RURAL COMMUNITIES

In Wellington and Dufferin County, loca residents are dealing with complex issues that prevent them from building a good life, including; a lack o transportation, access to stable internet cost of goods, severe isolation, and a low sense of belonging.

At United Way we recognize that the needs and issues that impact the communities we support are different in rural and urban areas, and across distinc communities. Applying a local lens to funding in Wellington County and Dufferin County gives those who are closest to the issues the opportunity to tackle them in ways that they know wil work for their location.

TOTAL INVESTMENTS: $ , people were connected with social supports and feel less isolated.

A woman in an abusive relationship called the United Way funded Rural Women’s Support Program to ask about getting special priority housing. She was hoping to leave her abusive partner as she was concerned for herself and her 2 and 3 year old children She had not been in the workforce since the birth of her first child and had no financial resources when she first reached out The counsellor was able to do a risk assessment with the woman and advocate with housing for her to be put on the special priorityhousing list. The counsellor did some immediate safety planning with the woman and provided a 2-hr free legal advice form, so the she could get free legal advice. The woman was also connected to the Family Court Support Program, so she could get assistance preparing for family court when she felt safe enough to leave Eventuall,y the woman was able to relocate to a safe housing unit and leave her abusive partner, with a well-organized safety plan she had arranged with her counsellor The woman continued to attend counselling for the first year after she left her abusive partner She gained enough confidence to re-enter the workforce and provide for her family. She learned how to identify abusive behaviour, set healthy boundaries and move forward with more confidence and safety.

223 people in East Wellington received food hampers & school supplies for kids.

135 seniors received fresh, nutritious food deliveries to their home.