Thank YouHi, my name is Mirela. I’ve been living with mental health issues since I was 9. With help from many different organizations, I’ve been managing okay. But when my dad died, it hit me really hard and I fell into depression.Thankfully, help was just outside my door at a neighbourhood family centre in my housing complex. Talking with the counsellor there got me through a really rough time. When I felt better, I got involved as a volunteer and advocate, connecting neighbours with the support they need. Helping others makes me happy. Without community, there is no “me.” Because we’re not just community, we’re family. Thank you.

Your donations to United Way help people and families living with mental health issues get the supports and counselling they need to manage better at home, school, work, and in the community. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank You

Hi, my name is Austin. I work and volunteer for a local after-school program where I was once a participant. Without this place, I think kids around here would just be getting into trouble. Maybe it helps them when they grow up. Maybe it helps them feel not so alone. I just like helping. It’s something good to do. It keeps you out of trouble and it makes it a better community. Thank you.

Because of you, United Way is able to support a network of after-school programs in nearly every corner of our community. Every day, they receive 1500 visits from young people like Austin seeking a safe place to go when they’re not in school. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank You

Hi, we're Mike and Lani. There was a time when we relied regularly on the food bank and struggled to pay our bills. But thanks to your support for United Way, we learned to budget, manage our money and build our credit. Most important, we were able to save for a downpayment to buy our home. Owning a home gave us the stability to return to school. Now Mike earns twice what he did and I’ll be graduating with a degree in social work soon. That program changed everything for our family. Thank you.

Because of you, United Way is able to support a network of money management and matched savings programs, financial counselling, social enterprise and job training programs that help families like Mike and Lani’s transition from a life of poverty to one full of possibility. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank You

Hi, my name is Henok. When I arrived in Canada, people told me it would be impossible to find work. But within two weeks, I had a good picture of the Canadian work culture and what employers want, thanks to your support for United Way and a refugee employment program. Two more days and I had a full time job. My life is better. I am very proud and I appreciate the opportunity. Thank you.

Because of you, United Way is able to support a network of money management and matched savings programs, financial counselling, social enterprise and job training programs that help newcomers like Henok transition from a life of poverty to one full of possibility. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank You

Hi, my name is Ashlyn. Sometimes I struggle. That’s why my family and I rely on our neighbourhood family centre for things like laundry, internet access, a community phone and clothing cupboard. It’s like a gathering place. We all get together and touch base with one another—see what’s going on in the community and who needs a little bit of help. Everybody needs a place to go and thanks to your support for United Way we have one. Thank you.

Because of you, United Way is able to support 24 neighbourhood family centres throughout Winnipeg, making it possible for families like Ashlyn’s to meet basic needs and improve parenting, employment, life and social skills. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank You

Hi, my name is Angela. When I first moved to Winnipeg, I barely knew my neighbours. Then a new neighbourhood family centre opened in our housing complex, thanks to your support for United Way. Now we don’t go by units, we go by names. In the same centre I also helped start an adult learning program and learned to read after struggling with dyslexia my entire life. Thank you.

Because of you, United Way is able to support 24 neighbourhood family centres throughout Winnipeg, making it possible for 92,000 people like Angela to access practical supports along with places to get together, share resources, and dream up fresh ideas for a safer, stronger community. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank YouMy name is Rayne and I’m 9. At the Butterfly Club, we get together and have fun with each other, but I’ve also learned about respect for my family and friends. And I’m learning about my culture. Thank you.

Because of you, United Way is able to support a network of after-school programs in nearly every corner of our community. Every day, they receive 1500 visits from young people like Rayne seeking a safe place to go when they’re not in school. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank YouMy name is Ariel and I’m 11. At the Butterfly Club, we’re all girls. We all have the same problems. We give each other advice on what to do, like if someone is bullying you. When I was younger, I was one of the easiest victims. I’m way above it now. Thank you.

Because of you, United Way is able to support a network of after-school programs in nearly every corner of our community. Every day, they receive 1500 visits from young people like Ariel seeking a safe place to go when they’re not in school. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank You

Hi, my name is Renald. Like almost any Canadian kid, my son Logan dreamed of playing hockey. He wanted to play with his cousins and idolized his uncle who played goal in the NHL. Logan simply wanted a chance to play. Your support for United Way helped level the playing field. Thank you for proving that dreams can come true.

Because of you, United Way is able to support recreation, parenting, wellness, mental health and social programs that give people like Logan the opportunity to participate fully in our community. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank YouHi, my name is Syndey. I was diagnosed with depression and social anxiety when I was 15. It was really hard to be around people. I was convinced everyone hated me. I started drinking to escape.A music camp for youth with mood disorders made all the difference. When we weren’t jamming we were talking about our feelings and our lives. I learned different coping methods and alternatives to self-harm. And I had fun! I no longer live with constant terror and sadness. I can make new friends and I have goals for my life. Thank you.

Your donations to United Way help youth living with mental health issues and their families get the supports and counselling they need to manage better at home, school, work, and in the community. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank YouHi, I’m Leah. I’m a single parent of six and I struggle with depression. It got so bad once that I didn’t even want to leave the house. I felt alone, desperate and very isolated and began self-medicating with alcohol.

When we moved to a housing complex I discovered a neigh-bourhood family centre. They had a bunch of resources like counselling, parenting programs, and a break-fast club for the kids. Now they get to school on time with a full belly.

That place saved my life. It gave me a job helping with the breakfast club. It got me out of depression. It got me back into society and out of a really bad place. Thank you.

It’s your donations to United Way that support these places so they can help families like Leah's get the tools they need to live a better life. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.

Thank You

Hi, I’m Calandra. After graduating, I had a hard time finding work. I didn’t have many skills so I did odd jobs like house cleaning. It felt hard to stretch money.

I learned the basics of banking and the importance of budgeting and saving through money management training. I don’t worry about emergencies anymore, like if my son needs something. Stability is so important.

After going through an employment program, I now have a job teaching other Indigenous youth important skills for life. Thank you.

Your donations to United Way help Winnipeggers in low-income situations learn the skills they need to achieve financial stability for their families. Thank you for being part of this community-wide effort to help even more kids and families.