At work in every corner of our city
With your generosity and support, United Way Toronto is working to improve the lives of many. We continue to build strong partnerships with community leaders, business, labour and government, allowing us to target the critical social issues affecting the quality of life in Toronto.
Our network of more than 200 health and social service agencies delivers quality services and programs to every corner of our city to impact the following areas: employment, health care support, hunger and homelessness prevention, neighbourhoods, newcomers, people with addictions, people with AIDS/HIV, people with disabilities, women who have been abused, seniors and young children. In 2008, United Way remains focused on three priority areas—strengthening neighbourhoods, creating opportunities for youth and helping to fulfill the potential of newcomers.
Accountable and Trustworthy
United Way Toronto is a flagship member of Imagine Canada’s new Ethical Code set to launch in January 2008. This new Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code sets the standards for charitable organizations to manage and report publicly on their financial affairs. United Way Toronto is committed to organizational accountability and transparency.
Making an impact in communities
In 2005, United Way launched a five-year Neighbourhood Strategy aimed at strengthening underserved, inner suburban neighbourhoods. The strategy responded to the growing trends of poverty and increasing population growth in these areas—areas that are home to a significant number of newcomers and youth. The Neighbourhood Strategy involves a broad range of activities, with a particular emphasis on 13 priority neighbourhoods jointly identified by United Way Toronto and the City of Toronto as requiring targeted social investment and support. Components of the strategy include the following:
- ACTION FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD CHANGE – an initiative that will strengthen 13 priority inner-suburban neighbourhoods through resident engagement and community building with a view to creating long-term sustainable change,
- COMMUNITY HUBS – an initiative that will seed development of new community service hubs in eight of the priority neighbourhoods, where infrastructure is particularly lacking,
- YOUTH PROGRAMS – a series of special youth initiatives that focus on leadership, community engagement through the arts, and investment in educational success,
- INCREMENTAL INVESTMENT – 75% of all new funding raised annually from the UW campaign will be targeted to inner suburban neighbourhoods.
By leveraging our strong network of government, business and social sector partners, we are able to multiply the impact of our joint efforts. United Way’s history of research helps to inform these efforts in the most effective way. Together, with your support, we’re creating lasting change across our city.