53 programs at 40 social services agencies in Elgin and Middlesex County are getting funding thanks to the United Way. President and CEO of the United Way Elgin Middlesex Kelly Ziegner says the money comes from funds raised and local donors with all funds raised locally staying local. Ziegner says the United Way is investing $4.65 million locally.
She adds the need is great as applications received were in excess of $14 million and only $4.65 was given out to the most urgent needs programs.
Highlights include more funding for:
– Indigenous-led programs — $426,602, or 9.1% of total funding (a 7% year-over-year increase), for three programs at Indigenous-led and -serving organizations N’Amerind Friendship Centre (1) and Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (2), including funding for the Ashamaawaso (she/he feeds a child) Food Security Program located at Nshwaasnangong Indigenous Family Centre. This investment is important as
our organization begins more intentional work toward reconciliation.
– Intimate partner violence programs — $455,000, or 9.8% of total funding (a 2.1% year-over-year increase), for six programs at Anova, Changing Ways (2), London Abused Women’s Centre, St Thomas Elgin Second Stage Housing, Women’s Rural Resource Centre serving individuals and families experiencing intimate partner violence, an issue intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding includes programs specifically for women, children and men.
– Housing stability programs — $316,410, or 6.7% of total funding (a 1.8% year-overyear increase) for housing stability programs at London Cares, Unity Project and YWCA Elgin-St. Thomas ($66,410). These programs provide one-to-one supports that are critical for helping people experiencing complex challenges stay housed.
– Basic needs and emergency support — $805,000, or 17.3% of total funding (a 3.2 % year-over-year increase), for nine programs across the region that provide a ‘warm door’ to basic needs and other emergency support for people with low income or living in poverty. These programs are often the first point of contact for individuals and families in need of supplies, information and referral to other community services. Grant recipients
include: CMHA Thames Valley, Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre, The Inn (St. Thomas), LUSO Community Services, Northwest London Resource Centre, South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, Youth Opportunities Unlimited – Next Wave Youth Centre (Strathroy), Youth Opportunities Unlimited – Youth Action Centre.
– Education programs for children and youth — $270,000, or 5.8% of total funding (a 1.7% year-over-year increase) for education programs for children and youth, especially those facing barriers to success in education. Grants include BGC London’s Education & Leadership program and services for children and youth at the Learning Disabilities Association of London & Area
