From Poverty to Possibility
United Way believes that everyone deserves a job, a purpose, and a sense of belonging. Together, we can ensure more people in our communities achieve financial independence and stability.
The issue
Across our region, there continue to be major barriers to inclusion and success in the workforce. Indigenous Peoples, youth, newcomers, Black and racialized communities, vulnerable women, and people with disabilities often face stigma, misinformed perceptions, and biased or outdated assumptions—resulting in financially precarious situations.
In rural parts of our region, the digital divide and limited or no existing public transportation options make access to services more challenging. Ensuring access to information for those who face language, literacy, or connectivity issues continues to be of great importance.
9.7%
of racialized populations are unemployed in Ontario, compared to 5.6% of non-racialized people.
10%
of children and youth aged 0 to 17 years live in low-income households in East Ontario.
~62%
of working age adults with disabilities are employed compared to 78% of those without disabilities.
1 in 4
Ottawa households faced food insecurity in 2023 – up from 1 in 7 households the prior year.
Our response
Our role as a convener means we’re able to bring together our network of partners and donors to help our communities create solutions that will work across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County.
United Way holds strong relationships with many sectors, industries, businesses, elected officials, social services, and community leaders. By convening community champions and experts, we buildconnections across East Ontario that link organizations with the tools they need to reimagine business ecosystems in ways that benefit everyone—including the most marginalized people in our communities.
We do this through initiatives that unite key stakeholders on a collective mission:
Building Community Wealth
When we buy local, when we build inclusive workplaces, when we hire from underrepresented groups in the labour market, and most importantly, when we work together, we can reduce inequities for marginalized groups, repair relationships, and rebuild systems that create prosperity. This is known as Community Wealth Building, and we believe it is one of the key tools we can use to move the mark towards stronger, healthier communities where everyone can thrive.
Equity in Employment
The Employment Accessibility Resource Network (EARN) brings together employers, service providers, and other partners to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and promote inclusive and accessible workplaces.
HIO brings together employers, immigrant agencies, and stakeholders to enhance employers’ ability to access the talents of skilled immigrants in the Ottawa area.
…
With the aim of creating more culturally inclusive workplaces for Indigenous Peoples, IELAT, in collaboration with the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition, brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment service providers, employers, post-secondary institutions, and other stakeholders to make an impact.
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 job training and mentoring for Indigenous Peoples, youth, newcomers, and people with disabilities, as well as education for employers. As part of our commitment to measuring our impact, we track and report how these investments make a difference.
Outcome: Newcomers are engaged in the labour market
42% of newcomer job seekers found employment.
1,301 individuals served by employment programs for newcomers (includes stats from Hire Immigrants Ottawa).
Outcome: 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 (includes stats from Employment Accessibility Resource Network).
Outcome: Priority populations are engaged in the labour market
67% of participants found outside employment as a result of the program.
2,804 individuals served by employment programs for all priority populations, including rural residents, Indigenous job seekers, newcomers, youth, and people with disabilities (includes stats from EARN, HIO, and IELAT).
Outcome: 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.
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 more people in our communities achieve financial independence and stability.
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help people in crisis.
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support newcomers.
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celebrate diversity.
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fuel inclusion.
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end hate and violence.
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make sure every kid graduates.
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end youth homelessness.
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show my local love.
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help seniors thrive.
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