OUR IMPACT.
BetterIsPossible 2024
Community Investment & Impact Strategy
At United Way, we believe better is possible. Our purpose is creating lasting positive change. We are uniquely able to focus and unite people and resources to improve lives and build community lives
Our innovative Community Impact Strategy focuses on solutions and supports to address current community challenges and build trust and collaboration with community partners, with the goal of solving local problems with local solutions and empowering those closest to the issues.
In our role as a funder, we provide funds to community organizations using a trust-based philanthropic model and work to foster trust-based relationships throughout the granting period with our partners. However, our role is much bigger than a transactional funder. We support all community partners through network building, convening, knowledge sharing, amplification and capacity building.
We put people at the centre of our work – building awareness and engagement, prioritizing learning and listening in order to reduce stigma and mobilize change. Through our role as a community convenor, we are committed to working alongside our community partners in new and different ways to ensure more collaborative processes, increase efficiencies, and ensure large-scale systems change.
We are committed to supporting marginalized groups and building communities where everyone feels like they belong and are valued for their unique differences.
Community Impact is about achieving meaningful, long-term improvements to quality of life in Guelph Wellington and Dufferin communities by addressing not just the symptoms of problems but also getting at the root causes.
Our strategy is centered around 5 Focus Areas:
From Poverty to Possibility: Addressing the root causes of poverty and shifting our solutions to create systemic change, while ensuring families and individuals have the financial, social and personal assets they need to improve their quality of life
Healthy People, Thriving Communities: Building strong, supportive, and inclusive communities that are vital for all of us to thrive.
All That Kids Can Be: Ensuring children and youth have an opportunity to recognize their limitless potential, by giving them more tools to build emotional wellbeing and resiliency.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Addressing the inequities that marginalized groups experience and using our voice to support communities where everyone feels like they belong and are valued for their unique differences
Rural Communities: Applying a local lens to the needs and issues of our rural communities, and recognizing there are certain challenges to finding solutions in rural areas
145,000 people supported
51 programs supported
2,500 volunteers
121,000 people are more connected to our community Million Invested in 2024
$671,000 invested in collective or networked approaches
119,000 people feel less isolated
12,600 people had increased access to nutritious food
$205,000 investment in equity programs
FROM POVERTY TO POSSIBILITY COLLECTIVE IMPACT
We believe that every person in every community deserves the opportunities, access and connections they need to build a good life - regardless of their income, the neighbourhood they live in, or their social identity.
TOTAL INVESTMENTS:
$421,266
More than community members had increased access to sufficient, nutritious, culturally appropriate and affordable food.
10,000
United Way’s poverty reduction efforts are designed to achieve measurable results which ensure families and individuals have the financial, social, and personal assets they need to improve their quality of life.
In our role as a community convener, we have brought together community partners to develop a collective plan to support community members move for Poverty to Possibility. Our innovative strategy was formed to assist with food, supportive housing and housing supports, as well as collaborative strategies for shared systems and infrastructure, with the ultimate goals of reducing barriers, increasing access and building stability for those experiencing poverty. Through this strategy, we will change our systems and ensure that people living in low incomes both have their basic needs met and access opportunities to achieve income security.
Through The Seed’s wholesale and surplus food delivery program, we have been able to provide Wyndham House with regular access to fresh, nutritious food — much of it donated and distributed at no cost thanks to United Way funding. This partnership does more than fill cupboards; it creates meaningful opportunities for youth in supportive housing.
At Wyndham House, surplus produce like apples and tomatoes is transformed into apple sauce, muffins, and salsa often with youth helping prepare the food alongside staff. These shared activities teach essential food skills and build confidence. One staff member shared that before this partnership, youth often expressed frustration about the lack of fresh food. Now, they not only have more access to it, but they’re also part of the preparation process — a change that makes them feel heard, capable, and valued.
If it weren’t for United Way, we wouldn’t have the stability or resources to deliver high-quality, fresh food to local housing and community organizations food that not only feeds people, but also builds skills, strengthens communities, and supports wellbeing in deeply human ways.
An average of
344 seniors living in lowincome housing had access to a fresh food market every month.
$2.2 million worth of donated moved through community to help p ensure quality & nu food is availab
109
Click here to watch our work in action! community members were housed in permanent supportive and safe housing.
Highlight: From Poverty to Possibility
When United Way GWD launched our new Community Impact strategy in 2022, we challenged ourselves to look at how we and our partners were addressing poverty in our community We know that issues like food insecurity, homelessness and income security aren’t experienced in isolation – so our solutions shouldn’t be either. So, we leveraged our role as a community convenor, our commitment to meaningful community impact and our relationships with other community planners and partners. We consolidated our expertise around one table and brought together housing and food partners to look at how, as a network, we could address the root causes of poverty while also creating systemic change.
Over the past three years we have been developing and working on an equitable strategy to move people from poverty to possibility, through food assistance and shared community food models, permanent supportive housing and employment and income supports. This innovative strategy is not like others in our community – because it’s a collective of amazing partners and it has seed funding and big dreams to fuel it!
In 2024, we started work piloting one of the strategies to bring quality, nutritious food for tenants at three permanent supportive housing sites in Guelph and further support the health & wellbeing of some of our community’s most vulnerable. This pilot includes providing the food for meal programs, food cupboards, no-cost/low-cost food markets and wholesale food ordering.
Early outcomes of the pilot include:
Improved food skills - clients are learning how to prepare a meal with supplies at hand
Reduced barriers to food access - food markets reduce transportation challenges and food cupboards provide food at easy to access locations
Increased food security - an increase in access to fresh, quality and nutritious food
Programming support - access to food to help support clients to take medication and supplement nutrition support with protein drinks and shakes
Improved well-being - fresh food and culturally relevant food bring a feeling of value to clients
Increased sense of community - shared meals, cooking together and the time spent connecting around food help build connection and support
ALL THAT KIDS CAN BE SERVICE NETWORK
Children are born with limitless potential. Our goal is to build resilience in children and youth through emotional wellbeing because we know that helping to prevent and mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences is both urgent and foundational to lifelong potential.
United Way provides funding to a service network of community partners who collaborate to support those who have experienced adversities. Our network provides wrap-around supports to children, youth, and their families to build protective factors, mitigate the effects of adversity, and empower children and youth to reach their full potential. Members are using the network to gain information, collaborate, learn and understand, which leads to increased capacity for members to empower children and youth to thrive today, and in the future.
TOTAL INVESTMENT:
$245,462
5,309
children & youth were supported through wrap-around programs promoting protective factors.
When children and youth experience sudden loss, instability or go through major life transitions, a consistent and caring relationship becomes a crucial source of stability and strength.
A young girl experienced profound loss when both her mom and dad died within a four-month period of one another. She and her siblings remained in their home, while their aunt and uncle moved in to care for them. The entire family faced significant adjustments—not only grieving their parents but also navigating the complexities of blending households. Amidst this emotional upheaval, this young girl struggled with her mental health and the weight of her new reality.
Through the support of the United Way funded program, she was matched with a compassionate and dedicated mentor. They spent time together doing crafts, baking and simply talking - building trust and connection. This young girl found steady and reliable support from her mentor. Their relationship became a safe space, offering comfort and consistency as she adjusted to her new life.
United Way funded programs create life-changing connections and help children and youth navigate difficult circumstances.
40 youth participated in 23 free drop-in art sessions, providing them with a safe space where they feel like they belong.
1,106
children & youth experienced increased well being and social competence as a result of bullying prevention workshops.
Why a Network?
Fosters collaboration
Members have opportunity to connect, share emerging challenges, and exchange knowledge
Identifies gaps
Members can explore potential solutions when gaps in services or support are identified
Mobilizes support
Members can be quick to respond to issues, together
75,000
people in our community had improved social support and reduced feelings of isolation. Over
TOTAL INVESTMENTS:
$435,627
A community is only as strong as the sum of its parts. Strong, supportive, and inclusive communities are vital for all of us to thrive. However, in many neighbourhoods across Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin, local residents are dealing with complex issues that prevent them from building a good life. When someone’s mental health is compromised, it can negatively affect all aspects of their life, from education and career, to relationships and overall well-being.
United Way partners with local, front-line agencies to deliver vital programs and services that focus on belonging, inclusion, and connection to support in our communities. Together, we are ensuring our communities are great for everyone by building a sense of belonging, improving connections and overall well-being.
Click to watch our work in action!
Through 1:1 support sessions, 152 community members were connected with the supports they needed to live independently.
2,500
community members accessed low-barrier health services through a community health van.
If it weren’t for United Way… our program would have struggled to stay afloat. Having financial support gives us the 'breathing room' we need to focus on our work and lessens the financial burden we experience as a non-profit.
300
community members were provided with immediate mental health support during walk-in, same day therapy sessions.
Carol, a 64-year-old woman who had recently suffered a stroke, was overwhelmed, isolated, and falling through the cracks. She had no family support and struggled to navigate her new reality, let alone the complex systems in place to help.
Through the support made possible by United Way funding, we were able to meet Carol in her home, help her complete necessary documents like her application for Health Monitoring at Home, and refer her to specialists, including mental health support for an acquired brain injury. I accompanied her to medical appointments and ensured she had access to income support and transportation services.
She went from being completely alone to having someone in her corner who could advocate for her and help her regain a sense of stability and dignity.
RURAL COMMUNITIES
In Wellington and Dufferin County, local residents are dealing with complex issues that prevent them from building a good life, including: a lack of 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 distinct 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 will work for their community.
$166,750
9,000 Over hot and nutritious meals were delivered to rural seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“I've attended many of the parent support workshops over the past few years and have appreciated the content, information/resources, and the knowledge of the facilitator. Regardless of where I have been in my parenting journey there is an atmosphere of support and compassion which has allowed me to feel more at ease as a parent hoping to foster children who are autonomous, resourced and agents of themselves.”
If it weren’t for United Way many parents in our community would go without the support, resources, and connection they need to navigate the challenges of parenting. United Way’s support plays a crucial role in making our workshops accessible to families who might otherwise face barriers to participation.
The impact of United Way funding extends far beyond the workshops themselves, strengthening families, building community resilience, and ultimately fostering a brighter future for all.
640
parents and caregivers, engaged in parent support workshops, learned strategies to help their children thrive.
More than
2,000 people experienced increased financial stability and decreased financial stress.
5,500
youth in Wellington County were connected to barrier-free community mental health supports.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
United Way is rooted in building strong and inclusive communities. We strive to create opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential. However, many of the issues United Way works to address have a disproportionate impact on black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ2+, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. We acknowledge that, due to systemic factors, some members of our community experience barriers to accessing programs, services, and funding.
TOTAL INVESTMENTS:
$205,000
13,883
community members reported feeling an increased sense of belonging and connectedness to their community.
We are committed to providing opportunities and support for smaller, grassroot organizations and organizations led by marginalized communities to carry out the great work they provide to marginalized groups, while improving equity, diversity and inclusion across our community. Our impact is shaped by local partners and volunteers with lived experience.
Guelph reside attended cultural e workshops, bui bridges betw communitie
101 2SLGBTQ+ accessed peer-base groups, improving their access to social support and reducing their feelings of isolation.
newcomer women participated in an English Conversation program, enhancing their independence and confidence.
Click here to watch our work in action!
Without the EDI funding from United Way, we wouldn't be able to continue to host community programming and events. Building and maintaining community is important to the Guelph Black Heritage Society. Several of the seniors that attend our Phoenix Seniors Club, volunteer at other events and help with our youth camps. One of the young girls at the March Break Camp really bonded with one of our elders. The girl doesn't have extended family in Guelph, but the new friends she met during camp are like her family now - she said she now has a 'GHBS grandma.' United Way funding allows us to continue to do this work - creating a sense of belonging and community and place where all feel safe and comfortable.
Operational Funding
Nonprofits, like businesses and government, have basic core operating costs such as rent, insurance, and technology that they must cover in order to function. When nonprofits are reliant on project-based funding and cannot access core funding to cover these essential costs, it negatively impacts the quality of services they can offer their community, the employment conditions of nonprofit workers, and the long-term sustainability of their organizations.
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin recognizes that by investing in an organization’s core operational needs, we can enable them to improve their overall organizational strength. This is especially true in the case of smaller, grassroots organizations who are just beginning their journey of serving our community.
In 2024, as part of our ongoing commitment to improving the way we fund and support organizations in our community. we provided this funding opportunity as a pilot to a small group of organizations to learn and understand how general operating support can enhance our partner’s capacity and impact to potentially scale the opportunity in the future.
Non-Qualified Donees (NQDs)
Non-qualified donees (NQDs) carry out vital services and address priority community issues. Often, these organizations are led by and serve communities facing systemic barriers. NQDs differ from a registered charitable organization in that reporting requirements for registered charitable organizations to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are more regimented in order for the organization to both obtain and retain charitable status. Qualified donees can issue charitable tax receipts; NQDs cannot. However, both organization types pursue a charitable purpose and deliver a socially useful benefit to the community.
Following the introduction of Bill S-216, United Way GWD approved funding to NQDs beginning in April 2024. In 2024, we provided funding to three NQDs, while working closely with the organizations to support and amplify their work, ensure fiscal responsibility and most importantly, provide them with an opportunity to have a positive impact on our community.
As a first-time recipient of United Way operational funding, we greatly appreciated the staff’s willingness to answer our questions, provide guidance, and lend a helping hand through the entire process. We felt very cared for and seen. The support has truly made the difference between our organization surviving and closing. It allowed us to open a fully accessible arts hub in downtown Guelph, offer free and low-barrier programming, and pay artists and staff fairly.
Beyond the numbers, this funding has directly contributed to spaces of healing, connection, and joy for those who are often left out of traditional support systems. For many in our community—especially Queer, racialized, and disabled artists—this has been lifechanging. We are incredibly grateful for the rare and essential nature of this kind of operational funding, especially funding that prioritizes equity-deserving communities. Operational funding like this is not always available, and the flexibility it provides allows us to create lasting, meaningful impacts.
The Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination (PTF) works collaboratively, informed by diverse voices of experience, to take local action and advocate for system and policy change to address the root causes of poverty
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is the host agency of the PTF
Why Poverty Elimination Work Is Important to United Way
Poverty is a complex issue that touches almost every aspect of people’s lives from food, shelter and employment, to mental and physical well-being. People who lack necessities like food and shelter can’t get ahead in life Those who struggle to find work or manage their finances aren’t able to reach their full potential. These issues aren’t experienced in isolation, so our solutions shouldn’t be either. United Way and the Poverty Task Force both advocate for lasting change, which includes addressing the systemic issues that lead to poverty The PTF is committed to collaborative upstream action that centres intersectional lived experience. Ensuring our work is aligned and in partnership amplifies our collective voice
HowWeWorkTogether
Asaregisteredcharity,theUnitedWayhas adoptedandishostingthePTF,itswork,and activitiesasitsownproject,usingaShared Platformstructure.UnitedWayprovides administrativesupportincludingofficespace, financialmanagement,andhumanresources.The workofthePTFisoverseenbyaSteering Committeeofcommunitypartnersandcommunity memberswithlivedexpertiseofpovertyissues
UnitedWayandthePTFareproudtobecreating synergieswiththeirworkbycollaboratingonkey communityprojectsincludingthePovertyTo PossibilityCollectiveImpactProjectandGuelphWellington’sgoaltoendhomelessness.
United Way Guelph Wellinton Dufferin is proud to be a Living Wage Employer
Watch how your donations make a difference!
Together, we can solve chronic homelessness.
Together with The Guelph Community Foundation, United Way is proud to co-lead The Home for Good Campaign. Home for Good is a bold call to action to solve chronic homelessness in our community.
Our community has been recognized nationally as a bright spot where homelessness has been measurably reduced Between November 2024 and January 2025, chronic homelessness was reduced by 13% and we have maintained at least a 75% reduction in chronic youth homelessness (Read more about these achievements). Together, we are making great strides.
Thanks to your support, 72 permanent supportive housing units are now in operation and have been home to 109 residents The important wrap-around services have proven successful with some residents stabilizing and moving on to independent housing. We’ve been particularly inspired to see a higher degree of stability with the youth residents than imagined.
“I have been given the chance to live and grow again when I was grasping for any hope to keep me alive.”
– Permanent Supportive Housing Resident
Along with this stability, the community and sense of belonging really stands out as a highlighthow the mail carrier at Grace Gardens knows the tenants by name and personally hands them their mail, to a neighbourhood church who has been coming to Bellevue to cook meals with clients We know that individuals don’t just need a roof over their heads, they also need consistent social and emotional supports to help them move forward. Permanent supportive housing delivers that wraparound care and while it is not the only solution, it is life and system changing. We are seeing that firsthand in our community.
32 Permanent Supportive Housing Units Opened
In addition to the 40 units opened in 2023, we were proud to cut the ribbon at 10 Shelldale in June and adding another 32 permanent supportive housing units to our community
Mary Visser Kerr, a member of St Andrew’s Church who contributed $600,000 to Home for Good tours a unit at 10 Shelldale
“Many youth have experienced a higher degree of stability than we imagined. By having a permanent home and all their basic needs met, these young people are able to start envisioning a different future-they are seeking meaningful daily activities and higher degrees of wellness and independence.”
“Housing is the solution to homelessness… it’s a simple concept, yet incredibly complex in practice. The transition from sleeping on the streets or in the forest to living in a shared environment, where basic survival is no longer the primary concern, is a significant shift. In collaboration with our support partners, we are continually learning from this transition and adapting our programming to meet the tenants’ unique needs. Recognizing that every individual is different, we require 32 distinct program plans, each tailored to varying needs, service types, and delivery styles. Every conversation and decision starts with the tenant at the table, ensuring their voice is central to the process. ”
WE ARE LOCAL EXPERTS.
By investing in individual programs and by participating with local community committees - those that receive United Way funds and those that do not - we aim to address the social needs of individuals and families in our community that are vulnerable to social and systemic barriers, in order to create meaningful change. We are happy to work with our community partners on the following committees and task forces:
GUELPH WELLINGTON TASK FORCE FOR POVERY ELIMINATION - STEERING COMMITTEE
The Steering Committee is part of a collaborative change model that provides clear objectives and actionable upstream approaches to address the root causes of poverty Our work centers intersectional lived and aligns collective efforts, to build a more just community where everyone can experience equitable outcomes, care, belonging, wellbeing and value in a vibrant community
TOWARD
COMMON GROUND - STEERING COMMITTEE (CO-CHAIR)
TCG produces, centralizes, and makes sense of data to identify shared needs and we take collective action in response to those needs By working together across organizations and sectors, we can amplify our individual impact and make our community a better place for everyone
GUELPH WELLINGTON LOCAL IMMIGRATION
PARTNERSHIP
This council is a large coalition of individuals representing a wide range of groups in the community. Their focus is in creating a more welcoming and inclusive community for immigrants by developing effective solutions that address economic and social issues.
GUELPH-WELLINGTON FUNDERS NETWORK
The purpose of this network is to take a birds-eye view on local issues and needs, and align them to different funding processes. This requires members to take collective action and respond to funding requests and needs in the community.
GUELPH-WELLINGTON DIGITAL EQUITY COALITION
Digital Equity Coalition members work together to guide the development and implementation of a comprehensive community plan to advance digital equity in Guelph Wellington, champion digital equity practices and inform decisionmaking.
CENTRE WELLINGTON COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE - FOOD ACCESS
This community of practice is dedicated to increasing food access in Centre Wellington and neighbouring municipalities through knowledge sharing, strengthened partnerships and collective action.
DUFFERIN COUNTY EQUITY COMMITTEE (DCEC)
This committee is made up of agencies representing a diverse cross section of social, health, education, and economic organizations, decision makers, and community leaders who work with the Dufferin population. Their focus is to help everyone reach their full potential by advocating for and informing others about housing and homelessness, employment and health equity.
YOUTH SERVICE PROVIDERS NETWORK (CO-CHAIR)
The Youth Service Providers Network is a committee for youth service providers in the City of Guelph and Wellington County to provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, knowledge exchange, and skill and capacity building among youth service providers working in GW.
HOME FOR GOOD PROJECT PARTNERS (CHAIR)
The Home for Good Project Partners come together to discuss the Home For Good Campaign as well as collaborative conversations about the development and implementation of permanent supportive housing in our communities Participants include Kindle, Wyndham House, Stepping Stone, the PTF, City of Guelph & County of Wellington
2024-2025 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
All That Kids Can Be
Action Read Community Literacy Centre
Early Start Family Literacy Program
Art Not Shame
Youth Programming
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph
1:1 Community Based Match Program
In-School Mentoring Program
School-Based Group Programs
Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Wellington
Go Girls/Game On Mentoring Groups
In-School Mentoring
Match Program
Child Witness Centre
Child Witness Program
Rural Communities
Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington Outreach Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters Dufferin & District
Match Program
In-School Mentoring Program
Dufferin Parent Support Network
Group Parent Education Program
East Wellington Community Services
Food Bank
From Poverty to Possibility
Chalmers Community Services
Food Pantry
Guelph Community Health Centre
The Seed
Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination
Poverty Task Force
Community Resource Centre of North & Centre Wellington
Outreach & Support Services
Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition
ACEs Network Coordination
John Howard Society of Waterloo-Wellington
Bullying Prevention & Social Competency
Skills Development Programs
Shelldale Family Gateway
Social Inclusion, Mentorship & Leadership
Wellington County Learning Centre
Just for YOUth Program
Wyndham House
New Way Classroom
Guelph Wellington Women In Crisis
Rural Women's Support Program
Orangeville Food Bank
Neighbours Market
The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs
Rural Communities Connection Project
Victorian Order of Nurses
Meals on Wheels (Wellington County)
Transportation Program
Hope House
Senior Community Produce Markets
Kindle Communities
Housing Support Worker
Stepping Stone
Housing Stability Workers
Wyndham House
Youth-Focused Supportive Housing Program
2024-2025 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Arab Women’s Society of Guelph
Empower HER
Art Not Shame
Operating Funds
Dufferin Child & Family Services
GLOW
Racialized Trauma-Based Mental Health
Support Program
E3 Global Community Connections
Culture, Cuisine and Connections Workshop
Series
Guelph Wellington Women In Crisis
Sexual Assault Centre
Guelph Black Heritage Society
BHS Community Connection
Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington
Learning to Learn
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health
Access Centre (SOAHAC)
Building Our Bundle, Strengthening our Community
Healthy People, Thriving Communities
Ball 4 All
Ball 4 All Youth Development
Community Resource Centre of North & Centre
Wellington
Outreach & Support Services
Compass Community Services
Mental Health Support Services
East Wellington Community Services
Community Support Services/Outreach Program
Family & Children's Services of Guelph &
Wellington
Building Opportunities for Youth Success
Strategic Partnerships
Guelph Community Health Centre
Toward Common Ground
Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition
Community Wellbeing
Guelph Wellington Seniors Association
Information, Support & Referral
Hope House
Systems Navigation Support
Michael House Pregnancy Care Centre
Counseling Program
Sanguen Health Centre Foundation
Mobile Health & Social Care
211 Ontario
211 Help Line
