Dear Friend,
Through our work in communities, we see a powerful truth time and again: when women have real opportunities to succeed, their lives become more stable, families and communities grow stronger and the future becomes brighter for everyone.
To mark International Women’s Day, we brought together community leaders to discuss how we can better support women in the workforce. What we heard was clear: Too many women still face barriers to economic security — more likely to work in low-paying, unstable jobs while carrying caregiving responsibilities. We were reminded that when women are met with the right supports, real change is possible.
That’s why United Way invests in wraparound services like caregiver assistance, flexible training and mentorship, alongside employment programs helping women build in-demand skills and find meaningful work.
Your generosity helps fund 118 programs providing legal advice to survivors of gender-based violence, building leadership and STEM skills for girls and linking women to safe housing, food and mental health supports. By strengthening the foundations women need for stability and self-determination, we’re helping them shape futures they choose.
Together, we’re building a GTA where every woman has the opportunity to thrive — because when women succeed, we all do.
With sincere appreciation for your support,
Alka Graham
Director, Donor Experience
United Way Greater Toronto
P.S. Want to make an even bigger difference for women in our region? Join Women United, a group of dedicated changemakers that share a vision to transform the lives of women across the GTA.
Your support in action
Empowering survivors to heal after emotional abuse
Piera did her best to appear calm, but behind closed doors, an emotionally abusive relationship was destroying her sense of self. When the panic attacks started, she knew something had to change. After attending group therapy, she learned about a United Way-funded program at the Women’s Centre of York Region. Through the program, Piera began healing from trauma, found a supportive community and rebuilt her confidence. She later returned as a volunteer facilitator, helping other women find the same strength she had discovered. Today, she’s a registered psychotherapist, guiding others on their journeys toward healing. Read Piera’s story.
The impact of funding cuts on immigrants and refugees
Newcomers strengthen communities across Canada. But the immigrant and refugee-serving agencies that help people settle and build new lives have been hit hard since 2023 due to policy changes and funding cuts. Nearly 70% of these agencies anticipate layoffs, and 44% expect to close programs. In response, United Way Greater Toronto, the City of Toronto and the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants have come together to recommend practical steps governments, funders and agencies can take to preserve these critical services. Read the full report.
Helping vulnerable residents find stable housing
A transformative new investment is helping tackle homelessness in Toronto. The Slaight Family Foundation’s remarkable $25 million gift to St. Michael’s Hospital’s MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions and United Way Greater Toronto will go to work helping more vulnerable residents find and keep stable housing. A groundbreaking model of collaboration between the health, housing and social service sectors, The Slaight Family Housing Lab will unlock new housing opportunities while better connecting people to health care and essential social services. Learn more about the initiative.
IN COMMUNITY, WITH COMMUNITY
Thanks to all our Local Leaders who helped power our 2025 Community Campaign. The tremendous leadership and generosity of these organizations and labour partners help us to keep fighting local poverty by meeting urgent needs today while working with partners to build stronger neighbourhoods for tomorrow.
Many survivors of gender-based violence arrive at women’s shelters with nothing. You can help by donating essentials like period products, shampoo and deodorant — or pack a hygiene kit and drop it off at a local United Way agency. For drop-off details or more information, contact UWEngagement@uwgt.org.
Building community takes community.
With your support, we will build a GTA where everyone has what they need to thrive.
Any way we can.
Learn more about our work. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates about how your local love is making a difference across the GTA.