2024-25:
Year in Review
2024-25:
Year in Review
A Message from Our Interim President and CEO
I am continually inspired by the dedication and compassion shown by our staff, volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters. Time and again, you rise to the occasion when adversity strikes—proving that the strength of our communities lies in our shared commitment to one another.
Across our region, many people are facing steep cost-of-living increases, a shortage of shelter spaces, and limited access to food and essential services. In the face of such hardships, I am proud of our commitment to working with optimism. There is a deep sense of purpose and hope that drives our team forward.
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors in these times. You have responded to our requests for support, participated in our special events, and remembered us when you’ve felt able to give again. Thank you. Your support gives us the flexibility to pivot quickly and meet emerging issues with purpose and care.
I know that we are making a real and measurable difference—and this report is a testament to the impact that your support makes possible. I hope it helps you feel more connected to your community and to the solutions we are building together to create lasting change.
With gratitude,
Dennise Taylor-Gilhen
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer
United Way East Ontario
Our Investments Across the Region
This online preview of our annual report offers a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished together over the past year in Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County, and Renfrew County.
See how we’re creating lasting social change through three focus areas:
By putting more kids on track to succeed, we can help all youth in our communities reach their full potential.
By helping people achieve financial independence and stability, we can break the cycle of poverty.
By improving equity, connections and wellbeing for vulnerable groups, our communities can be great for everyone.
In 2023-24, we invested in:
85
collaborations and initiatives
112
programs
81
community agencies
collaborations
and initiatives
programs
community
agencies
As a result of these investments:
92,148
people were supported
3,595
people volunteered with our agency partners
274,537
total volunteer hours
people were supported
people volunteered with our agency partners
total volunteer hours
Watch
A special video that highlights our impact and expresses our gratitude for your support!
All That Kids Can Be
Through School’s Cool, Tracey’s grandson, Lincoln, was provided with unique experiences that increased his confidence entering kindergarten. Tracey explains that for autistic children, "it's scary for them to go out in the world with other children who may not understand.”
By supporting children like Lincoln early in their childhood, United Way sets kids up for a bright future—no matter their circumstances. Powered by our donors, school readiness and early years programming like School’s Cool improve graduation rates, mental health, and school performance for vulnerable infants and children.
It’s never the same program twice because the children who are in the program, the way they interact, and their unique needs are how the staff plan and build the program.
The Issue
For some local kids, growing up isn’t easy. Challenges can begin before a child even steps into school for the first time.
Many children are behind on their developmental milestones, and an increasing number are struggling with behavioural issues like lack of social skills or emotional regulation because of the continued transition out of pandemic isolation. Many also face heightened stress and feelings of isolation.
33%
33% of young children in Lanark County are vulnerable in at least one developmental domain, compared to the provincial average of 31%.
December 2024
Our Response
Aligning action on youth homelessness
In October, we proudly partnered with the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness and the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa for a three-day national summit in Ottawa.
Annual stakeholder meeting for project step
In January, project step held its annual stakeholder meeting to examine the current conditions, trends, and service gaps surrounding youth mental health, as well as problematic substance and technology use.
Making a real difference with Move for Youth
Since 2020, National Bank, United Way East Ontario, and Centraide Outaouais have partnered to make a difference for local kids. In 2024, $121,223 was raised to help kids reach their full potential.
Our Impact
With our supporters, United Way helped 13,439 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:
Outcomes | Results | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Children and youth are successful in school | 59% of children developed soft skills like time management, communication, and critical thinking | 1,390 youth served who participated in school and/or community-based out-of-school time programs focused on academic success | |
Children and youth have access to mental health, addiction, and crisis supports | 87% of youth achieved their counselling goals | 1,274 youth accessed a mental health, addiction, and/or crisis support program | |
Children and youth experiencing homelessness receive supports | 141 youth moved into affordable housing with no limitations or requirements | 262 youth living in emergency shelters or transitional housing received supports to live independently | |
Our Goals for the Future
In 2025-26, we will use our tools and resources to …
- Invest in school readiness, early years, critical hours programming, and participating in collaborative networks like the Ottawa Child and Youth Initiative.
- Develop opportunities for homework clubs in vulnerable neighbourhoods, including those in rural communities.
- Invest in counselling, education, life, and work skills programs to support youth at risk of, or currently experiencing, homelessness.
- Invest in parent, child, and youth mental health, addictions, and substance use health counselling, information, and supports.
Want to learn more? Dive into the full All That Kids Can Be section of the report.
From Poverty To Possibility
“I was homeless from the ages of 14 to 17. That’s when I got connected with Operation Come Home. They helped me get subsidized housing, I established new culinary skills at FoodWorks, and it really helped to get my life back on track.” - Nikki, youth participant, FoodWorks
United Way makes it easier for people to get a job, thrive in their workplace, and become financially independent. While we help people meet their basic needs and get through crises, we also work on long-term solutions to break down barriers and improve lives for the next generation.
They learn that when they come here, regardless of what they’ve got going on in their personal lives, they can overcome the anxieties and stresses they have. Once they walk through our doors, come into this kitchen, they know they’re in a safe space
The Issue
We know that poverty can happen because of an unexpected life change, but many people also have the cards stacked against them from day one. Poverty isn’t a level playing field.
Across East Ontario, youth facing homelessness are experiencing instability and uncertainty. A young person’s sense of self and ability to envision a successful future is nearly impossible when they are unsure where their next meal will come from, or where they’ll sleep for the night.
9.7%
9.7% of racialized populations are unemployed in Ontario, compared to 5.6% of non-racialized people.
January 2025
~62%
~62% of working age adults with disabilities are employed compared to 78% of those without disabilities.
December 2023
1 in 4
1 in 4 Ottawa households faced food insecurity in 2023—up from 1 in 7 households the prior year.
November 2024
Our Response
Poverty reduction strategy with the City of Ottawa
We joined a diverse group of partners to shape the development of the city’s poverty reduction strategy. United Way contributed its expertise in addressing and preventing poverty, ensuring alignment with existing initiatives and centering the voices of those most affected.
Partnering to build a local approach to Community Wealth Building
Community Wealth Building (CWB) uses existing strengths, talents, and business practices to put local people in control of their own economic wellbeing.
We brought together stakeholders to develop a region-specific framework for advancing and scaling CWB with the support of Buy Social Canada.
Novemburger: The tastiest event of the year
Our inaugural Novemburger brought 16 local restaurants together to create unique burgers and give a portion of each sale to United Way. The month-long initiative not only showcased local culinary talent but also raised over $15,000 with 3,516 burgers sold.
Our Impact
With our supporters, United Way helped 4,752 people move from poverty to possibility in 2023-2024. Together, we can help them achieve financial independence and achieve results, such as:
Outcomes | Results | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Newcomers are engaged in the labour market | 42% of newcomer job seekers found employment | 1,301 individuals served by employment programs for newcomers | |
People with disabilities are engaged in the labour market | 71% of job seekers with disabilities found employment | 1,241 individuals served by employment programs for people with disabilities | |
People in financial crisis receive supports | 93% of people supported felt safer and more secure | 1,948 people in financial crisis received financial services and supports | |
Our Goals for the Future
In 2025-26, we will use our tools and resources to …
- Invest in employment programs and supports that improve outcomes for underrepresented youth, people with disabilities, and newcomers.
- Work alongside the Indigenous community on the Indigenous Employment Leadership Advisory Table (IELAT) to bring together employers, stakeholders, and Indigenous youth to better understand the labour market issues and create culturally safer workplaces.
- Ensure adoption Community Wealth Building principles and best practices as a key element of municipal poverty reduction strategies, including investing in social enterprises, and adopting social procurement policies, community benefit agreements, and buy/shop local practices.
- Reduce the impact of poverty by supporting financial literacy programs, food security, transportation (especially in rural communities), basic needs, and utilities relief.
Want to learn more? Dive into the full From Poverty to Possibility section of the report.
Healthy People, Strong Communities
"It took me a long time to recognize that, as a caregiver, I have to take care of myself if I’m going to do a good job of taking care of my husband, Bob.” - Beverley, participant, Perth Enrichment Program (PEP)
Fueled by United Way, the Perth Enrichment Program (PEP) has become an essential resource for Beverley, who cares for her husband Bob after his recovery from a stroke and through his battle with Parkinson’s disease. While Bob enjoys the fun environment at PEP, Beverley has time to recharge and connect with others.
Fueled by United Way, the Perth Enrichment Program “boosts people up, improves their quality of life, and helps them to live in their own home for as long as possible.”
The Issue
The strength of a community is determined by the health and wellbeing of those who live there. But many people across our region lack access to the support they need, impacting their quality of life.
14.7%
14.7% of seniors living alone in Ontario are under the poverty rate, compared to 3.9% of seniors who live in a family setting.
April 2024
18%
18% of Ontario residents reporting poor-to-fair mental health had a core housing need.
January 2023
Our Response
A community-wide response to hate and discrimination
This past year, United Way and the United for All coalition deployed investments, learning opportunities, facilitated discussions, and calls to action to inspire an aligned and collective response focused on building solidarity and support.
This included a major investment of $100,000 in mental health and trauma supports to Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim-serving organizations.
Updating research on seniors and caregivers
As part of our Loaned Representative program, the Public Health Agency of Canada deployed an expert in gerontology to United Way for one year to conduct an update to our 2017 Reports on Vulnerable Seniors.
This work involved a review of recent data and literature, interviews with leaders, and an analysis of post-pandemic capacities, needs, and opportunities.
Taking a swing at the sigma around mental health
In February, we hosted the second annual BATL for Mental Health, bringing together 16 teams from our workplace and corporate partners to support accessible mental health initiatives— and have an ‘axe-traordinary’ time.
Thanks to everyone’s participation and our title sponsor TD, we raised $15,137 for community-based mental health programs.
Our Impact
With our supporters, United Way helped 73,957 people across our region to improve equity, wellbeing, and connections in 2023-2024. Together, we can build stronger communities and achieve results, such as:
Outcomes | Results | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Adults have access to mental health and addiction supports | 91% of clients had improved mental health outcomes | 11,332 individuals received mental health and addiction supports | |
Seniors and caregivers have improved wellbeing and are less isolated | 94% of clients reported improved feelings of well-being | 3,146 seniors and caregivers accessed programs to improve their wellbeing and sense of community. | |
Adults in crisis have access to immediate supports | 56% of clients experienced a reduction to their distress | 39,146 individuals received crisis supports | |
Our Goals for the Future
In 2025-26, we will use our tools and resources to …
- Support vulnerable seniors and caregivers by advocating for improved policies and increased support for caregivers, in alignment with recommendations of the Eastern Ontario Caregiver Strategy.
- Support sustainability and build capacity for networks, coalitions, and agencies by investing in activities, projects, and programs that improve outcomes for the community sector and agencies working together to improve outcomes for vulnerable people.
- Contribute to provincial discussions for 211 and systems navigation planning, to evolve the system and service model.
- Increase community leaders' ability to address incidents of hate, facilitate peaceful dialogue, and better support affected communities by deploying investments in anti-hate activities and capacity building.
- Provide access to comprehensive, integrated, community-based, culturally relevant counselling and supports for people experiencing crisis, mental health challenges, and substance use disorder issues.
Want to learn more? Dive into the full Healthy People, Strong Communities section of the report.
What's New
As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and look to the future, we’re excited to highlight some of the new developments that have been made possible by the continued support of our dedicated donors.
Novemburger: The tastiest event of the year
United Way East Ontario’s inaugural Novemburger, in 2024, brought together 16 restaurants from Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County, and Renfrew County to create unique burgers and donate a percentage of their sales to a good cause. The month-long initiative not only showcased the culinary talents of local establishments but also raised over $15,000 for United Way, with 3,516 Novemburgers sold.
Novemburger’s success was celebrated with awards that recognized the top-performing restaurants. Novemburger’s positive reception and community-wide impact have set the stage for it to become an annual event, promising to grow bigger and better in the years to come.
Our Community Builder of the Year is shaping the future of youth mental health
We were honoured to present our 2024 Community Builder of the Year Award to YouthNet/RéseauAdo: a youth-led mental health promotion and intervention organization making a real difference in the lives of local youth. At a time when the mental health and addictions crisis is at the forefront of our communities, empowering young people as catalysts for better mental wellbeing will mean a healthier future for all of us.
On October 16, 2024, our team collaborated with YouthNet’s Youth Advisory Committee and muralist Kseniya Tsoy to create a mural that embodies hope, wellbeing, and life. On October 23, we unveiled the mural and presented the Community Builder of the Year Award to YouthNet alongside a room full of advocates committed to youth wellbeing.
United Way (Ontario and Nunavut) School Food Infrastructure Fund
On January 31, 2025, Agriculture Agri-Food Canada announced the launch of the School Food Infrastructure Fund (SFIF) which supports not-for-profit organizations to improve infrastructure and equipment for school food programming across Canada. United Way East Ontario was selected as one of several organizations (known as initial recipients) from across Canada to further distribute the SFIF. Our United Way is working with five partner United Ways to make sure much needed school food infrastructure projects are in place to support our communities.
The SFIF will support the purchase and installation of infrastructure and equipment that increases the capacity of community organizations to produce, process, store, and distribute food for school food programs.
Leading Forward: United Way Canada National Conference in Ottawa
United Way Centraide Canada hosted more than 400 attendees, representing 60+ United Way Centraides, for its national conference in June 2024. Taking place in Ottawa, United Way East Ontario welcomed our network for the first opportunity since before the pandemic to come together, strategize, and tackle current needs that we face in all our communities throughout the country.
Our team led two workshops, sharing our regional context with a national scope. In the first workshop, participants engaged with the topic of issues leadership to consider how to tackle shared issues on a national scope
in the coming years. Through United for All, this second workshop highlighted United Way East Ontario’s work to address increased polarization and have difficult conversations around hate and violence.
King Charles III Coronation Medals awarded to local community leaders
In May 2023, to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, then-prime minister Justin Trudeau announced the Government of Canada’s intention to award 30,000 Coronation Medals to those “who have made Executive Director of Minwaashin Lodge Mary Daoust, Grandmother Irene Compton, and UWEO Vice President of Community Impact Kelly Mertl significant contributions to the country, a province, territory, region or community, or an achievement abroad that brings benefit or honour to Canada.”
United Way East Ontario is proud to have been chosen by the federal government to bestow this accolade on individuals who have worked tirelessly to make our region great for everyone.
100% Local Impact
At United Way, we’re committed to 100% local impact. That means every dollar we invest stays in the community where it was raised—where it’s needed most and will have the greatest impact. Our annual report, which includes our financial statements, is our way of showing you, our donors, and supporters, that we’ve kept that promise.
Read the complete Annual Report.
Your support makes a measurable difference, and we hope this report helps you connect more deeply with our region and the impactful solutions we are driving to strengthen it every day.
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Last Updated: June 20, 2025
