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Local Love

Your Guide to Living Well and Doing Good

Editor’s picks

March 14, 2024

How social identity data can advance more equitable outcomes in the community services sector

United Way Greater Toronto’s Director of Research, Public Policy and Evaluation offers a closer look at the potential for social identity data (SID) to advance equity.

March 09, 2024

Celebrating International Women’s Day AND a remarkable campaign achievement

This week we’re talking about International Women’s Day, the results from our 2023 Community Campaign, a job fair in the Golden Mile and connection for seniors.

March 01, 2024

6 ways to make life better for women in the GTA

How do you eliminate gendered poverty? Start by creating smart public policies, like these places around the globe.

February 28, 2024

Empowering the Next Generation of Black Leaders

Highlights from the panel discussion at the Black Leadership and Recognition Breakfast Event about creating more equitable communities.

February 13, 2024

Our Love Letter to Community

This is our love letter to the incredible people, neighbourhoods and communities at the heart of our mission.

February 10, 2024

Celebrating Black Leadership

This week we’re talking about Black leadership and Black-led initiatives, non-profit appreciation, and the need for real housing solutions.

January 20, 2024

10 incredible moments of impact from 2023

In this special edition of the newsletter, we reflect on the moments of impact and connection that you made possible in 2023.


2023 | UNITED WAY | PARTNER CONTENT |

Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto, stands in front of a gray wall. He is wearing a white shirt with blue dots and a tan jacket.

At United Way Greater Toronto, we believe in a region where everyone can thrive. Find out more about how we are building stronger, brighter neighbourhoods in this Toronto Star special feature.

November 08, 2023

Ensuring equality across all communities

United Way is filling funding gaps, ensuring local organizations can build capacity and meet the unique needs of the communities they serve.

November 08, 2023

How the power of partnership is building neighbourhoods

United Way’s Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity (ILEO) initiative brings together myriad stakeholders to ensure that future development doesn’t displace residents and reinforce inequality.

November 08, 2023

Allowing the community to decide for itself

The Indigenous Partnership Council is an Indigenous-led committee that develops programs and allocates United Way funding to Indigenous organizations.

November 08, 2023

Finding homes for people who need them most

A partnership between the City of Toronto, the University Health Network and United Way Greater Toronto will bring a first-of-its kind supportive housing initiative to Parkdale.

November 08, 2023

Filling the gaps for refugees and asylum seekers in the GTA

Challenges for refugees and asylum seekers in the GTA run deep. United Way-funded agencies are filling the gaps for refugees and newcomers by providing programs and services to help meet immediate needs and build community connections.

November 07, 2023

Working together to build strong, inclusive and vibrant communities

More people in our communities are struggling to pay rent and depending on food banks. We need to partner together to build inclusive communities and ensure long-term systemic change.


Community Stories

December 11, 2023

Providing stable housing for youth to grow

Serpil was 15 years old and about to enter the shelter system. Then she found a United Way-funded agency that gave her the stability and security she needed to thrive

October 11, 2023

Creating a safe space for women to succeed  

A United Way-supported women’s employment organization helped Jenifer land the job of her dreams

September 08, 2023

A United Way hub helped Nafisa feed her family and find a community 

When Nafisa first arrived in Canada she was isolated and struggling to make ends meet. Then she found the Rexdale Community Hub.

August 10, 2023

“I can start believing in the possibilities”

A United Way-supported peer program helped Randee find community and overcome mental health struggles.

June 07, 2023

Connecting Indigenous women to jobs—and each other 

A United Way-supported employment program for Indigenous women connected Amber to the support she needed to land her dream job.


Issues

Issues

Empowering the Next Generation of Black Leaders

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Issues

What is social capital and why does it matter

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Issues

Why income inequality is at the root of all problems

Learn more

April 23, 2020

What people just don’t get about youth homelessness in Canada

Street kids are not just rebels without a cause—and they want (and need) your help.

March 12, 2020

How food banks in Canada work—and why they’re necessary

With rising unaffordability and income inequality in Toronto and the GTA, food banks are needed more than ever


Life

Life

9 revolutionary ways to make self-care a priority

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Life

I’m poor and I’m a great mom. Come at me.

Learn more

May 17, 2019

Cool, you’re an ally, but trans and non-binary folks need more

Trans and non-binary people are just that people. Let’s skip the intrusive questions and build relationships

April 29, 2019

Accessibility in Toronto and the GTA is everybody’s issue

There’s a growing movement to break down barriers to participation in everyday life. Are you on board?


Places

Places

How communities can stop gentrification from erasing GTA culture

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Issues

Land acknowledgements: uncovering an oral history of Tkaronto

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Places

The surprising ways city parks create barriers

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October 16, 2020

A neighbourhood lens on food security

Maybe you’ve heard the term ‘food desert,’ but what about ‘food swamp’? Here’s what that means—and why you might be living in one without even knowing it. Food insecurity doesn’t always look like you think.

January 21, 2019

Low-cost—or free!—mental health services in Toronto and the GTA

A guide to finding affordable counselling and other mental health resources in your neighbourhood


Philanthropy

Philanthropy

How Donald K. Johnson is opening doors to giving

Learn more

November 03, 2021

Dilprit and Rajbinder Grewal

Dilprit and Rajbinder Grewal’s biggest philanthropic priority is making sure everyone in their community has what they need to thrive.

November 03, 2021

Bernard Dorval and Francine Côté

Bernard Dorval and Francine Côté have committed to spending the next chapter of their lives helping others to realize their dreams.


Partnerships

Partnerships

Breaking barriers for systemic change

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January 23, 2024

211 connects people with the vital social and community resources they need

Anyone living anywhere in Canada can pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1 to reach a Service Navigator for information on community-based health, social and government services in or near their community.

September 02, 2020

5 steps to building a more inclusive workplace

United Way partner McCarthy Tétrault shares five steps they’ve taken to build a more inclusive workplace. They want more companies to follow their lead.

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United Way’s newsletter brings you the latest from community, including an in-depth look at how your support helps us build back better.