5 Regional Priorities
Over the past several years, United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo and Area and United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries have been examining local and national trends to determine key community priorities, pressing issues and changes needed to address these issues.
Together, we have established 5 community priorities for investment. These priorities are broad domains with regional reach and local impact. For each priority, we have developed three long-term outcomes that identify the measurable change we are actively seeking to achieve our goals.
Children and Youth Reach Their Potential
Children deserve to live, learn and grow in a stable, caring environment. Our collective goal is to see that all children have their basic needs for food, education and shelter met. Supporting the healthy growth and development of young people means actively targeting the source of their challenges and working to address systemic issues.
Long-term Outcomes: Children and youth are...
- Free from abuse and neglect
- Healthy
- Succeed in school
Learn more about this priority.
View supported programs and initiatives that focus on this priority.
[top]
Families are Strong
Families come in all shapes and sizes and can be defined in many ways. Respecting this diversity and helping all families prosper is critical to the success of our community. We work to build strong families by backing violence prevention efforts and ensuring all families—particularly those with complex needs —are supported by their community.
Long-term Outcomes: Families are...
- Free from violence
- Complex needs are supported
- Resilient and supported by their community
Learn more about this priority.
View supported programs and initiatives that focus on this priority.
[top]
Neighbourhoods are Inclusive and Thriving
When we value and respect the diversity of those around us, our neighbourhoods flourish. Initiatives that are easily accessible, create neighbourhood hubs that are safe and welcoming for all, and encourage people to accept each other’s differences and work together are a focus within this priority.
Long-term Outcomes: Neighbourhoods have...
- Inclusive and safe gathering places
- Strong, accessible supports and services
- Diverse groups that are connected and working together to take action
Learn more about this priority.
View supported programs and initiatives that focus on this priority.
[top]
Newcomers are Welcomed and Supported
Eliminating barriers is critical to helping newcomers develop a sense of belonging and identity. Supporting efforts that eliminate discrimination, assist newcomers in finding suitable employment, and help them to participate in —and contribute to —their community are the building blocks that allow for a positive transition to a new life.
Long-term Outcomes: Newcomers are...
- Meaningfully employed
- In an inclusive community free from discrimination
- Involved in and have a voice in community settings
Learn more about this priority.
View supported programs and initiatives that focus on this priority.
[top]
People are Economically Secure
Disparity in income often carries a high price for the entire community. Breaking the cycle of poverty means targeting the source of financial difficulties and fixing these problems at the root. Efforts focus on the support of initiatives that meet people’s basic needs for food, shelter and safety, ensure individuals have stable and sufficient employment, and make education, training and learning opportunities affordable and accessible for all.
Long-term Outcomes: People have...
- Basic needs met
- Affordable and accessible education, training, and learning opportunities
- Sufficient and stable employment
Learn more about this priority.
View supported programs and initiatives that focus on this priority.
[top]
