Investment Reports

A strong and vibrant community is better equipped to respond to new and urgent needs and challenges. United Way of the Alberta Capital Region takes a systems-wide approach to collaborate and deliver local programs and services that address multiple facets of community well-being.

Our United Way is focused on:

• Strengthening mental well-being, so people can cope with life’s stress and build stronger connections.
• Eliminating barriers to educational success, which strengthens our entire community.
• Empowering financial security, so people can build a stable future for themselves and their families.

Together, we can build the foundation of a strong community that can tackle any challenge.

United Way and our partners break down these barriers, walking alongside people on their path to educational success.  

We support services and resources that improve school readiness and academic achievement, increase school and community engagement, and develop resilience to handle life’s challenges. By championing equitable educational opportunities from early years to high school, we help students — and families — thrive academically and socially. 

n 2023, 48,601 people accessed educational supports through United Way programs and funding, including: 

• 8,059 children and caregivers received early learning and parenting supports. 

• 35,013 students participated in healthy development programs. 

• 4,543 children participated in after-school programs to support social development. 

• 986 students received support to stay in school. 

• 82% of surveyed children and youth accessing supports demonstrated improved developmental skills.  

• 89% of caregivers accessing supports reported that they were better able to support the healthy development of their children. 

United Way collaborates with partner agencies to support mental health in our community, championing accessible resources, raising awareness, improving navigation, and promoting early intervention. By developing a robust network of resources and improving accessibility, we make it easier for people to find the support they need. 

In 2023, 124,478 people strengthened their mental well-being through United Way, including:  

• Over 85,000 contacts were answered by 211 Alberta, connecting people to essential community resources by highly-trained navigators.  

• 15,922 people facing mental health challenges received timely counselling.   

• 21,981 people improved their understanding of mental health and how to support others through United Way-funded training programs.  

• 572 people attended community healing events.   

• 3,420 people who experienced gender-based violence received caring supports.  

• 80% of surveyed participants accessing mental health supports reported having improved skills to develop and maintain positive mental health.  

• 89% of surveyed participants accessing mental health supports reported having improved networks of personal, cultural, community or professional support).  

United Way and our partners support comprehensive programs and initiatives that provide financial education, resources, and opportunities for economic empowerment. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the knowledge, tools, and confidence to secure a brighter future.

In 2023, 89,834 people improved their financial security with United Way support including:  

• 7,303 people received help filing their income tax, helping them access benefits and subsidies.  

• 1,522 people received financial literacy training.  

• 1,260 people got help getting and keeping their job employment training.     

• 78,793 people accessed healthy meals or food hampers.  

• 948 people received help to obtain or maintain housing.  

• 8 individuals and families received technology to help them connect to needed supports and meet their basic needs.   

• 97% of participants said their financial knowledge improved after taking part in United Way’s Empower U initiative.