UNITED WAY COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DIRECTORY

Transcription

1 UNITED WAY COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DIRECTORY COWICHAN CENTRAL ISLAND COMOX VALLEY CAMPBELL RIVER 1

2 Our Mission With your support and donations, we improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. United Way strives to ensure our neighbors have access to equal opportunities, our children succeed in school, and our communities are engaged. Your donations produce tangible outcomes in the areas of our three pillars of Poverty to Possibility, All That Kids Can Be, and Healthy People, Strong Communities. Your Donations Fund Community Partners Donors trust United Way to invest their donations into programs that address the most urgent needs and also have the greatest positive impact on the community. United Way has committees of volunteers (Impact Councils) who review applications from registered charities and recommend funding decisions to the Board of Directors. Their recommendations are based on community priorities, specific funding criteria and local research gathered on community needs/possible solutions. In , your generous donations are funding 91 programs through 75 community partners and agencies, serving 42,125 people in the Central and Northern Island region. Other Important Initiatives and Partnerships You Support Your United Way is much more than Community Partner grants. Your United Way also comes together with community members, groups, agencies, governments and businesses to solve local social issues. United Way is committed to working with other community leaders to identify local human service needs, establish priorities for addressing them, and gather the resources required to meet them. Within Central and Northern Vancouver Island, UWCNVI either leads or contributes to the following initiatives: The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), bc211, Better at Home, Success by 6, and research initiatives such as Vital Signs. To learn more about these partnerships, please visit page 3 or uwcnvi.ca. How Your United Way Works This chart illustrates how your United Way works. 1 Seniors are less isolated 2 More citizens have their basic needs met Homework is done on your behalf 33 Homeless are helped and housed 44 Children get a healthy start in life 5 Communities are stronger 1 2 We facilitate community solutions We measure results Run 141 employee giving campaigns, with over 3,000 donors supporting 91 programs and helping 42,125 people Your donations are invested locally Launched bc211 web and web chat directory of services 1 Gather local research with community foundations in our regions through Vital Signs 2 Conduct local research through Point-in-Time Counts of the homeless to determine need 3 Build local partnerships 4 Test strategies with other funders and on the ground agencies 5 Monitor and measure results of funded programs 1 Volunteers sit on local Impact Councils assessing grants and community needs 2 Bring childhood development experts together at Success by 6 tables and invest in grants 3 Establish and participate in coalitions to end homelessness 4 Tackling homelessness through investing Federal HPS grants and donations 2 5 UNITED WAY OVERVIEW Helping 3,000+ people through Better at Home

3 Initiatives + Partnerships In addition to funding 91 programs helping 42,125 in , you support other vital initiatives and partnerships. BC211 Due to the generous support of United Way s donors on Vancouver Island and throughout the province of British Columbia, bc211 was officially launched on the Island in the spring of Bc211 is an online information service that is an up-to-date, reliable gateway to community, social, non-clinical health and government services in your local community. The service directory database includes over 12,000 current entries that document and describe services and organizations available to help people. Bc211 is now live. Help is just a click away. Visit bc221.ca or call 211 and get connected with the services you need. Better at Home According to the 2013 Canadian Survey on Disability, just over a third of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with a disability. Better at Home is a United Way managed program that helps more than 3,000 seniors this year in Central & Northern Vancouver Island to live independently and remain connected to their communities. Housekeeping, friendly visits, transportation, yard work and grocery shopping are the main services provided through volunteers and businesses. Better at Home helped Peter and Joy complete their yard work so they could stay in the family home. Collecting Local Data United Way supports local community foundations to carry out Vital Signs. Vital Signs is a research partnership and a regular check-up to measure the vitality of communities. It gathers and publishes data on significant social and economic trends in areas critical to quality of life. United Way, in partnership with the Comox Valley Community Foundation and the Comox Valley Social Planning, launched the Comox Valley Vital Signs. United Way also supported the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve Region s West Coast 2016 Vital Signs report. Vital Signs informs efforts to improve social service supports and build affordable housing solutions. Days of Caring A United Way Day of Caring is a unique opportunity for employees, students and other organizations to take part in meaningful volunteer projects helping local organizations. Volunteers last year took part in Days of Caring by painting daycares, building houses, serving hot meals, and more. To sign up for your own Day of Caring please contact us at mrd@uwcnvi.ca. Partnerships to End Homelessness UWCNVI is an active participant on a number of community based tables and coalitions while managing a partnership of service agencies including the RCMP, BC Housing, Cowichan Tribes and other local agencies. Together we create strategies and programs to help those experiencing homelessness and housing issues, and invest funding from the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) into homelessness reduction strategies. In 2017, local Community Partners helped more than 180 individuals find shelter or permanent housing and also provided over 5,500 hot breakfasts to individuals experiencing homelessness. Success by 6 United Way funds effective Success By 6 (SB6) Early Years initiatives to help vulnerable kids and their families in the Cowichan Valley, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, West Coast, Comox Valley, Campbell River and Mt. Waddington regions. Success By 6 strives to ensure that children have what they need to be successful by the time they start school: socially, emotionally and physically. Through Success by 6, Five-year-old Elias, who recently immigrated to Canada, has been learning English. UNITED WAY INITIATIVES 3

4 Cowichan Options Helping kids be all that they can be A United Way Impact Story The Hospice granted Peter* the strength to carry on through his early years of development. Anonymous family member 4 Nanaimo Community Hospice - CHILD & YOUTH BEREAVEMENT CARE Following the passing of his mother, Peter* felt alone and emotionally traumatized. He regressed in his early childhood development and would refuse to socialize with anyone but immediate family. Then his family signed him up for a Hospice children s program. After a few weeks of one-on-one emotional support from professional staff, Peter was able to draw his feelings out on paper. Gradually, Peter regained his confidence and reached developmental milestones. Peter s case is not uncommon and proves that with the right kind of support, kids can create bright memories even out of the darkest moments. * Names have been changed UNITED WAY IMPACT STORY

5 Cowichan Options Moving people from poverty to possibility For me, coming to the COS support group funded by United Way is the best part of my day. Even when I m feeling down, the group is something I look forward to. Margaret* A United Way Impact Story Community Options - YOUTH OUTREACH & SUPPORT On a cold January afternoon, the door at 554 Trunk Road swings wildly open and closed. Students aged 13 to 19 pile in and take their seats around the circle. They are here for counselling and emotional support, but above all for friendship and guidance. For many students, coming to this group is something to look forward to and is a place where they can feel safe and can openly discuss their challenges. One student, Margaret*, reveals that she recently found the confidence to apply for her first job. She told the employers that she s available every day of the week except Wednesday afternoons. On those days, she goes to 544 Trunk Road for art classes, counselling, and to build her confidence and to have a sense of belonging. * Names have been changed UNITED WAY IMPACT STORY 5

6 Cowichan Options If it wasn t for the caring counsel of the Campbell River Head Injury, and support from United Way, I wouldn t have the coping skills I do now. For that, I am very thankful." Aaron* 6 Healthy People, Strong Communities A United Way Impact Story CR Head Injury - PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM Before becoming involved with the Campbell River Head Injury, Aaron* felt frustrated with his inability to move forward while dealing with the limitations of his injury. He found it difficult to find long-term work as the demands of full-time employment were too much for him. He went to the Head Injury with the goal of moving forward in his life. With the help of the resources the offered, he was able to do so. After taking Anger Management classes and developing methods for coping with his emotions, he became involved in the Peer Support Program in order to give back. Through this program he realized that peer support and counselling was what he wanted to do. He applied to go back to school in this field and was recently accepted into a program. * Names have been changed UNITED WAY IMPACT STORY

7 Cowichan Valley Lead the Way All United Way funded programs support our 3 pillars of change. These include the following: Kids Helping kids be all that they can be We give children the support they need to succeed in life. By improving education, nutrition, and life skills, we help kids reach their full potential. Moving people from poverty to possibility We want to ensure everyone`s basic needs are met so they can focus on building better lives. Healthy people, strong communities We work to create inclusive communities that make everyone feel safe and welcome. Improve lives locally. Community Poverty Donate Today + Support Your Community For more info, visit uwcnvi.ca Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cowichan In-School Mentoring Matches children in need of a mentor with responsible role models who support them, and enable the children to reach their full potential and overcome the challenges of growing up. Clements Centre Family Resource Reduces stress levels for local parents through support groups and help in finding the social services they need for their families. Seasons for Living - Connects people experiencing poverty with affordable housing options through residential services so that they may leave the streets and build a better future. Community Options Outreach & Support Services Facilitates support groups for teens and young adults that promote skill development and social inclusion so that community engagement increases and social well-being thrives. Girls Empowerment Program - Allows girls to connect, express themselves, and be heard. Girls complete the program and return to school with new friendships and newly found confidence. Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Family Caregivers Support Alleviates stress and relieves the pressures caregivers face by providing emotional group support and personal counselling so that individuals can take better care of themselves and others. Cowichan Family Life Volunteer Counselling Provides insight and supports changes through peer counseling so that people can resolve difficult life issues. Books N Bubbles Bus Educates children in outlying communities through a travelling 41 renovated Bluebird bus that provides literacy and learning activities to children who otherwise would have limited tools during their early development. Books N Bubbles Bus: Food for Thought - Teaches children the basics of nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals. Cowichan Valley Hospice Cowichan Bereavement Care Comforts families suffering through the loss of a loved one. This service guides people during their time of grief and offers emotional support to carry people through despair to emotional wellness. Programs Cowichan Lake Community Services Activity Centre Provides information regarding local events, services, and government program applications on a drop-in basis resulting in increased community engagement and event awareness. Community Program/Adult Parenting Strengthens the life skills of parents through parental support classes that enable them to increase their confidence and to raise their children to the best of their abilities. Summer Camp Tutors struggling students through the summer using fun, interactive techniques that ensure children return to school with confidence and an academic edge. Cowichan Neighbourhood House Healthy Youth Program Provides life skills programs after school including First Aid, Food Safe, and resume writing to ensure Cowichan children have more opportunities. Cowichan Valley Basket Food Baskets Delivers food sourced from local businesses to improve the overall health and well-being of low-income families. Ts wulhtun Health Centre Circle of Security Parenting Program - Delivers medical examinations on a drop-in basis to improve the overall health and wellbeing of Ts wulhtun people. Vancouver Island Crisis Youth Suicide Prevention Program Provides suicide prevention and intervention techniques to School District 79 students. Cowichan Valley Your Donations at Work 11 Community Partners 17 Funded Programs 15,878 People Served UNITED WAY COWICHAN PROGRAMS 7

8 Central Island Programs Alberni Alberni Valley Community School Counsellor - Delivers support and constructive feedback for Alberni Valley high school students who are battling academic, interpersonal, and at-home issues. Canadian Red Cross Port Alberni Bullying Prevention Teaches children and youth techniques to prevent bullying and intervene during bullying situations. Port Alberni for Children with Developmental Disabilities Stars Kit - Using a skills kit box and train-the-trainer approach, this program ensures more young children have increased OT based school readiness skills. Errington Errington Elementary School Parents Advisory Committee ACE Kids4Kids Delivers educational experiences and presentations to the children of Errington Elementary School to help them excel at home, in the classroom, and in the community. Errington Therapeutic Riding Therapeutic Riding of Central Island Provides children and adults with physical and mental disabilities a heightened sense of empowerment and overall well-being though horseback riding. Gabriola Island The Hope Centre Teen Peer Helping Program Provides a constructive learning environment for youth, and teaches adolescents techniques to foster healthy social skills and stronger relationships. Ladysmith Ladysmith Family and Friends Family Resource Program Works to improve community ties, encourage social inclusion, and provide family support and meals through a safe community living room for local children and adults. Physical Literacy Enhancement - Teaches youth the value of physical activity while instilling motivation and confidence so that they may lead active lifestyles. 8 Ladysmith Resources Centre Dad s Drop-In Provides marginalized families a safe space to play and spend quality time together. Cowichan Valley Hospice [Ladysmith] Hospice Palliative & Bereavement Care Comforts families suffering through the loss of a loved one. This service guides people during their time of grief and offers emotional support to carry people through despair to emotional wellness. Nanaimo Nanaimo Literacy Reading for Life Offers previously incarcerated men a chance to participate in a volunteer-facilitated book club to improve their literacy skills, which opens the door to brighter futures and opportunities. Haven Children Who Witness Abuse Aims to break the cycle of domestic violence by supporting children who have witnessed the abuse of a caregiver. Various forms of counselling and violence prevention presentations are provided. After receiving services, children report feeling safer and enjoy closer relationships with others. BCSPCA Summer Camps Provides an environment for kids in need who may not otherwise be able to afford a camp experience. These kids are supported through other UWCNVI funded programs. An educational focus is placed on animal care, welfare, and individual ways to help animals. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island In-School Mentoring Matches children in need of a mentor with a responsible adult role model. Volunteer mentors invest their time once a week to play sports, encourage reading, and listen to experiences and challenges of growing up. Boys and Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island Family Resource Program Builds healthy parent/child relationships through weekly drop-in activities, which encourage conflict resolution and other skills, while giving parents access to community resources. South Side Teen Centre Gives youth the chance to develop positive friendships through youth conferences, sporting events, and cooking nights. Through these activities, a focus is placed on healthy living, social involvement, and cultural awareness so adolescents can grow to become kind, compassionate leaders. Generation Q Works to minimize the risk queer youth face in the community, and implement coping techniques to deal with issues negatively impacting LGBTQ adolescents. Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Youth Coordinator Supports multicultural youth to learn English, find a job, and engage more with their community. UNITED WAY CENTRAL ISLAND PROGRAMS Island Crisis Care Supportive Housing Outreach (Nanaimo) Helps improve the self-confidence and quality of life for women who are homeless or at-risk of being without shelter. By improving intrinsic and extrinsic factors, women may work towards finding and maintaining permanent housing solutions. Oceanside Outreach Delivers aid to Oceanside adults and seniors who are homeless or at risk of losing their accommodations. Mid Island Abilities and Independent Living Nanaimo Seniors Visiting Program Combats the feelings of loneliness and lack of freedom some seniors face by providing weekly visits, phone calls, and outdoor activities organized by volunteers. Nanaimo Brain Injury Volunteer Peer Program Pairs brain injury survivors with people starting their journey with head trauma to help them identify life goals, muster motivation, and succeed in their recovery. Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation Food Support Program - Provides nutrition to the nearly 1-in-5 SD68 students affected by poverty, so that they can be healthy and succeed in school.

9 Central Island Programs Nanaimo Child Development Centre Healthy Start Fairs Provides a mix of educational activities designed to improve parenting and develop healthy habits of children 0-6 years old. Nanaimo Citizen Advocacy Outreach Program Presents solutions to reduce local homelessness through outreach intervention efforts. People experiencing poverty or facing multiple barriers to success achieve improved finances, housing situations, health, and personal security. Nanaimo Community Hospice Child and Youth Support Delivers adolescents the emotional support they need after the loss of a loved one, and carries them through their grieving period in the healthiest ways possible. Seniors Palliative and Grief Support Program Supports individuals facing death to move from hopelessness to empowerment via compassionate caregiving and professional grief counselling. Nanaimo Community Kitchens Cooking Out of the Box Delivers cooking lessons to adults and adolescents with limited incomes so that they may lead healthier lives. Nanaimo Family Life Volunteer Counselling Program Assesses personal counselling needs and delivers counsel to individuals and couples. The counselling enhances crisis coping abilities, and is available for adults, teens 12 to 19 years old, and children under 12 if their needs can be met by trained support staff. Support Among Youth Program Works to improve the mental health and wellness of Nanaimo s youth through peer-support, mentorship opportunities, and self-exploration. Nanaimo Unique Kids Organization Summer Day Camps Designs daily recreational activities for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and presents them with the opportunity to build strong meaningful friendships. Nanaimo Region John Howard Vancouver Island Crisis Restorative Justice Program Ensures healing and closure between victims of crime and youth offenders in a neutral setting, while keeping adolescents out of the court system. Code Dental Clinic Provides emergency dental services to homeless citizens or people living in poverty young and old to help improve their oral health and personal well-being. Youth Suicide Prevention Program Provides High school students in School District 68 valuable training techniques to prevent and intervene during suicidal situations. Nanaimo Women's Resource Homes To Homes - Collects and distributes household goods to be used at this and other community agencies that are serving individuals and families in the process of exiting homelessness and moving into housing. Nanaimo Youth Services Kids for Kids Delivers a safe, fun and supportive place for children to go after school and participate in activities that promote health and well-being. Parent Support Services of BC Central Island Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - Offers grandparents who are raising children peer support, parenting education and awareness of community resources, especially for families with grandchildren who have special needs. Vancouver Island Mental Health Resident Community Reintegration Program Requests participation in community events on behalf of adults suffering severe or persistent mental illness. By taking part in the events, participants feel a renewed sense of purpose and well-being. Vancouver Foundation Youth in Care Student Support Fund Grants living expenses to support VIU students who grew up in government care so that they may focus on their studies and craft an ambitious future for themselves. Oceanside Forward House Healthy Eating Meal Program Delivers low-cost nutritious meals to people with mental and physical issues. Results include healthier eating choices and more independent individuals. Oceanside Building Learning Together Coalition Saturday Breakfast Club - Provides a free breakfast for children age 0-6 and their caregivers. Oceanside Hospice Sex Trade Coalition Reduce the Harms Associated with Sex Trade Provides transitional housing and support services to women wishing to exit the sex trade so that they may start a new life. Spinal Cord Injury BC Peer Program Life Changer Activities Provides a motivational and supportive environment where people with spinal cord injuries can learn to adjust, adapt, and thrive. UNITED WAY CENTRAL ISLAND PROGRAMS Adult Bereavement Counsellor Provides caring support and counsel to adults who have lost loved ones so that they may move on and continue to live a positive life. On-call Child and Teen Bereavement Counsellor Group and individual grief counselling sessions help to move young people through their grief so that they can return to enjoying social interactions, feeling more confident about the future, and creating a new life. Central Island Your Donations at Work 37 Community Partners 45 Funded Programs 17,630 People Served 9

10 Comox Valley Programs AIDS Vancouver Island Health Promotion Drop-In Provides workshops and supportive counselling to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and/or addiction problems to promote healthy habits and lifestyles. Volunteer Support Offers volunteer counselling and weekly visits to people 50 years of age and older who feel isolated or who are facing a variety of challenges. Boys and Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island (Comox) Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Parenting Without Parenting Struggles Encourages parents to find confidence in their parenting skills, and provides a support group through which ideas may be shared regarding preparation for the transition of children from preteen to teenager. Parents in the Know Provides adults with access to resources that offer support and foster parental skill development. The Stable Program for Youth with Mental Health Issues Provides horseback riding lessons and activities to youth diagnosed with mental health challenges with the purpose of increasing wellbeing and confidence. Comox Valley Comox Valley Community Adult Literacy and Learning Money Matters Offers one-on-one financial tutoring and resource strategies to adults who have difficulty making ends meet, which helps them build savings and move out of poverty. Comox Valley Family Services Neighbourhood Connections Provides early-literacy and family centred programs to collectively promote a strong community coalition of action for vulnerable children and families. Comox Valley Head Injury Family Caregiver Counselling Program Delivers counselling sessions to family & caregivers treating brain injury patients in order to improve their mental health and well-being. 10 Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Comox Valley Transition Lake Trail Community Education Lake Trail Youth Activities - Provides after-school drop-in activities for students who otherwise would not be involved in sports, music, cadets, or similar organized programs. Lush Valley Food Action Lush Valley Food Action Addresses food security and healthy food access issues in our community. UWCNVI donors fund three of their programs: Young Cooks, Youth Hot Meals, and Valley Families. Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry Child and Youth Violence Prevention and Leadership Development Delivers presentations for students and school staff to help identify and support students affected by domestic violence. A teen support group for girls ages is also offered that promotes domestic violence awareness. Early Years Aboriginal Program Provides families with Aboriginal cultural teachings related to early childhood education and parenting. Eureka Support Youth Centre - Provides a safe place for youth to hang out, offering programs, work experience, life skills, support services and opportunities for leadership. Black Top Players Offers adults with severe or chronic mental illness, most of whom live in poverty, opportunities to participate in puppet shows that provide education around mental illness to children in grades four to six. John Howard of North Island Kid Start Matches mentors with disadvantaged youth who benefit from having a stable, committed and caring adult figure in the lives. Cumberland Community Schools Vancouver Island Regional Library Drop-In and Connect - Delivers literary resources and assistance to people experiencing homelessness in the Comox Valley so that they may develop skills and build a better future for themselves. Comox Valley Comox Valley Hospice Your Donations at Work Caregiver Support Offers relaxing, alternative therapies to caregivers so that they may remain healthy and well in their challenging role. 16 Community Partners 17 Funded Programs 4,274 People Served UNITED WAY COMOX VALLEY PROGRAMS 10

11 Campbell River Programs Campbell River Beacon Club Meal Program - Provides adults with chronic mental illness a free weekly lunch and low-cost dinner to reduce the challenges that may be barriers in their recovery. Campbell River and District Adult Care. Seniors Lunch Program - Offers nutritional hot lunches and exercise programs to seniors facing financial hardship, health concerns, and social isolation. Participation relieves anxiety and improves well-being. Campbell River and North Island Transition Ann Elmore Support Groups - Provides emotional support and emergency assistance to women and their children who are victims of abuse or violence. Campbell River Family Services Parenting Skills - Teaches parents concepts and new skills to improve their parent-child relationships. Open Studio Art Group - Provides art lessons and activities to young Campbell River families to foster community engagement and healthier parent-child relationships. Campbell River Head Injury What's Next 101 Provides employment training and mentorship to head trauma survivors so that they may re-enter the workforce. North Island Community Services Building Blocks Creates a healthy and strong community through family-oriented activities and programs provided in a community centre environment. Campbell River Literacy Family Life Skills Support Provides education to low-income families while sharing a nutritious lunch to promote family cohesion and healthy child development. John Howard of North Island Kid Start Matches mentors with disadvantaged youth who benefit from having a stable, committed and caring adult figure in their lives. Lead the Way See what $100 / month can do in your town. $ People Gain access to emergency housing North Island Survivors Healing Men's Counselling Provides counselling for emotionally, physically or sexually abused men to help them move forward and foster positive personal, professional, and community relationships. Sexual Wellness and Education of Campbell River Campbell River Youth Clinic Provides adolescents with an educational clinic service to reduce STI s, unplanned pregnancies, abusive relationships, and provides referrals for other services for mental health, housing, and tackling substance abuse. Campbell River and District for Community Living Ages and Stages Screening Program Helps parents identify if their child has developmental needs and supports them to connect to resources for successful child development. Campbell River Your Donations at Work 20 parents Struggling to raise their children are given support 5 seniors Dealing with social isolation are empowered to keep living independently Build A Better Campbell River Kids Community Poverty Donate Today + Support Your Community 11 Community Partners 12 Funded Programs 4,343 People Served For more info, visit uwcnvi.ca UNITED WAY CAMPBELL RIVER PROGRAMS

12 THANK YOU FOR IMPROVING LIVES LOCALLY 12