All That Kids Can Be
United Way believes that every child has the right to a good life and a safe place to grow up, learn, and make good friends—no matter where they live or their personal circumstances.
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. All the issues facing children and youth were amplified during the pandemic. Years later, many kids are still struggling.
33%
of young children in Lanark County are vulnerable in at least one developmental domain, compared to the provincial average of 31%.
2x
Twice as many kids, between the ages of 5 and 13, are struggling with pro-social behaviours and soft skills (like concentration, accepting change, controlling behaviour, making friends, experiencing anxiety or depression) since 2019.
20%
of students in Ottawa reported non-medical opioid use in the past year.
Our response
United Way plays a key leadership and support role in initiatives critical to meeting the needs of vulnerable children and youth. These include:
Partnering for success
The Critical Hours Task Group brings together organizations that provide programming for children and youth outside of school hours. This includes homework clubs, after school programs, summer camps, recreation programs, youth drop-in, and others.
Supported by United Way East Ontario, the goal of the ROYMHC is to help rural Ottawa youth feel supported if they need mental health help and make sure they know where to go for support. We know there are challenges with accessing mental health supports that are unique to rural youth—whether it’s distance, transportation, not knowing what resources exist, or a lack of privacy or ability to access existing resources. With programs delivered by the Nepean Rideau Osgoode Community Resource Centre (NROCRC), the ROYMHC is working hard to ensure that youth feel supported.
…
Rural Youth Homelessness Network (RYHN):
The RYHN is a collaborative initiative led by United Way East Ontario, A Way Home Canada, and a range of regional partners, designed to address youth homelessness across our region through a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The network aims to ensure all young people have access to basic needs like shelter, food, safety, education, and justice by providing a platform for rural partners across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County, and Renfrew County to come together to share knowledge, build capacity, and advance best practices. Together, we are building the systems needed to ensure youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness receive the right support where and how they need it.
This multi-service community resource centre serves the remote and rural communities in west Renfrew County. They use a unique rural program model that includes taking programs and services into surrounding small towns, providing vital community connections and opportunities for rural children and youth.
The outcomes
United Way also partners with local, front-line agencies to deliver vital programs and services that help improve lives, break down barriers, and create opportunities for our region’s most vulnerable people. These include early-childhood education, support for young parents, after-school programs, school-based addiction counselling, and supports for youth experiencing homelessness. As part of our commitment to measuring our impact, we track and report how these investments make a difference.
Outcome: Children ready to learn
95%of caregivers reported having increased awareness of their children’s development needs and how to address them.
705 families/caregivers served that were provided with information, resources, tools, trainings, and/or teaching skills.
Outcome: 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.
Outcome: Children and youth are resilient
79% of children and youth reported decreased levels of stress.
33 children and youth reported decreased levels of stress.
Outcome: 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,
Outcome: 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.
Outcome: Children and youth are actively engaged and resilient
90% youth reported improved emotional well-being and better access to positive coping strategies.
11,764 youth served who were equipped with tools to improve their emotional well-being, prosocial behaviors, and positive coping strategies.
Results from 2023-2024 investments
As we continue to align our work across Ottawa, Prescott-Russell, Lanark County, and Renfrew County, our reporting on outcomes will grow and strengthen each year.
Help ensure every kid has the basic building blocks to stay on track to succeed—in school, and in life.
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