Issues

Hey, you want nonprofits to act more like businesses? Then treat us like businesses
March 9, 2020
Our nonprofit sector has an identity issue, and I think we should resolve this if we are going to reach our potential...(Read more)
Strengthening Black Voices
March 9, 2020
Waterloo Region’s African Caribbean and Black (ACB) Network reminds us that racial discrimination — and what we can do to help change it — should be top of mind for more than just one month or one day of the year...(Read more)
AJ’s Story: Finding Home Again
January 29, 2020
AJ’s Story: Finding home again January 29, 2020 | By: United Way Waterloo Region Communities United Way-funded programs helped AJ when he left home as a teen. Now, he’s reconnected with his family, thinking about school, and helping other young people. “I should have been successful, but I wasn’t.” – AJ AJ was a talented youth enrolled in a gifted program at school. But his struggles with mental health led to him dropping out in Grade 10. “I got into shouting matches with my teachers,” says AJ, who was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) at an early age. “Things like that happened a lot. Teachers were constantly telling me to leave. Eventually, I did — I’m a high school dropout.” AJ’s diagnosis of OCD led to other diagnoses, such as generalized anxiety and depression, and these challenges impacted every area of his life. He had difficulty holding down a job. He didn’t have much of a social life. And though he loved his parents and they tried to help, (Read more)
Rose’s Story: The Possibility Of A Better Future
December 19, 2019
I feel like if I can change one life or inspire one student, then maybe they can inspire ten more...(Read more)
Ken’s Story: Paying it Forward
December 16, 2019
Ken grew up in Canada and was able to take advantage of the many opportunities that provided. He went to school, got a post-secondary education, worked and had a family. He thought he did all of the right things. (Read more)
Travis’ Story: Overcoming Addiction
November 27, 2019
Travis’ struggle with addiction started at a young age. But his future is looking much brighter now, thanks to the support he received from United Way-funded programs.(Read more)
Mike’s Story: Finding Community
November 25, 2019
For years Mike lived on the streets, but age was catching up with him. He found belonging and community at a United Way-funded drop-in centre.(Read more)
Asare’s Story: Building Role Models
November 25, 2019
The generosity of United Way donors helped inspire Asare to become a role model for other vulnerable youth.(Read more)
When $7.34 A Day is All That’s Left
October 24, 2019
Families living in poverty in Waterloo Region have a mere $7.34 a day, on average...(Read more)
Every Care In The World: The New Generation
September 12, 2019
“The children and youth in our community are our biggest asset and the biggest investment we need to make(Read more)
Shawn’s Story
March 21, 2019
Shawn knew deep down that he wanted more from life. But attending university and building a meaningful career never occurred to him as possibilities within his reach. (Read more)
One Month, 10 Deaths, 75 Overdoses
February 28, 2019
A crisis of epic proportions is unfolding in Waterloo Region If there was ever any doubt that the opioid crisis is real, consider that in January alone, local police responded to 75 suspected opioid overdoses and 10 deaths — the highest number ever reported in one month.(Read more)
One Big Question: Homelessness and Shelter in Waterloo Region
November 8, 2018
“It’s easy to take sides and point fingers at who is responsible or who is to blame” says Brian, “It’s harder to recognize challenges and work together.“ (Read more)
Kevin’s Story: Hunger in Waterloo Region
November 5, 2018
Turning to a food bank for help can be a difficult choice made harder by the stigma attached to poverty. That’s why creating a safe and judgment-free environment is critical. (Read more)
Emily’s Story: Finishing High School
November 5, 2018
Emily started falling behind in school after issues at home led to her moving out. “Just getting to school was a challenge on its own,” she says. “I would get the bare minimum done and I missed so many assignments.” (Read more)

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