Dear Friend,
More and more, we’re hearing about the challenges facing youth — slowed hiring, increased competition, youth unemployment in Canada reaching its highest level in a generation.
As a parent, the stats are concerning. Like many of us, I worry what the future holds for young people across our region, especially those already facing the steepest barriers, including Black, Indigenous, newcomer, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and youth with disabilities.
Which is why the work we’re doing at United Way is more important now than ever. For instance, this summer, 21 employment programs delivered by United Way-supported agencies will help more than 660 youth find meaningful work — offering everything from job-readiness training to wraparound services.
And that’s just one way we’re supporting youth. From Community Hubs where youth can access supports, to transitional housing for Black youth, to partnerships that ensure redevelopment benefits residents and creates local jobs, we’re doing everything we can to open doors to opportunity — for youth and for everyone.
Because a good job is more than a paycheque. It’s a chance to build confidence, stability and a life of possibility. And with supporters like you, we’ll keep building a future where every young person in the GTA can thrive. Any way we can.
With sincere appreciation for your support,
Alka Graham
Director, Marketing, Donor Experience & Events
United Way Greater Toronto
Your support in action
Strengthening neighbourhoods, one Hub at a time
In its first two months, 30,000 people accessed vital services at Thorncliffe Park Community Hub — the newest United Way-supported Hub in the GTA. A recent Toronto Star feature highlighted the Hub’s impact in this diverse, growing neighbourhood, where families now access childcare, medical services, mental health support and more — all under one roof. As our population grows across the region, we’re scaling what works, building 10 new Community Hubs in the next decade so that more people can get the support they need close to home. Read the feature.
Tailoring support for Black youth
We teamed up with 360°kids, one of the 300+ community agencies we support, on a new transitional housing program for Black youth, the first of its kind in York Region. Outfitted with Caribbean and Afrocentric decor and culturally appropriate food and services, the residence will offer wraparound supports related to mental health, employment and education. This is a space where Black youth facing homelessness can begin to heal and build a future — and one of 119 programs and services we support to close opportunity gaps in housing, employment and more for Black, Indigenous and racialized communities. Watch the video.
Celebrating five years of inclusive economic prosperity
What happens when business, government and community roll up their sleeves and work together? Real change. Since launching in 2018, the Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity (ILEO) initiative in the Greater Golden Mile has generated over $14 million in financial return to community, over $5 million in small business revenue and resulted in more than 190 residents hired. In June, we celebrated the five year anniversary of this innovative initiative along with Mayor Olivia Chow and over 30 partner organizations. Learn more about the impact ILEO is having.
Driving change across the GTA, together
At our Annual and Special Meeting of the Members in June, we looked back — and forward. We shared highlights from our 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report, including over $71 million invested in Community Program Grants for 250 programs tackling issues like food security, housing, mental health, inclusive employment and more; the launch of our new Community Real Estate Initiative that will help 100 organizations secure long-term space in the next 10 years and our bold new vision to build a GTA for all. With your support, we’re digging deep into the tough issues facing our region and driving real, lasting change so that everybody in every neighbourhood has what they need for a good life. Read more in our 2024-2025 Impact Report.
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
United Way ClimbUP is back Nov. 15 and 16! Climb all 1,776 steps of the iconic CN Tower and support the work we do across the GTA. Register now to secure your spot and have a chance to win our early bird prize — a Staycation Package at The Yorkville Royal Sonesta!
Can’t climb, but still want to be part of the fun? We need 500 volunteers to help us make the climb better than ever this year. Learn more about roles and sign up to support this incredible event.
Building community takes community.
With your support, we will build a GTA where everyone has what they need to thrive. u003cstrongu003eAny way we canu003c/strongu003e.rnrnLearn more about our work. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates about how your local love is making a difference across the GTA.