had.

SHOW YOUR LOCAL LOVE.

DONATE TODAY

YWCA – St. Thomas-Elgin Supportive Housing for Adults is one of more than 50 local programs and services supported by United Way Elgin Middlesex, the region’s largest non-government funder of social services.

If you or someone you know is looking for basic needs, housing supports or other community-based services in your area, contact @211Ontario to be connected with local resources that can help.

Tanya, United Way program participant at the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin speaking with her support worker Michelle

A reason for hope

Across the region, people struggle in plain sight, their symptoms of poverty visible as they battle addiction, homelessness, isolation and mental health in parks, on street corners and in downtown building doorways. But those working hard to change that story say there is reason for hope.

Learn more about how we’re ReUnited.

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Dakota HalfpennyTanya

Mario

by Dakota Halfpenny on March 6, 2023 Comments Off on Mario

“Anything’s possible. I believe that.”

Mario, United Way program participant

Once I started coming here, I was told anything’s possible

The first time I came to The London Coffee House was about seven or eight years ago. I lived with somebody who was really moody and he was having a bad day. And I thought, ‘well, the Coffee House has moved down to Hamilton Road and I hear they’re having chili.’ So, I came by walked past it two or three times, then I ran into Krista who works here. She said, ‘oh, we still have some,’ and she bought me a bowl of chili and we talked. Pretty soon, the Coffee House became like a second home to me.

I used to work as a chef at a restaurant. At the time, I was losing my sight bit by bit because of glaucoma and then they said it wasn’t safe for me to do that anymore. I went from being a chef to being a nobody.

Losing my sight was difficult. But the hardest part for me was adjusting. I was struggling and I felt like giving up. I’ve had people knock the cane out of my hand, I’ve had people push me, bump me. For a long time, I honestly started to feel like people really didn’t have any caring in them.

I was told a lot that I couldn’t do things anymore because of my sight. Once I started coming here, I was told anything’s possible – and I believe that. Because of this organization, I am a somebody. The staff talks to us and makes us feel we’re safe. There’s no one who’s going to hurt me. Coming to Coffee House made me realize there are people who care. When I was struggling and felt like giving up, they were the inspiration to keep me going. They’ve been there for me in so many ways. I love them all and, honestly, I’d give my heart for them.

SHOW YOUR LOCAL LOVE.

DONATE TODAY

United Way Elgin Middlesex supports local agencies that reduce and prevent poverty, address basic needs, and provide housing stability and homelessness prevention.

If you or someone you know is looking for housing supports in your area, contact @211Ontario to be connected with local resources that can help.

Mario, United Way program participant at the London Coffee House

A reason for hope

Across the region, people struggle in plain sight, their symptoms of poverty visible as they battle addiction, homelessness, isolation and mental health in parks, on street corners and in downtown building doorways. But those working hard to change that story say there is reason for hope.

Learn more about how we’re ReUnited.

read more
Dakota HalfpennyMario

Tanya

by Dakota Halfpenny on November 21, 2022 Comments Off on Tanya

“It’s important to have a home because a home is having your own safe place.”

Tanya, United Way program participant

Finding home, growing hope

I moved to London in 2016 and we couldn’t find a place to rent. It was hard, really hard. I was homeless for two years and lived in shelters. After a while, I put most of my important stuff in a locker so I didn’t have to carry a bunch of stuff when I went to see landlords. Then I talked to people at London Cares and they helped with bus tickets to go to viewings and coached me for interviews with landlords. They helped me find a clean and affordable apartment and I love it.

When I found a home, I was able to start looking for a job. I had no experience and so my worker at London Cares was really helpful preparing me for a job. I did volunteer work at first, trying to build up my resume. In my job interview, they said, ‘Are you okay?’ and I told her, ‘It’s my first interview ever in my whole life,’ and she said, ‘You don’t have to be nervous, you’re okay.’ Then at 4 a.m., I checked my email and I got the job!

London Cares still helps me when I need it. They help me with eyeglasses. They help me with the dentist. When I need someone to talk to, I can talk to them about anything.  It feels great to have someone have my back.

So now I have a job and a home and I love it. It’s important to have a home because a home is having your own safe place. I can hang out with my brother and we can have guests here. His friends come over, my friends come over and we make dinner together. I have a better home than before. I can have my cat at my apartment – I rescued her at my old place because she was really skinny – so she has a better home, too.

SHOW YOUR LOCAL LOVE.

DONATE TODAY

United Way Elgin Middlesex supports local agencies that reduce and prevent poverty, address basic needs, and provide housing stability and homelessness prevention.

If you or someone you know is looking for housing supports in your area, contact @211Ontario to be connected with local resources that can help.

Tanya, London Cares United Way program participant and her cat

A vacancy rate of 1.8% across the London and Middlesex region drives rent costs higher and makes it even harder to find decent, affordable housing if you’re an individual or family living in poverty.

Almost 6,000 households are currently on the wait list for affordable housing in our region.

A reason for hope

Across the region, people struggle in plain sight, their symptoms of poverty visible as they battle addiction, homelessness, isolation and mental health in parks, on street corners and in downtown building doorways. But those working hard to change that story say there is reason for hope.

Learn more about how we’re ReUnited.

read more
Dakota HalfpennyTanya

Joseph

by Dakota Halfpenny on June 13, 2022 Comments Off on Joseph
Joseph P., United Way Elgin Middlesex donor & past program participant

“I know my investment will be used wisely. They are trustworthy. They will use the funds to help people who need it most. They give a voice to those who are being left behind. They are giving kids like I once was a fair shot at a good life.”

Joseph P., United Way donor & past program participant

I grew up in poverty, but I don’t think I knew what that meant back then. I just knew things were the way that they were, and we made that work.

I would run outside when the lights went out. Sometimes the street was dark, and sometimes it was just our house. When our fridge broke, we ate out of the cooler for a while.

We made it work.

When I was 12, my parents separated. I began to bounce back and forth between my mom and dad’s a lot.

After dad’s new partner moved in, things deteriorated. She was dealing with her own challenges. I’ve been hit with dinner plates and beer steins. I’ve been used as an ashtray to butt out cigarettes.

Or she would act like I didn’t exist. Sometimes for months. Then I would come home to find my clothes in bags on the porch and I’d be back on my way to my mom’s. Things were better there, but mom struggled with the bills, so I’d be back at dad’s after not too long.

Those were tough times, but I had to be strong for my mom.

When I got to high school I signed up for football and every other sport I could. The longer I stayed out, the less I’d be at home.

I hung out at a neighbourhood resource centre. I used the spot as a safe space. The cafeteria was good for doing homework.

The problem with poverty is that it branches into other things. Like struggles with mental wellness. And trust issues. I still wake up in the night from nightmares. I’ll carry that forever.

Fast forward 30 years. I have a wonderful family. A wife and children. I’m involved in my community because I believe it’s important.

I’ve donated to United Way a long time. I’ve climbed the StairClimb. I’ve gone to Harvest Lunch (everyone loves a sandwich!). Last year, my employer sponsored me to work full-time at United Way for the duration of their Campaign. It was an eye-opening experience to see first-hand the work that United Way does to reduce and end poverty for real people right here in our community.

At United Way I worked alongside people like Nancy Needham. Nancy is the Executive Director at South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, a United Way funded agency like the spot I found refuge at when I was young. Nancy shared with me that resource centers are a haven for young people and families.

People in need of food and other basics show up looking for help, and that’s when the magic begins. Once urgent needs are met, staff are quick to identify other barriers. Are the children getting the resources they need to succeed at school? Is language a barrier to government services?

And perhaps most importantly, a resource centre provides a sense of community and inclusion.

At United Way I learned that by working together, our community can include everyone. Hope is on our horizon, things are looking better for a lot of people out there, but many continue to struggle.

United Way sees this need. So, they have focused funding on programs that reduce or alleviate the impact of poverty in people’s lives. They understand that providing neighbourhood-based support is critical in ensuring people have timely access to not only what they need to get by in tough times, but also to help people, kids and families thrive and succeed. This is why I give to United Way. I know my investment will be used wisely. They are trustworthy. They will use the funds to help people who need it most. They give a voice to those who are being left behind. They are giving kids like I once was a fair shot at a good life.

SHOW YOUR LOCAL LOVE.

South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Youth Program participant

“Neighbourhood Resource Centres give a voice to youth and families in our community. It’s a place for people to come together. Some are looking for urgent needs to be met, while others are looking for companionship and opportunity. Young people want to be a part of something and make a difference. With United Way’s help, we keep our doors open to serve the community at its point of need.”

Nancy Needham
Executive Director South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre

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