United Way invests $400,000 to help kids in Surrey

One in three kids in BC starts kindergarten with odds stacked against their success – in the classroom and later in life. In Surrey’s Guildford West neighbourhood, this number is worse: it’s almost one in two. United Way British Columbia is determined to change these odds and ensure more kids in Guildford West start school ready to succeed. Today, United Way British Columbia announced an investment of $400,000 in Guildford West for the early childhood initiative United Way Avenues of Change. A total of $1.2 million over the next three years has been earmarked for this initiative. These funds will act as a catalyst for the community and be used to implement neighbourhood-specific strategies tailor-made for the community to change outcomes for vulnerable kids. Strategies include:

• Support on the Go – mental wellness support
• Health Promotion Ambassadors – health promotion outreach
• Literacy Ambassadors – literacy outreach
• Early Childhood and Family Check-in – a screening program that helps track children’s developmental progress.

  “From the start, United Way Avenues of Change has been a deeply collaborative neighbourhood project,” said Michael McKnight, President & CEO of United Way British Columbia. “We knew that in order to tackle a complex issue like child vulnerability, we needed to bring together people and partners at a local level who are passionate about ensuring children and families thrive.” Research shows that kids thrive when their neighbourhoods thrive. Key partners in United Way Avenues of Change in Guildford West are the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) at UBC; the Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC); the Children’s Partnership Surrey-White Rock, which consists of the City of Surrey, Fraser Health Authority, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, School District 36, and Surrey Libraries; DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society and Options Community Services Society who will manage the implementation of the Action Strategies in Guildford West; and the residents of Guildford West. None of the work United Way does is possible without the support of our donors. Behind every changed life is someone who makes that possible. Today, the support of donors will change young lives in Surrey’s Guildford West. Read the full news release here. https://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedwaylowermainland/sets/72157659738697100