Community Impact....Making Hope Real
United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is committed to building safe, caring, and sustainable communities. When people are united in caring, we see opportunities to change conditions through investing in the non-profit sector.
Poverty Reduction Strategy: Tell us what you think.
A Poverty Reduction Strategy is in the making, this is your chance to help. Take the time to answer this on-line survey and give us your suggestions to make a difference.
Invitation to Organizations:
We know that you are working hard to help people in poverty and that you will have some valuable input. Just answer the questions on a personal level, skip over any questions that seem irrelevant to you. It would be helpful if 50% of your front line staff can take the time to provide input in this manner, and if you could also work with a minimum of 10 clients (answering for them, or assisting them to complete the survey). Thanks for your help.
Invitation to Businesses:
Poverty affects us all and is costing each household up to $2,900 a year. Working full time at minimum wage does not provide enough income to raise a family above the poverty line. Families in the lowest income bracket are living on an average of $16,100 per year. It is worth your while to take the time to offer your suggestions to help us reduce poverty. Just answer the questions on a personal level, skip over any questions that seem irrelevant to you. Thanks for your help.
Click this link to share your views on Poverty - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SolutionsforOurCommunities
Our focus is your focus!
Through our Community Matters project, we connected with many citizens who helped us identify priority issues. In addition, you confirmed that our investment in our current agencies was also important and relevant.
Community Investment: Since 2005, more than $500,000 has been raised outside of campaign to assist with community work. An example of responding to the needs in our community is our ongoing partnership with Enbridge Gas and Hydro One to bring more than $30,000 in 2009/2010 to the Winter Warmth program. Overall since 2005, more than $50,000 has been granted to our community for winter Warmth and we thank Enbridge Gas and Hydro One for these critical programs. Winter Warmth is a program that assists families with their energy bills. The impact: helps families and individuals remain in their homes. It is managed by A Place Called Home and dovetails with the City’s energy assistant programs.
Community Engagement! United Way is currently engaged in an Action for Neighbourhood change program, that includes an elementary school support collaborative and community education on safe housing concerns and tenants rights. On the broader city-wide scale we are engaged in an age-friendly project and sit at the leadership table for Safe Communities. These are some examples of collaborative networks in action. United Way has also worked with a community social worker and youth group to build with partners a basketball court. The impact: citizens gain knowledge and are empowered to improve housing and community conditions.
Our Community Matters! Every dollar given to United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes is reinvested for our families, neighbours, and colleagues. Together, we fund 42 programs through 15 local non-profit organizations (funded agencies) on an annual basis. The impact: 25,000 residents in the City of Kawartha Lakes each year find support and help in their community that helps them live with dignity and hope.
Youth and Youth Empowerment Matters
Positive, Successful Opportunities for Youth
We are committed to exploring education, leadership, self-esteem, skills, prevention, and literacy through community partnerships.
Dignity and Hope Matters
Invest in opportunities for empowerment and self-sufficiency of citizens.
We will commit to exploring proactive solutions that include education, skills building, self-development, prevention and support services in rural communities.
Healthy, Caring Communities Matter
Health and well-being are important for all individuals in our community.
Recognizing that seniors need services that support them in their homes and communities is important. Our neighbours and families with disabilities need thoughtful consideration, programs and support to assist them with remaining able to participate in our communities.
Proactive and Safe Communities Matter
Safe and caring communities that protect, educate and provide intervention.
In times of crisis, violence and emergencies, there must be services for our most vulnerable citizens. Providing citizens with information and collaborating with service providers that protect, plan for emergencies, and counsel in times of crisis.
Building Community Together Matters
Collaboration and networking for community development.
Volunteer organizations, referral services, and community stakeholders working to build capacity within our community are keys to success.
Moving toward lasting changes in community conditions