Women United Annual Impact Report: 2024
Women United Annual Impact Report: 2024
Women United is a diverse and dedicated group of individuals who believe in the power of collective action. For over a decade, we’ve invested in programs and projects that help women, and their families lead safe, healthy, and empowered lives. This isn’t about funding a single issue; it’s a region-wide strategy informed by United Way’s deep community knowledge and trusted partnerships.
Locally, our network was made up of 602 donors, including 103 active members, who dedicated their time, talents, and resources to empowering women in our communities, helping them build strong, independent lives.
10 amazing years of commitment to elevating and empowering women in East Ontario.
Over the past decade, Women United members have raised and invested more than $1 million. All Women United donations are invested to address one or more of our four priority pillars:
Addressing gender-based violence
Empowering women in leadership
Supporting young mothers and their children
Building an Equitable Economy
2024 Investment Snapshot
Investing Where it Matters Most
In 2024, Women United invested $142,851 to uplift women and girls across East Ontario—through both grassroots leadership and trusted partnerships.
Grassroots Leadership: Community Action Grants
Small grants that support grassroots initiatives led by local women. These grants help women become leaders by identifying and carrying out local projects that strengthen their communities.
9 programs | 9 agencies | 855 people supported
- Girls Who Brunch – Hosted by Social Planning Council, ACB Wellness & Resource Centre
Mentorship and self-esteem workshops helped young girls develop confidence and leadership skills.
- 725 Bernard Lunch and Learn – Hosted by Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Queen Mary Court Tenant’s Circle
Neighbours gathered over lunch to learn about local services, food access, and financial resources.
- Defending Ourselves: Safety Awareness and Violence Prevention – Hosted by Banff Avenue Community House, Banff Girls Youth Group
Mothers and daughters participated in self-defence workshops, building confidence and connection.
- See it, Name it, Change it – Hosted by Responding to Femicides Working Group, Lanark County Interval House
A public education campaign helped communities recognize and respond to abuse.
- Femme-Youth Peer Support – Hosted by South-East Ottawa CHC, Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network
Peer-led mental health groups supported young African, Caribbean, and Black women and femmes.
- Community Dinner and Chat – Hosted by South-East Ottawa CHC, Congolese Women’s Group
Newcomer women engaged in Swahili-language sessions on parenting, safety, and financial literacy.
- Gardening for Well-Being – Hosted by South-East Ottawa CHC, Russell Heights – KIGONI
Residents built a community garden while learning food preservation and sustainability practices.
- Tomorrow is Too Late – Hosted by Women’s Sexual Assault Centre, EVA Renfrew
A vigil, education workshop, and memorial honoured victims of gender-based violence and sparked action.
- Women’s Focus Group on Restorative Justice and IPV – Hosted by Lanark County Community Justice
Survivors explored how restorative justice could be applied to IPV cases, informing local recommendations.
Trusted Partners: United Way Community Fund
Investments targeted to where they’re needed most and will have the greatest impact to improve the lives of women and girls across our region.
9 programs | 9 agencies | 1,782 people supported
- St Mary’s Home – Success for Children of Young Parents
Programs aimed to support young parents and their children, including enriched play programs for children, individual and group parenting intervention sessions, and information sessions supporting secure attachment and helping children reach their developmental milestones.
- Petawawa Military Family Resources – Prenatal Health and Parent Support for Military Families
A supportive group for parents to share ideas about feeding their family on a budget, activities to support children’s learning and bonding with their parents, and other community resources available.
- Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre – Bridging the Gap
A community-based trauma counselling program to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence who are on the waitlist for individual counselling and longer term mental health supports.
- City for All Women’s Initiative – Making Voices Count
This program helps to engage and educate emerging leaders in underserved neighbourhoods through education and discussion about civic participation in local elections, city budgets, and other ways to engage. Participants set the topics of interest, which may include subjects like public transit, food security, and child care.
- Minwaashin Lodge – Culturally Based Substance Abuse Treatment for Indigenous Women
Individual counselling to address problematic substance use and support mental wellness, catered to the needs and culture of the Indigenous community in the Ottawa area.
- Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa – Building Resiliency – Meeting Crisis Needs
Support for women and gender diverse individuals who have experienced criminalization, including crisis counselling, addictions/relapse prevention, court support during proceedings, and practical needs such as transportation and housing support for those being released from the detention centre.
- South East CHC – Creating the Change We Want
Neighbourhood engagement to increase equity and build a sense of belonging in priority neighbourhoods. Activities include leadership training for volunteers to build their community development skills.
- EcoEquitable – Sewing for Jobs
A program to support newcomer women through access to training and community. Participants learn sewing skills and are supported to enter the job market through co-op and work placement opportunities.
- Groupe Action -Fiers de nos enfants/Maison de la famille
Early child development programs, including workshops on child development for parents, educational activities for young children, and support for low-income families in the form of diapers, formula, vitamins, and other critical supplies.
Powered by Women United:
Where Wellness Blooms in LeBreton Flats
One example of how past support continues to spark impact is LeBreton Together, a community project hosted by Somerset West Community Health Centre and local resident leaders. Funded in 2022/2023, the project was brought to life in 2023/2024
Known as the Sunshine Hub, this space is building connection, resilience, and well-being through a variety of workshops and activities led by and for community members. From Zumba classes and yoga sessions to movie nights, cooking workshops, and holiday celebrations, LeBreton Together is helping neighbours come together, feel supported, and boosting their mental health—one gathering at a time.
At Women United, we believe that when women lead, communities thrive.
That’s why in 2024, we launched the Women United Champions Program. Our Women United Champions are a dedicated group of leaders who are committed to making a lasting impact for women and girls across our region. Through their advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership, they are helping to create a more equitable future.
Through advocacy, philanthropy, and community leadership, our Champions are using their voices to push for progress and amplify the impact of Women United across East Ontario.
We’re proud to recognize and celebrate these exceptional women for their commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive future.
When women have a voice in setting direction, policy and action we can move toward more equitable workplaces and communities.
