Hundreds of thousands of people, every year, are helped by United Way Toronto. These are just a few of the real stories that illustrate how the impact of your donation to United Way, strengthens lives and builds stronger neighbourhoods across the city.
It takes a village to raise hope
"The program works well because the residents themselves decide what they need... Ultimately, it introduces new Canadians to the democratic process."
Neighbourhood change in action in Scarborough Village
Drawing their own conclusions
"Art gives people—even those who are non-verbal—an outlet for expression without labeling them as disabled."
United Way agency helps intellectually disabled earn living through art
A better place to live
"It's important to do something for your neighbourhood. Sometimes it's hard work, but it's all worth it because it makes it a better place to live."
Previously isolated residents are connecting thanks to the Lotherton-Caledonia Action for Neighbourhood Change.
At its heart, community finds a hub
"By bringing people together and connecting them to services they themselves identified as a need, we believe the hubs will build individual strength and empowerment, creating a sense of belonging and ownership in the community."
Read about one resident who decided to stay in her community when she learned that a Hub was coming to Rexdale.
A summer to remember in Lawrence Heights
The children aged six to 12, many from newcomer families, would have been left without opportunities to engage in healthy, constructive activities once their schools closed for the summer.
Empowering youth to improve their neighbourhood
"Service needs are very high in the community. The most marginalized are young people, who don't have a political voice. We're working to empower them to be socially engaged in their community."
Young people are seeking a safe place from the street, where there's crime and violence.
Putting a new spin on career training
"It provides us with the opportunity to do something positive in the community, to get recognized and to get paid."
Deejay business creates training and employment opportunities for former foster care kids.
You gave me back my mother
"I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t strong enough to defend herself — strong enough to defend her own children. But watching her gather the strength and courage she needed to escape the abuse and start a new life helped me understand the woman she truly is."
One woman recalls how United Way helped her family.
Youth lead the way in preventing violence
"I’ve met kids who were living on the street when they came to the program, and now they’re in school and getting back on their feet."
East Metro Youth Services program has big impact in the community
Scarborough Village empowered
"I want to participate in many activities so that I can have knowledge about our different needs and help us get strong and prompt results."
Read about the changes two years after Action for Neighbourhood Change came to town.
Youth leaders in Thorncliffe provide hang-out for teens
"The programs at the Youth Centre provide a safe and secure environment where young people can get to know one another and build relationships."
Youth Centre a safe haven for local teen.
The little neighbourhood that could
Now kids from diverse backgrounds—Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Afghani, West Indian—come together to play a sport that not only has cultural resonance for them but also teaches skills such as teamwork, discipline and leadership.
How a simple game of cricket is creating positive change in Scarborough
