Helping Children and Youth Reach Their Full Potential
Children and youth are one of our greatest assets and the key to a brighter future. In communities right here in our region, many children and youth are living in poverty, facing mental health challenges and are unable to access the services they need, when they need them.
Your generous support fuels United Way’s work in helping children and youth in our region create a better life. Together, we are providing them with the support they need to succeed and reach their full potential.
The Challenge
Too many young people are struggling. Poverty, food security, mental illness and lack of early years supports can have life-long effects on local children and youth.
Meet Chase
Chase has behavioral difficulties – attributed to his history of being abused and neglected by his mom. Being involved in a local United Way funded outdoor program helped Chase blossom into a more understanding, patient young man.
“You can see the spark of excitement in his eyes now. He is thinking, knows what working as a team means, and always smiling. Chase now looks forward to the event, asking what is next! We are so thankful for the United Way’s support of this program.” – Janice (Grandma)
Program Funding
A variety of programs in our region receive funding from the United Way Community Fund. These investments impact the lives of thousands of vulnerable children and youth in our communities.
Early Childhood Development & Support
Pre-natal nutrition programs for low income expecting moms
Clinical counselling & therapeutic services for young children and their families coping with developmental needs
Interdisciplinary therapeutic programs for children
Essentials for Health & Well-being
Nutritious food for elementary school children
Outdoor sports programs and life skills coaching
Support for youth struggling with brain injury helping them return to school and daily life
Growth and Resiliency
After-school care and recreation programs for disadvantaged youth
Counselling for young adults dealing with the challenges of anxiety and depression
Filling the gaps in essential crisis and trauma counselling services for youth and their families
Charity Partners
Community Building Partnerships
Working together for greater impact, the United Way collaborates on the following strategic initiatives with local government, charities, and community partners.
A Way Home Kelowna
Community plan to address and prevent youth homelessness in Kelowna.
Child Safety Initiative
Providing convertible car seats to families who could not otherwise afford one
CODEanagan
A barrier-free tech program for youth aimed to inspire them to pursue a career in the tech sector.
Social Enterprise Accelerator Fund
A management consultancy grant with Purppl that helps build the capacity of local charities to develop sustainable, long-term revenue streams through social enterprise models.
Youth Initiative Grants
An initiative which provides grants of up to $2,000 to help youth under 25 years of age create and deliver service projects that improve their communities.
Your Impact
Your gift provides incredible impact to vulnerable children and youth in our communities.
$10 provides one month of nutritious breakfasts for one student
$50 provides supplies for recreation programs at youth shelter
$100 provides 3 bike helmets for youth in bicycle safety program
$500 provides two months of licensed after school care for one child
$1,000 provides one at-risk youth with one year participation in outdoor sports program