A Great City is Within Reach

Immigrants, Aboriginal people, people living with disabilities, and people at-risk of violence are some of Calgary’s most vulnerable groups. Due mainly to language, physical and social barriers, these groups cannot easily access programs and services which puts them at risk of social isolation. In 2007, we are investing $13.9 million into community programs, agencies and initiatives to help improve the lives of Calgarians.  

      • More than 100,000 Calgarians have a disability; almost a third of Calgarians with a disability live in poverty
      • Women often remain in abusive relationships because they lack the money or support to leave
      • About one in five Calgarians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime.

    • With your support, United Way invests in a network of programs and collaborative initiatives that help people live more independent lives. For example, they can:

      • Access community-based health and/or rehabilitation services
      • Connect to and receive counselling and support to cope with family, social and psychological problems
      • Participate in coordinated services/activities
      • Find help in preventing, resolving and escaping abuse.

    • In 2005, your support for United Way gave:

      • 1,210 men, women and children counselling to help break the cycle of violence
      • 239 clients assistance from trained caregivers, allowing clients to remain in their homes
      • 232 new Canadians information about the local employment market and training opportunities
      • 398 new Canadian parents information about early literacy for their children, family recreation and food preparation.

 

"I was seven months pregnant when I entered a counselling program that changed my life. I don’t know what my life would be like now if this United Way-funded program had not been available.” - Mary B.

“United Way taught me how to take control of my arthritis . . . how to become self-sufficient, deal with doctors and manage depression and pain. If I hadn’t accessed these services, I would have felt I was a victim of my illness.”
– Herrat Z.

The value

  • $25 provides one-on-one phone counselling and community resource information for people recently diagnosed with arthritis
  • $120 provides 5,000 24-hour help cards for victims of domestic violence
  • $365 provides a parenting course for an immigrant parent
  • $1,000 provides respite twice a week for eights weeks for an overwhelmed family caregiver.

 

Your passion, donations and volunteer efforts make United Way’s work possible. To get involved or learn more, contact United Way at 231-6265 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it