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.
'I dream of a future that could exist.'
Poetic in their simplicity, these words speak volumes about hope—about daring to hope—and the sheer possibility of a better life. They are the words of a young person who works at the Phoenix Print Shop, a social purpose enterprise funded by the Toronto Enterprise Fund.
These social purpose enterprises offer a highly focused opportunity for some of Toronto’s most vulnerable young people.
Tapping potential and building knowledge
"I’m a real people person and when I moved to Toronto, I wanted very much to help people in my new community. This program helped me to do that, and to find the right direction to further my career."
Program gives newcomers a springboard for life in their new home
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
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.
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.
Education is the foundation
"If I weren't here every day after school, I'd be getting into trouble," admits twelve-year-old, Gavin Pierce who has been coming to the Boys & Girls Club for the past four years.
Academic club sets kids on the path to a productive life.
Progress that inspires
"There are so many cultures all in one place with happy faces, ready to help each other. It’s wonderful."
A desire for a safe, healthy neighbourhood, that residents are proud to call home.
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
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