CHANGE A LIFE
COVID-19 had a tremendous impact on our mental well-being. Almost two-thirds of 15 to 24-year-olds reported that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health. 41% were likely to report symptoms consistent with moderate or severe anxiety.* We know there is a crisis in our communities surrounding substance abuse. United Way British Columbia looks to partner with organizations and
Nineteen-year-old Jodi loves school. She’s learning new things, meeting new people and planning for a bright future as she pursues her degree through the Child and Youth Care program at Douglas College in New Westminster. It was something that was almost unimaginable for her as a child. “I knew when we had no food. I
Hea Nay spent the majority of her young life growing up in a refugee camp in Thailand. She and her family, who are members of the Karen minority, escaped Myanmar fleeing civil war when she was just two years old. After 14 years in the camp, where she went to school, Hea Nay, her parents
Youth across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are facing a very different world than they were just a few short months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and community centres are closed and there is heightened stress at home. Uncertainty about what the future holds and social isolation are all affecting youth mental well-being. In fact, almost two-thirds of those aged
On a recent July Saturday Evena visited a Guildford school parking lot, one of four designated Local Love Food Hubs especially for children and families attending inner city schools in Surrey. She was there to pick up much-needed supports from volunteers at the City Dream Centre – a grocery hamper filled with bread, fresh produce,
When Emilianna’s roommate moved out during COVID-19, she was left to cover the full cost of her rent. The comedy club she worked at also closed at the same time. As a former youth in government care who is now studying Social Work at Douglas College, Emilianna doesn’t have the safety net of her parents
Before the global pandemic, thousands of students across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley trusted school meal programs as a dependable and necessary source of daily nourishment. Mandated school closures to curb the spread of COVID-19 meant schools needed to quickly adapt their programs to answer to escalating needs, not just from students but their
As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches from weeks to months once vibrant schoolyards across the province have gone quiet, leaving some vulnerable kids in our communities missing not only the structure and play that going to school provides, but also meals. That’s because at school, many vulnerable kids receive breakfast, lunch or snacks through United Way of the
Hundreds of B.C. youth formerly in government care are receiving money when they need it most, thanks to the Youth Futures Education Fund. This year 811 former youth in care are eligible to receive funds while they pursue their post-secondary education. The funds help them pay for part of their living expenses while they study,
Working together makes all the difference when it comes to building community, according to United Way British Columbia research. Volunteering is 21% more meaningful when you do it with people you know. It’s something students from Clayton Heights Secondary School completely agree with. Earlier this month, 30 Grade 10 Math students travelled from Surrey’s Clayton
When starting college or university, most young people have support from their families to cover living expenses like rent, food and transportation. Unfortunately, these supports are not available to everyone, including former youth in care. Youth like Soraya Bellou. From foster care to medical school Growing up, life could be challenging and unstable for Soraya
The Vancouver tech community gathered this past Sunday to hack the Grouse Grind, taking part in the 4th annual United Way Tech Grind presented by McMillan LLP. Teams raced to the top of Grouse Mountain – all 2,830 steps, 2.9 km and 853 meters in elevation – all while raising funds for United Way’s School’s
United Way British Columbia is investing an additional $150,000 in the Youth Futures Education Fund, so more B.C. youth who have aged out of foster care can thrive at school – and in life. When starting college or university, most young people have support from their families to cover living expenses like rent, food and
People will soon have easier and more affordable access to menstrual products with the launch of the United Way Period Promise Research Project. With the support of a $95,000 government grant, the project will distribute menstrual products to 15 non-profit agencies across B.C., who will make them easily accessible to their clients. Research that breaks
Today the Government of British Columbia announced a contribution of $250,000 in 2019-20 to the Youth Futures Education Fund. The funding will provide students formerly in foster care with access to funding for costs beyond tuition such as buying books, groceries, paying bills and rent. “Former youth in care pursuing their educational dreams don’t always
United Way British Columbia is providing an additional $70,000 to gang-prevention program In It Together, operated by Abbotsford Community Services. Yves Trudel made the announcement at the Fraser Valley Community Spirit Awards May 7. The event recognized United Way donors and the impact their generosity is having in the Fraser Valley. “United Way is proud
To help vulnerable people live with the dignity we all deserve, small acts of local love can make a big difference. That’s what inspired 17-year-old Krystle Sievert to help tackle period poverty. Krystle is a student at Clayton Heights Secondary. Clayton Heights is a burgeoning neighbourhood in Surrey, where United Way is working with residents to foster
In an historic decision, the Board of Education for New Westminster Schools voted to supply free pads and tampons in school bathrooms. The decision will improve access to menstrual products for local students, reducing the vulnerability and isolation caused by period poverty. Trustees also voted to endorse the Period Promise campaign by United Way British
Gavin Clark wants to challenge the kinds of conversations we have about teenagers and youth. As the Community Schools Coordinator at Templeton Secondary School in East Vancouver, Gavin sees firsthand how engaged and passionate his students are about civic issues that matter to them. It’s a far cry from the stereotypes often reinforced by media,
Trinity has lived with her Grandma, Ramona since she was four because her mother and father struggle with addiction. On a typical day after school, nine-year-old Trinity would go home to her Grandma’s. She’d do homework, watch some TV and play with her dog. That changed when she enrolled in a United Way’s School’s Out