All That Kids Can Be
In a community where everyone matters, we all deserve a good start. We all want to feel welcomed and supported through transitions so we can succeed, contribute, and thrive. Investments in prevention and early intervention simply makes sense. Addressing issues and building support systems for people early on helps prevent problems from becoming more complex in the future. Also, it makes financial sense, investing early on costs far less than more complicated solutions later.
The issue
For some local kids, growing up isn’t easy. Challenges can begin before a child even steps into school for the first time. All the issues facing children and youth were amplified when the pandemic began. Years later, many kids are still struggling.
1 in 4
children in London live in poverty.
Grade 3 students
Ontario Grade 3 students are not meeting literacy and numeracy standards established by the province.
Nearly 1 in 3
children in Ontario has an unhealthy body weight.
32%
of high school students in Ontario used alcohol in the past year.
28,000
children and youth must wait up to two and a half years for mental health care in Ontario.
91%
of front-line providers serving homeless youth during the pandemic reported youth had experienced a significant increase in feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Our response
All That Kids Can Be
United Way Elgin Middlesex allocated 22% ($1,033,838) of our Community Fund to support 13 programs focused on addressing issues and building support systems for children and youth.
United Way Elgin Middlesex believes that every child has the right to a good life, and a safe place to grow up, learn, and make good friends – no matter where they live or their personal circumstances.
United Way Elgin Middlesex plays a key leadership and support role in the initiatives critical to meeting the needs of vulnerable children and youth. These include:
Child & Youth Network, London
The Child and Youth Network (CYN) is comprised of more than 170 organizations across the city that are working in new and different ways to improve life for children, youth, and families in our community.
Middlesex Children’ Services Network
The Network consists of organizations, agencies, and individuals with a mandate and/or interest in the provision of service and the well-being of children and their families residing in Middlesex County.
The outcomes
United Way Elgin Middlesex partners with local, front-line agencies to deliver vital programs and services that help improve lives, break down barriers, and create opportunities for our most vulnerable people. These include support for young parents, after-school programs, education support programs, mentorships programs, and supports for youth experiencing homelessness. As part of our commitment to measuring our impact, we track and report how these investments make a difference.
23% of our investments support our ongoing commitment to education, recreation and social programs for children and youth. With several disruptions to in-person learning, we know that some children risk falling behind their peers and will need additional support to achieve success in education. This is especially true for children in high priority schools and for those already facing barriers like a learning disability.
In 2022/2023:
- 16,620 children and youth from low-income families participated in activities promoting healthy living.
- 689 children and youth increased their literacy and numeracy skills.
- 334 children and youth were matched with a mentor.
- 638 children and youth with learning disabilities were provided resources and support to graduate with their cohort.
- 1,032 children and youth from low-income families increased their physical activity.
Click here to learn more about United Way’s All That Kids Can Be Strategy.
Roxanne Riddell
Director, Community Impact
Ph: 519-438-1723
Ext. 223
rriddell@unitedwayem.ca