This report reflects the lives you’ve helped change, the opportunities you’ve created, and the growing movement of women and allies working together to build a more equitable future for everyone.
Every year, Women United proves what’s possible when women come together with purpose. This year is especially meaningful as United Way celebrates its 85th anniversary.
This past year, 1,288 Women United supporters gave an incredible $1,209,677 to help create brighter futures for women, girls, and families across our community. Those numbers are remarkable, but what they truly represent is action, compassion, and a shared commitment to building a more equitable future. Nearly five years ago, 81 founding members took a chance on what Women United could become. Today, that vision has grown into a powerful community of women and allies creating meaningful change across our region.
Throughout the year, you showed that impact takes many forms. Together, we rolled up our sleeves at Terra Centre, preparing meals and sorting clothing donations to support teen parents and young families. We challenged ourselves to better understand the barriers many women face and made personal commitments to advance equity in our workplaces, communities, and everyday lives. We welcomed men and allies into the conversation, recognizing that lasting change happens when we move from support to shared responsibility.
These moments remind us that Women United is more than a network. It is a movement of people who believe that when women and girls thrive, our entire community is stronger.
As you read through this report, we hope you see more than the stories, statistics, and milestones. We hope you see the lasting impact of your generosity, your leadership, and your willingness to show up time and again for women, girls, and families across our region.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community. Together, we are creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
With gratitude,
Corinna Mulyk & Carlie Piché
Co-Chairs, Women United Cabinet 2025-26
When women and allies come together, incredible things happen. Your time, voice, and generosity are helping break down barriers, strengthen communities, and ensure vital programs and services are there for those who need them most.
donated by 1,288 Women United supporters to remove barriers for women, girls, and families across the Alberta Capital Region
in United Way funding allocated toward 27 social agencies that serve local women and families
women and girls participated in programs and initiatives through United Way funded agency partners
additional funds raised through Women United special events and activities
volunteer hours contributed through leadership, events, Days of Caring, and more
predominantly women participants completed Empower U, with 124 participants collectively accumulating $91,520 in savings
Every day, women, girls, and families in our region face complex challenges — from financial pressures and mental health struggles to barriers that make it harder for children to succeed in school. Through your generosity, Women United is helping ensure local organizations have the flexibility and resources they need to respond where support is needed most.
United Way’s community investment model provides flexible funding to more than 50 local agencies, allowing them to strengthen frontline services, respond to emerging needs, and create lasting solutions. Rather than funding individual programs, this approach empowers organizations to meet people where they are and adapt as our community changes.
Good mental health is the foundation for thriving families and resilient communities. Your support helps ensure women, girls, and families can access compassionate care, safe spaces, and trauma-informed services when they need them most.
Financial stability creates choice, confidence, and opportunity. Through Women United, you’re helping individuals and families access the tools and supports they need to build stronger financial futures.
When children and caregivers have the support they need, entire families benefit. Your investment helps create opportunities for learning, growth, and belonging — both inside and outside the classroom.
Real change is measured in moments of hope, healing, and new beginnings. Because of Women United supporters like you, more women, girls, and families are finding the support they need to overcome challenges and build stronger futures.
The stories you’ll read next are just a glimpse of that impact. Although names have been changed to protect privacy, each story is rooted in the real experiences of people whose lives have been transformed through the power of community.
Nadia entered Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society’s Transitions to Success program carrying a belief she had heard since childhood: that living with a disability meant she would never have a “normal” job or live independently.
In her twenties, Nadia was still living with her parents and relying on income support. She wanted greater financial stability and independence but wasn’t sure how to get there.
Through employment-readiness training, practical certifications, cultural teachings and individualized support, Nadia began to recognize her strengths and build confidence in her abilities. As her workplace skills grew, so did her belief in what she could accomplish.
Near graduation, Nadia secured a seasonal position at Dollarama. Nine months later, she was still working, thriving in her role and setting her sights on becoming a supervisor.
With the right opportunities, tools and people in her corner, Nadia is building a future on her own terms — and discovering that the possibilities for her life are far greater than she once believed.
When Maya left an abusive relationship, she was facing more than the challenge of starting over. She was coping with anxiety and depression, rebuilding her sense of safety and navigating an uncertain future for herself and her children.
At Riseup Society Alberta, Maya found trauma-informed counselling and consistent support through a flexible combination of in-person and virtual sessions. For Maya, having the option to meet virtually was especially important — it removed the cost and barrier of childcare that had previously made accessing support difficult.
Over several months, Maya learned strategies to manage her emotions, developed a safety plan and practiced setting healthy boundaries. With each step, her confidence began to return.
Maya went on to secure employment, reconnect with supportive people and regain a sense of independence. She can now recognize unhealthy relationship patterns and draw on what she has learned to help her children navigate challenges around family safety.
Maya’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing takes time — and that with the right support, survivors can move from simply getting through each day to building safer, more hopeful futures.
When Leah arrived at Strathcona Shelter Society in spring 2025, she was focused on one thing: creating a safe and stable future for her family.
She had fled escalating physical and emotional abuse with her three children and had been moving between temporary accommodations. At the same time, Leah was working to maintain her sobriety, meet probation requirements, and advocate for children with complex needs.
With support from shelter staff and community partners, Leah found a coordinated network of care. She connected with income assistance, counselling, parenting resources, addiction recovery, and mental health supports, while intensive case planning helped her navigate the challenges in front of her.
Throughout it all, Leah remained focused on her children — particularly advocating for her oldest child’s behavioural and mental-health needs and creating an environment where her family could begin to heal.
Within three months, Leah secured second-stage housing and moved her family into a stable home. Therapeutic services, children’s programming and housing outreach continued to support them as they settled into their new chapter.
Leah’s determination, paired with practical support from her community, helped turn a period of uncertainty into a path toward safety, stability and healing.
When Elena moved to Edmonton with her husband and 18-month-old son, she knew almost no one and wasn’t aware of the free family resources available in her new community.
Alone at home in a new country, Elena found the transition overwhelming. Then she discovered Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre—and found a place where she and her son could connect, learn and feel supported.
Through Stay and Play groups, parenting courses, healthy food programs, childminding, and respite care, Elena found compassionate guidance and a safe place for her son to grow. Just as importantly, she found connection with other mothers who understood what it meant to build a new life and community.
That support helped ease Elena’s isolation and gave her family the confidence to put down roots.
Today, her son attends full-time daycare, Elena has returned to work, and the family still visits Norwood whenever they can. What began with one uncertain first visit grew into connection, confidence and a sense of belonging — helping Elena and her family build a hopeful new start in Edmonton.
Help us grow our local Women United movement. Share this report with friends, family, and colleagues who believe in empowering women and girls, creating equity, and building a strong and vibrant community where no one is left behind.
Not already part of the Women United network? Learn more about the issues affecting local women and girls and how United Way and funded partner programs are helping. Plus, get invitations to upcoming Women United events and opportunities.
