Healthy People, Strong Communities
A community is only as strong as the sum of its parts. Many vulnerable individuals in our community face barriers that can lead to challenges like mental illness, addiction and social isolation.
Your support fuels United Way’s work in helping to strengthen the health and wellness of our neighbours so we can all share in the collective benefits of healthy, vibrant communities.
The Challenge
When people and families can’t access the supports they need to thrive through a difficult time or a crisis, our entire community can fall behind.
For residents experiencing family breakdowns, job loss, disability or living on a low income, opportunities to build a good life—including access to meaningful social networks, good jobs and affordable housing—aren’t equally available.
AJ’s Story – Finding Home Again
United Way agencies helped AJ when he left home as a teen. Now, he’s reconnected with his family, thinking about school, and helping other young people.
“I volunteer now with youth as a peer support worker—It really helps me to be able to help others. I no longer feel like a burden on society” – AJ
Program Funding
The categories listed below are examples of programs that receive financial support from the United Way Community Fund. These investments impact the lives of vulnerable children and youth in our communities.
Heightening personal well-being
Active recreational spaces and outdoor activities for people with diverse abilities
Trauma-sensitive rehabilitation support for individuals, mothers and families undergoing crisis
Community Connections
Resource and referral hubs for families & rural communities in our region
Key services and programs for aboriginal elders and families
Enhancing seniors’ wellness & connection through volunteerism, education, referral and social programs
Charity Partners
“The United Way and it’s team members, volunteers and supporters epitomize the true spirit of selfless giving of which we’ve been a major beneficiary over the years. We can’t thank-you enough for the amazing work you and your colleagues do that touches and enhances the lives of so many. Thanks again for all you do!”
–Jerome Abraham, Discovery House Executive Director
Community Building Partnerships
BC211ca: bc211 is a non-profit organization that serves to connect British Columbians to the services they need. Their recently expanded service is now available to the Okanagan/Similkameen region through the bc211.ca website.
Better at Home: Better at Home is a program that provides seniors with help doing simple day-to-day tasks so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities.
bc211.ca
bc211 is a non-profit organization that serves to connect British Columbians to the services they need. Their recently expanded service is now available to the Okanagan/Similkameen region through the bc211.ca website.
Better at Home
Better at Home is a program that provides seniors with help doing simple day-to-day tasks so that they can continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities.
Your Donations At Work
Your gift to United Way helps individuals and families with mental health and addiction issues to avoid “falling through the cracks”. These often invisible issues are real and increasing in today’s world. United Way works closely with our local charities to ensure they can deliver what is most needed, when it is needed.
Your Impact
$10 provides a day of hot meals to a person experiencing a debilitating mental illness and living in a temporary recovery house.
$50 provides practical or emotional 24 hour support for a woman in crisis from intimate partner violence.
$100 provides a trauma therapy counselling to a youth survivor of abuse to try to break the cycle.
$500 provides a 10 week session of private and confidential counselling for men recovering from addiction.
$1,000 providesa full month of operations at our local women’s shelter, helping vulnerable women put their lives back together with their kids