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:

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.

15% 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.

2023/2024 Outcomes in Brief:

• 11,115 children and youth from low-income families participated in activities promoting healthy living.
• 859 children and youth increased their literacy and numeracy skills.
• 356 children and youth were matched with a mentor.
• 630 children and youth with learning disabilities were provided resources and support to graduate with their cohort.
• 979 children and youth from low-income families increased their physical activity.

 Detailed Outcomes for All That Kids Can Be

For a community to be great, it must be great for everyone.

We work with local agency partners, multiple levels of government, people with lived experience, and thousands of donors to change lives across our region. Through research, consultation and analysis, we identify where our communities need help the most and where our investments will show the greatest results.

United Way is uniquely positioned to deliver on these 11 outcomes:

• Children are ready to learn

• Children and youth meet educational and developmental milestones

• Children and youth have educational experiences that promote skill development and lifelong learning

• Youth experience successful educational transitions

• Children and youth have competency and confidence to participate in healthy physical activity

• Children and youth are aware of and understand how to make choices that support a healthy lifestyle

• Children and youth have a network of healthy relationships in their communities

• Children and youth experience social inclusion in their communities

• Children and youth are resilient

• Children and youth in crisis have access to immediate supports

• Children and youth have improved mental health

Total # of children and youth received help to reach their full potential.

• 12,136 in 2023

• 16,620 in 2022

• 11,580 in 2021

Success in education

Children and youth are engaged in learning and succeed in education.

Promote the educational achievement of children and youth, as well as their transition to post-secondary education, training or employment. Includes, but is not limited to services that support school readiness, homework completion, literacy and numeracy instruction, academic guidance and counselling and alternative educational options.

Outcomes:

• 859 children and youth increased their literacy and numeracy skills

• 630 children and youth with learning disabilities were able to graduate with their cohort

• 261 children and youth have resources and support to foster success in education

• 197 youth who feel prepared for high school

• 428 children and youth with increased engagement in school

Community connection & emotional and physical wellbeing

Provide opportunities for children and youth to develop positive social relationships with adults and peers, meaningfully participate in and contribute to our community and assist in the development of mental and physical health. Includes, but is not limited to, programs that address barriers to participation, mentoring programs and those that enable children and youth to participate in a wide range of recreational, cultural and social activities.  Children and youth are connected to their community and are emotionally and physically healthy

Outcomes:

• 6,479 children and youth from low-income families increased their access to healthy food

• 1,633 children and youth report a sense of belonging in their community

• 979 children and youth have increased their physical activity.

• 356 children and youth were matched with a mentor

• 11,115 children and youth participated in activities that promote healthy living