As reflects on its 90th anniversary in 2020, it鈥檚 easy to look back at the accomplishments achieved over the last nine decades. Perhaps more exciting, though, is the innovative ideas taking the organization forward.
Like the community it serves, the United Way has changed a lot since its founding in 1930, and key to its longevity and continued relevance is its ability to evolve. While continuing to invest in local programs and services with demonstrable, sustainable impact, today United Way is also involved in local communities like never before, sharing the impact of local love.
Tackling the reality of social isolation
Why the shift? Whether due to changing family dynamics, the isolating effects of technology or myriad other factors, social isolation is increasing.
Research conducted by United Way found that nearly half of BC residents say 鈥� a statistic that may come as little surprise with the recent Blue Monday, Jan. 20, dubbed the loneliest day of the year.
Retirees may miss the camaraderie of the workplace while widowers may have lost the social engagements their spouse encouraged. Adults with long commutes may have little time left to build neighbourhood connections. Young people in a new neighbourhood may miss family and friend supports.
鈥淪ocial isolation has many different faces and often it鈥檚 hidden; that鈥檚 why United Way is tackling loneliness head-on,鈥� says Kim Winchell, Director, Social Impact, Community Impact & Investment for United Way of the Lower Mainland.
The implications of that loneliness are far-reaching, whether decreasing people鈥檚 resilience to life鈥檚 challenges or increasing mental or physical health concerns.
The good news is that the United Way鈥檚 research offers hope, too: 21 per cent said volunteering is more meaningful with other people you know.
鈥淧rograms alone, and citizens alone, cannot solve social isolation. But put together, we can create sustainable, healthy communities.鈥�
United Way: At work in your community
That鈥檚 something that resonates with Penny Bradley, Executive Director, , building community in the Surrey and White Rock communities since 1916.
When families from Clayton鈥檚 Katzi Elementary were in dire need of after-school care, United Way proposed a collaborative approach. They provided funds to Alexandra House for a new United Way School鈥檚 Out program, but also helped co-create the program in partnership with the agency and local residents.
United Way has worked with Bradley鈥檚 team to explore local needs and ideas. Today, one youth worker connects with younger students and another with older ones, who are mentored to give back by working with their younger counterparts. Through that rewarding experience, it鈥檚 hoped they might later return as volunteers, Bradley explains.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been really exciting for us to do things differently. It鈥檚 building those connections and volunteerism from the ground up.鈥�
From that foundation, more is coming.
鈥淚f you have engaged neighbours and people talking to each other, it builds a stronger community.鈥�
Other United Way initiatives include its grassroots , working with local residents to build neighbourhood programs that build connections, whether it鈥檚 鈥渓ittle libraries,鈥� seniors鈥� walking groups or block parties.
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