Your 2023-2024 Impact Report
United in ACTION
UNITED IN ACTION
We acknowledge and honour the land on which our organization works. This land is the traditional territory of many Indigenous communities, including the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, and Mississaugas, and we are grateful to live, work, and play, in the spirit of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant. We are privileged to share this land, and take time to reflect truthfully and be in community with Indigenous peoples in the spirit of Reconciliation.
Your Year in Review
As we come together to reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering dedication to our community.
Together, we achieved a historic milestone, raising $12.5 million — the largest amount ever raised for our community’s critical programs and initiatives. This remarkable achievement reflects our collective commitment to supporting those in need, right here at home.
This report offers an opportunity to look at how you have made a difference to our work this year, and we hope it allows you to connect more deeply with the impact United Way Halton & Hamilton has had across our community.
With gratitude,
Brad Park
President and CEO, United Way Halton & Hamilton
Susan Nicholson
Chair, Board of Directors, United Way Halton & Hamilton Deputy City Solicitor, Legal Services Commercial, Development, Policy, City of Hamilton
Matt Wickham
2023-24 Chair, Campaign Cabinet, United Way Halton & Hamilton Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sales and Operations, Cogeco
Trent Ogilvie
Chair, Major Giving Cabinet, United Way Halton & Hamilton Board Director, United Way Halton & Hamilton x ROCKWOOL
United in ACTION, we are focused on addressing the pressing issues facing our community, from housing insecurity to access to essential services.
This online preview of our Impact Report is just a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished together over the past year.
See how we’re tackling tough, social issues, across three focus areas and investment priorities:
Poverty to Possibility
Through our supported programs, we help individuals become economically independent, access affordable goods and services, and develop skills to prepare for a better future.
All That Kids Can Be
Children and youth face many barriers that can prevent their healthy development and achievement. United Way helps children and youth realize their full potential.
Healthy People, Strong Communities
Wellness and belonging are the foundation of strong communities for everyone, regardless of age, race, ability, income or personal experience. People thrive when they are valued in community.
Your Local Love in ACTION
Please watch our Impact Video to see how your generosity has made a difference in the lives of individuals and families across Halton and Hamilton.
Our Community in ACTION
In 2023-2024, together we supported:
Families and neighbours received help because of you.
Programs supported.
Agencies supported.
As a result of this support:
Children and youth accessed basic needs and empowerment programs.
Seniors were helped to improve their wellness and sense of belonging.
Women were supported who faced systemic barriers to inclusion and prosperity.
of in-kind donations were distributed from our community donation warehouse to community agencies.
menstrual hygiene products were distributed as a part of our Period Promise initiative.
All That
Kids Can Be
Without the support I received over the years, life would have been much different for my family. Thanks to United Way, these programs gave us something to look forward to and made learning more fun.
All That Kids Can Be
Without the support I received over the years, life would have been much different for my family. Thanks to United Way, these programs gave us something to look forward to and made learning more fun.
The Issue
Too many children and young people lack the necessary support to reach their full potential. By focusing on the physical, emotional, and educational development of young individuals, we can prevent the emergence of problems that often arise from childhood challenges. These issues include dropping out of high school, unemployment, poor mental and physical health, and ongoing poverty. With your support, we can invest in after-school programs, positive mentorship, anti-bullying initiatives, parenting supports, mental health services, and programs that boost self-esteem.
Your Impact in ACTION
With your generous support, United Way Halton & Hamilton helped youth and their families across our region reach their full potential in 2023-2024. Together, we can help them along their path to success and achieve results, such as:
ISSUE
Youth with high levels of academic and social engagement in high school are more likely to participate in post-secondary education. 86% of post secondary graduates in Ontario were working in paid employment within six months of graduation.
School clubs and youth organizations are sources of inspiration, hope and engagement, where leadership can grow and positive change can be made.
A positive state of mental health and wellness in youth sets the stage for their healthy transition to adulthood and is associated with a greater likelihood of completing school, healthier social relations, and higher levels of self-confidence.
Want to learn more? Dive into the full All That Kids Can Be section of the report.
IMPACT
Children and youth engaged in learning and improved their academic performance
Children and youth are connected to and involved in their community
Children and youth improved their emotional and physical well-being
From Poverty to Possibility
My journey hasn't been easy, and the road ahead is still filled with challenges. But I'm no longer defined by my past. I'm defined by the strength and resilience that carried me through it. And as I look back on how far I've come, I can now say I am the person that a younger me would have felt safe and comforted to be around.
From Poverty to Possibility
My journey hasn't been easy, and the road ahead is still filled with challenges. But I'm no longer defined by my past. I'm defined by the strength and resilience that carried me through it. And as I look back on how far I've come, I can now say I am the person that a younger me would have felt safe and comforted to be around.
The Issue
Housing security and affordability are significant concerns facing residents in Halton and Hamilton. The increasing costs of housing have created financial challenges for individuals and families, making it difficult to secure stable and affordable living arrangements. This issue not only affects those already struggling to make ends meet but also worsens broader economic pressures within our community. As more families struggle to find suitable housing within their means, the need for accessible and affordable housing options has become more pressing than ever.
Your Impact in ACTION
With your support, United Way Halton & Hamilton helped people move from poverty to possibility in 2023-2024. Together, we can help them reach financial independence and achieve results, such as:
ISSUE
43% of Canadians feel financially worse off than they did in the previous year.
In Ontario, approximately 22% of jobs could be characterized as precarious work.
Exposure to severe food insecurity negatively impacts children’s well-being, manifesting in greater risks for conditions like asthma, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Want to learn more? Dive into the full From Poverty to Possibility section of the report.
IMPACT
People experienced increased financial security
People worked towards meaningful employment
People have increased food security
Healthy people, strong communities
Thanks to United Way, we are not left to face life's challenges alone—we instead benefit from a network of care and support that helps our well-being.
Healthy people, strong communities
Thanks to United Way, we are not left to face life's challenges alone—we instead benefit from a network of care and support that helps our well-being.
The Issue
Healthy and safe communities are ones where everyone is included and feels a sense of belonging and value. However, many marginalized groups in our communities, such as seniors, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, racialized individuals, newcomers to Canada, those with low incomes, young people in need, and people with disabilities or mental health challenges, do not experience this sense of belonging. This impacts their ability to fully and fairly participate in their community, access help they need or lead meaningful, healthy lives
Your Impact in ACTION
With your generous support, United Way Halton & Hamilton helped youth and their families across our region reach their full potential in 2023-2024. Together, we can help them along their path to success and achieve results, such as:
ISSUE
More than 40% of Canadians feel lonely some or all of the time, with the problem worse among those who live alone.
The economic burden of mental illness in Canada is an estimated $51 billion per year including health care costs, lost productivity and reductions in health-related quality of life.
59% of immigrants and visible minorities in Hamilton said they experienced discrimination in the past three years
Want to learn more? Dive into the full From Poverty to Possibility section of the report.
IMPACT
People are involved in their community and feel a sense of belonging
People have improved mental health and are better able to handle life’s challenges
Racialized individuals supported and inclusion promoted by helping people engage with their culture and celebrating diversity
Network of Support
The network of support is a lifeline for newcomers to navigate the challenges that come with adapting to a new culture and creates a sense of community.
Network of Support
The network of support is a lifeline for newcomers to navigate the challenges that come with adapting to a new culture and creates a sense of community.
What is the Network of Support?
When our neighbours and friends need help, they often require support from multiple programs to address their complex needs. This is what we call the network of support. At United Way, we understand that it takes a village to support a community. We serve as the backbone of a network of support, bringing together agency experts, knowledgeable community members, and donors like you who contribute to capacity building, leadership development, and collective action.
Your Impact in ACTION
Thanks to your generosity, we are able to collaborate with partners to create coordinated, seamless programs and services that meet the diverse needs of our community. Your gift helps with building capacity in frontline agencies and fostering innovation. Together we’re empowering the community and igniting action for positive change.
United in ACTION we’re driving community-level transformation.
Want to learn more? Dive into the full Network of Support section of the report.
We could not do the work we do without YOU!
Your support has been critical this year in helping over 220,568+ families and neighbours receive the help they need to thrive.
A BIG thank you to all of the incredible community champions, volunteers, organizations and philanthropic leaders and families, who helped United Way Halton & Hamilton achieve a milestone year.
Learn more about these community leaders’ contributions and support on pages 26-44 of our report.
Local Love In ACTION
Building on last year’s overwhelming support of our Founding Circle donors, we are excited to announce the 2024 Local Love Community Match. This is YOUR unique opportunity to join a generous group, helping to build this year’s Campaign Match. Reach out to learn how YOU can inspire positive change for the community!
View the inaugural Founders Circle, community leaders and organizations, who contributed to our inaugural Local Love Community Match. See how you can get involved today!
United in Resilience. United in Local Love. United in Support. Together we’re United in ACTION!
In times of challenge, our community shines brightest when we come together in action. As we navigate through uncertainties and confront pressing issues, our collective strength becomes our greatest asset.
Now, more than ever, we invite you to join us in showing your local love. Together, through united efforts and shared commitment, we can create meaningful change and uplift those in need.
Progress is an uphill battle, and United in ACTION, we are prepared to help build a better future for all.
