Your investment is helping to lift people from poverty – and this helps break cycles that keep generations of families from being successful.  When everyone has the opportunity to succeed, our entire community reaps the benefits. Here is just a sample of some of the results we've seen in our region.

Income – From Poverty to Possibility:

We’re helping community members who have low income, and those experiencing homelessness, to gain financial stability and independence.

• The City of Edmonton’s Homeless Commission is championing Edmonton’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. In the first three years of the plan, homes were found for 1,789 people, with 85% of the residents having retained their housing.
• 2010 was the first year, since the homeless count began in 1999, that there was a reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness. The count is now 2,421 – 658 fewer than in 2008, or a reduction of 21%.
• Through Homeless Connect, Edmonton’s twice-per-year service drive, 3,000 people experiencing homelessness, and those at risk of homelessness, received free dental care, haircuts, hot meals and medical care. They also received a “Personal Care Kit” with donated items such as deodorant, shampoo, first aid items and soap.
• Every month of the past year, approximately 15,000 nutritional hampers were provided to people through the Edmonton Food Bank or one if its affiliates.
• Because of United Way’s 2011 Coats for Kids and Families program – supported by partner Page The Cleaner – 10,794 coats were collected, cleaned and distributed to local people in need.

Education – All That Kids Can Be

From the early years to high school completion, we’re supporting the full path of development to help children and youth achieve their potential.  

• Research shows that children with proper nutrition have better academic outcomes and improved behaviour. During the 2010-2011 school year, E4C served nutritious lunches to 2,000 children every day in Public and Catholic schools, positively influencing student behaviours, attendance and concentration.
• The Boys and Girls Club of Fort Saskatchewan’s Youth Development Program provides 600 youth with a safe, supervised place to go after school. Through the program, youth learn valuable life skills and gain skills and experience that will aid them in being successful in life.
• For the start of the 2011 school year, United Way’s Tools for School program – supported by Staples – distributed 12,118 backpacks with basic supplies for students in need.
• E4C’s Kids in the Hall Bistro Program is a social enterprise and helps at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 24 to gain knowledge and skills for success in educational or employment settings. In 2011, 221 youth accessed outreach services and 28 entered the employment training program.
• The Centre for Family Literacy’s Books for Babies distributed approximately 600 high-quality, age-appropriate books to 250 families to support shared reading in the home and the development of early language and literacy skills.

Wellness – Healthy People, Strong Communities

We’re working to mitigate the likelihood of experiencing or falling deeper into poverty, by creating safe communities with readily available social support.

• Strathcona Shelter Society provided safe, supportive accommodations for 666 women and children at risk of domestic violence. This helps to ensure that women and children who experience abuse are sheltered, protected and educated about domestic violence and the options available to them.
• The Canadian Paraplegic Association’s Client Services program helped 79 people who suffered spinal cord injuries to successfully transition back into the community.
• The Support Network’s 211 Information and Referral Program responded to 47,324 calls in 2011, providing 68,457 referrals to access information and support on basic needs, employment, parenting support, counselling, healthcare, legal matters, and more.
• In 2011, The Canadian Red Cross in Edmonton and Area assisted 555 individuals and families with direct aid after a disaster. Basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and personal hygiene items were provided.
• 1,078 seniors received assistance through The Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton to manage home maintenance and repair and help them live safely in their homes for a longer period of time.

For a look at past results, DOWNLOAD OUR 2010 RESULTS DOCUMENT.