United Way looks at the big picture to deliver a coordinated network of services and programs to address a range of needs for children and families who are living in poverty.
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United Way is a network of more than 75 local United Way offices. Since 1941, we’ve worked in the Alberta Capital Region for the betterment of all.
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257,000 people who were struggling received supports through a United Way funded program in 2022.
We live in one of the most prosperous communities in North America, and still, thousands of families and individuals are unable to meet their basic needs. United Way’s approach brings together social agencies, schools, organizations, and governments to make a meaningful difference in the community through local programs and services that empower people to improve their lives.
United Way and its local frontline partners provide individuals and families in the Edmonton area with access to healthy, affordable food and emergency relief, as well as assistance in successfully finding and maintaining housing.
Highlights of this work in 2022 include:
Every funded program reports the impact that programs have on participants.
Here are some examples from 2022:
The early years set the foundation for all future learning and development. For children who grow up in poverty, getting the right opportunities to build those skills is often out of reach.
People with higher levels of education are more likely to have better jobs, live in safer homes, and report better physical and mental health.
United Way and its frontline partners are helping kids from the start, with caregiver education programs, early learning and development, support through the school years and all the way to high school completion to prepare them for a life beyond poverty.
Every funded program reports the impact that programs have on clients.
Key impacts are:
People living in low income are the most vulnerable to unemployment and job loss. The high cost of childcare, lack of transportation, and flexible work hours all limit employment options. Many people work two or more low paying jobs and still can’t make ends meet. Some of the same challenges that limit their employment options also impact their ability to find resources to improve their situation.
These barriers combined with the complexity of navigating government supports can create a ripple effect on low-income households. As a result, many miss the benefits of accessing mainstream banking products, government benefits, tax credits, and subsidies.
United Way and its local frontline partners are helping people living in or close to poverty prepare for life’s challenges through employment training and services and financial literacy support.
Highlights of their work in 2022 include:
Every funded program reports the impact that programs have on clients. Here are some examples:
In 2022, 95% of participants of Empower U felt more hopeful for the future after completing the course.
Every year, one in five Canadians experiences a mental health problem or illness.
For those facing these challenges, the lack of access and support mean a higher risk of falling into poverty. Without help, these problems can take a toll, affecting all areas of their lives including relationships, managing daily stress and the ability to work.
Navigating social services and community resource systems can be difficult and overwhelming, especially for someone who is already experiencing the stressors of poverty. It can be challenging to know what help is available, and how to access it. Information and referral services connect people to the resources that will best meet their needs.
United Way and its strategic partners provide mental health supports and help those seeking support access the services that are best for them.
We work collaboratively across the social services sector, identifying pressing community needs, and convening partnerships across the region to implement solutions with greatest impact.
Local charities and non-profits are feeling increased pressure and requests for help as the need in our community also grows. United Way provides critical funding and backbone administrative support, so local agencies can focus on delivering much-needed programs and services.
In 2022:
Data paints a picture of who was served by United Way funded programming in 2022. Programs count the number of participants accessing a program and aim to count each participant only once during the period covered regardless of the number of program-related services that the participant receives. In some programs, tracking this number is challenging, particularly in drop-in, information and referral services, and public education programs. Despite these limitations, the number of participants reported represents the significant reach and impact of our and our partners’ work.
Programs report the following information only if they choose to ask participants to self-identify this information. Not all programs choose to report this information.