Scale of Impact
$889,902
Dollars Raised in 2023
19 +
Programs funded
100,000 +
Interactions between clients & service providers
41
Communities Served
Our Strategic Direction
As we move into 2024, we are carrying the knowledge from our community impact studies to help us make a more intentional impact on the top identified needs in our community. We will continue to accept funding applications that fall under our three pillars:
From Poverty to Possibility
We support and empower people living in poverty and those who are vulnerable to falling into poverty, by ensuring they have access to the most basic needs in life.
All That Kids Can Be
We put children and youth on a path to success by investing in their development from early childhood to young adulthood-ensuring they have the skills and opportunities to become successful adults.
Strong Communities
Improving access to social and health-related support services while supporting community engagement, integration and settlement.
The funded program must fit within these pillars and measure successful outcomes that make long-term change. The results of our Community Conversations prioritized the following six needs:
- Housing
- Homelessness
- Food Security
- Children and Youth
- Mental Health
- Addictions
*Refer to our 2023 "Hearing from our Community" report for more details on the community consultation and conversations held across Leeds & Grenville. It can be found here.
Stories
We measure our success in actual lives changed. These stories are a testament to the difference that communities can make when we come together to create lasting change.
Featured Story
Sophia
During my time at RNJ Connections program I have noticed a big difference in my efforts in school. As much as it is school, they make it fun as well. I come to school every day now, motivated to get work done. It’s different than actual school because I get the help and support I need here and the staff care about how I’m feeling too. I’ve been able to get most of my high school credits there and can probably graduate this semester. Thank you to United Way for their support of this program in our community.
Featured Story
Scott
I attended a Financial Literacy Workshop at Brock Cottage (a support group home for men) facilitated by the Volunteer Centre. It was great timing because I was about to leave the program and re-enter independent living. The Volunteer Centre set me up with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and they filed 18 years of taxes for me. I received a substantial amount of money and accessed benefits and other government support payments I’d been missing out on. They helped me set a budget, open a savings account and review the cost of living and pressures to buy things that perhaps I didn’t need. I was able to secure housing, transportation and started life back in the community. Thank you to United Way Leeds & Grenville for understanding that I needed one place to go to get financial help. Now I feel like I am on the right path to supporting myself.
Featured Story
Makenna
My daughter has participated in several Girls Inc. programs over the last few years, I have seen the benefits of her interaction with the seminars and the programs as she has developed an increased self-confidence. Makenna has been introduced to many different topics but with programs focused on science and technology she was given the confidence that she could become an engineer or someone who works in technology. Another benefit through Girls Inc. is that she has been exposed to women who have achieved significant accomplishments creating a sense of empowerment for her. I am proud to support United Way because they are supporting my daughter and other young girls who need to be lifted up on a daily basis.
Featured Story
Jacob
I’m prone to panic attacks, so when I first started visiting Aaron’s M.I.L.L. I went in when it wasn’t busy so I could be alone with Willy to practice. After attending weekly for a while, I’m starting to adjust to others being around. I now chat with regulars and I’ve gotten to try out some different instruments. Now I really look forward to my weekly sessions that revolve around bonding over the love of music. United Way really helped make this happen. They feel, like Willy does, that kids need a place to go where they are not judged and where they feel a sense of accomplishment every time they visit.
