#changestartshere INVESTING FOR IMPACT 2013/14

2.194YEARS OF VOLUNTEER TIME

UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS SERVED

$7,947,174INVESTED

15ONE-TIMEGRANTS

91PROGRAMS

2,601VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED IN

UNITED WAY OF PEEL REGION

3MUNICIPALITIES

54PARTNER AGENCIES

16COLLABORATIONS

19,235VOLUNTEER HOURS

Contents

Our mission:To improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action.

3 Message to our community4 Financial snapshot5 A catalyst for change6 Moving people from poverty to possibility

8 Helping kids be all they can be10 Building a stronger community12 New research13 Grant programs

14 Our reach15 Looking forward

VIEW OUR 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT ONLINE

unitedwaypeel.org/annualreport

REAL-TIME DATA. REAL STORIES. REAL CHANGE. We are proud to share with you our 2013/14 Investing for Impact Report. It outlines real-time data, real stories and real change you’ve helped to realize in our community over the last year.

This year our community came together to unite people, ideas and resources to create lasting change in people’s lives in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

Thanks to the support of thousands of donors and volunteers we raised $12.8 million that was invested in programs and services designed to address the root causes of social issues right here in Peel Region.

In order to do the right thing for our community’s future, we have to be clear on the outcomes that are important to us. Measurement helps provide that clarity.

Last year we introduced a new performance measurement process for our 2013/14 funding cycle. We can now report real-time data by

individuals served, geography, disability and mental health.

But it is more than just data.

Every individual number represents a life, and behind that life is a real story, and more often than not, a complex one.

For United Way, real change is about creating lasting, measurable improvements in the social conditions, health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. These are changes that happen over time as a result of efforts at multiple levels.

With the contributions of so many – from donors to volunteers, agencies to the private sector, and labour to government – we’ve been able to offer help and hope to the people of Peel who are most vulnerable. Together, we are making smart investments that create real change in so many lives – not just for today, but for the long-term.

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Shelley White Judy BurnsPresident & CEO Chair of the Board

Peel Campaign $12,914,841

National Campaigns/CCC$1,300,176

Sponsorship $82,941

Grants $546,689

Other Income $249,837

Community Priority Fund$7,227,176

Program Funding$1,832,712 (including grant funded projects)

Designations$2,566,080

Community Initiatives Funding$719,998 (including Neighbourhood Development grants, Youth in Action grants and transitional funding)

Pledge Loss$258,594

Fundraising Expenses$2,836,378

From Poverty to Possibility16%

All That Kids Can Be37%

Strong Communities47%

Thank you. THESE INVESTMENTS ARE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF YOU.

Where the money comes from Where the money goes Community Priority Fund

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View our 2013/14 audited financial statements online at unitedwaypeel.org/annualreport

2013/14 Financial Snapshot

From Povertyto Possibility

All That Kids Can Be

Strong Communities

There is growing inequality in our community. Poverty affects 13% of individuals and families in Peel. We are committed to reducing this statistic through targeted and strategic investments.

Together, we are supporting a vital network of programs and services that connect people to the help they need, when they need it.

United Way engages in continuous research and collaborations with key community partners to ensure we are making impactful investments on behalf of our donors.

We are committed to sustainable poverty reduction, and are working towards this long-term goal by focusing our investments in three key areas:

United Way of Peel Region identifies and acts on social issues that matter to the people of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, striving for greater collective impact, social innovation, and policy change.

MOVING PEOPLE FROM POVERTY TO POSSIBILITYWe support people living in poverty through programs and services that provide immediate solutions and opportunities for long-term stability.

HELPING KIDS TO BE ALL THEY CAN BE We invest in programs and services that provide our children and youth with opportunities to reach their full potential.

BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY We help our most vulnerable neighbours overcome complex challenges – abuse, mental illness and social isolation – by supporting them and connecting them to their community. Our goal is for every individual to feel, supported by and connected to their community.

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REAL DATA IN REAL TIME

A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

The data reported on the following pages was collected by our United Way agency partners from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. This data does not reflect unique individuals served, as clients may access a program several times as well as more than one program within an agency or between agencies.

294people have an

INCREASED CAPACITY TO

RESPOND TO CRISESincluding loss of employment

and homelessness

Our impact: Moving people from poverty to possibility.

People living in poverty haveACCESS TO BASIC NEEDS(including food and shelter) to get back on their feet

POLICIES CHANGEDto lift people out of poverty

8,269 people participated

in programs to

INCREASE THEIR KNOWLEDGE

about healthy eating and strategies to

access healthy food

11,328 people participated in

FOOD SUPPORT PROGRAMS

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Long-term GOALS

310people living in shelters have

IMPROVED SOCIAL AND FAMILY

SUPPORTS

81%of people

living in shelters reported

PROGRESS TOWARD THEIR PERSONAL GOALS

(employment,rebuilding relationships)

Thanks to the United Way-funded Good Food Brampton program at Catholic Family Services Peel Dufferin, youth ages 12 to 24 are dicing, mincing, and chopping their way to a brighter, healthier future.

Delivered in partnership with Rapport Youth and Family Services, this innovative program teaches young people about the importance of having access to healthy food, while instilling confidence and providing valuable life skills that can translate into a job in the future. Participants are encouraged to bring food home to share with their family, or use for

Think back to when you were fifteen. Apart from your steady diet of junk food and PB & J, did you know your way around a kitchen?

YOUR GIFT IN ACTION

themselves throughout the week.But much more than a cooking class, Good Food Brampton tackles the deeper issues of food security by providing a space where community members can learn about growing, accessing, preparing and preserving healthy and affordable food. The end goal is to build a sustainable food system for all.

Access to healthy food may seem like a simple thing. But that’s not the reality. The United Way-funded program at Good Food Brampton lifts people out of poverty and helps to build an individual’s independence.

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5Co-chaired by United Way, this

regional committee brings people together to increase understanding

and find solutions to reduce and ultimately eliminate poverty.

The number of PRIORITIES the Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy is focused on: income security, food security, affordable and accessible transportation, economic opportunities, and safe and affordable housing.

...youth are dicing, mincing and chopping their way to a healthier future.

Our impact: Helping kids be all they can be.

1,040new immigrants, teenagers

and new parents

GAINED CONFIDENCE

in their ability to parent

417youth have

STRENGTHENED RELATIONSHIPSwith family and friends

2,704 youth, including those

at risk and with disabilities, have undertaken new

or increased

VOLUNTEER ROLES

1,290 children and youth

reported improvements in

SELF-CONFIDENCE

3,563 youth participated in

PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE

their school engagement

CHILDREN ARE READY TO LEARN

when they start kindergarten

Children and youth are ACTIVE AND ENGAGED IN THEIR COMMUNITY

PARENTS HAVE THE TOOLS, KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORTto be the best parents they can be

YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS that reflect their unique needs

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Long-term GOALS

The number of BLACK YOUTH matched to an ADULT BLACK MENTOR through United Way’s Black Community Advisory Council Mentoring Program, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel.

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Some of the most basic learning tools can be found in a classroom: pencils for the writing and erasers for the mistakes – building blocks that are needed to help kids succeed. Today, Maria’s children are using these tools in classrooms, ready to learn – and it’s thanks to a United Way-funded program at Caledon Parent-Child Centre.

After giving birth to her first child, Maria was house-bound, lonely and depressed. “You never think it’s going to happen to you. ‘Post-partum depression’ went from being a small section covered off in pre-natal classes, to my real life.”

I see a huge impact on my children...they are ready to learn.

YOUR GIFT IN ACTION

But happy children need a strong, healthy mother.

Maria was referred to the Family Resource Program at Caledon Parent-Child Centre, where she learned to become a stronger, more effective parent. She built a support network that helped her through the birth of her second child.

Most importantly, Maria gained the skills and confidence she needed to help her kids be all they can be.

“I see a huge impact on my children. They are part of groups – they are learning how to share and participate in a classroom environment. They are ready to learn.”

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Strong, confident parents build strong, confident children

SUCCESS LEAVES FOOTPRINTSWhen our young people have the opportunity to interact regularly with mentors that look like them, mentors who are interested in their well-being and their futures, this can only bring about a positive impact.

Sophia Brown Ramsay, BCAC Past Chair

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42,946 people participated

in programs that

INCREASE AWARENESSof mental health

and reduce stigma

531 victims of abuse

and violence

FEEL SAFER

64,110 people participated

in programs that

CONNECTED them to vital services

and supports

1,517 people are better at

MANAGING CRISES

related to family violence

1,585 victims of abuse and

violence participated in programs to develop

SAFETY PLANS for themselves and

their children

Our impact: Building a stronger community.

Long-term GOALS

Victims of violence and abuse

ARE SAFE

Community membersDEVELOP INCREASED

AWARENESSof mental health issues and

REDUCE STIGMA

People struggling with complex challenges including mental

illness and disabilities

ARE SUPPORTED

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Along with the rows of peppers, tomatoes and herbs, comes a feeling of community that is growing right along with them.

Started by a group of women in the neighbourhood, and supported through United Way’s 2013 Neighbourhood Development Grant, this project soon energized the entire community.

Picking fresh vegetables from the garden became a ritual that people could do together – it became a safe place where neighbours could grow together.

Soon came the idea of turning this patch of soil into an inspiring co-operative

YOUR GIFT IN ACTION

social enterprise – they began making homemade jerk sauce! The Ladies First Colonial Jerk Sauce is now sold to raise funds and support scholarship programs for neighbourhood girls.

“All of us felt really proud!” said Pauline, a resident in the neighbourhood. “It sends a message to the younger girls in the neighbourhood, that whatever ideas you have, just go for it. Put your heart into it!”

Your support strengthens communities, empowers neighbours and opens a door full of possibility.

The number of COMMUNITY PARTNERSUnited Way’s South Asian Advisory Council worked with on the Impact of Family Violence: A South Asian Perspective Conference in May.

A community garden has sprouted in the Colonial Terrace neighbourhood.

7 Over 500 people came together in Brampton to discuss violence

prevention strategies in the South Asian community, and

the community at large.

Whatever ideas you have, just go for it. Put your heart into it!

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United Way of Peel Region led a community-based research initiative to better understand the mental health and addiction services available to Peel residents.

RECOMMENDATIONS

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New research: Mapping the mental health system in Peel Region.

SYSTEM CHALLENGES

Significant wait times to access mental health services

Attitudes of many cultures tend to stigmatize mental illness

Barriers to coordinating mental health and addictions supports for those who are homeless and who frequent

emergency shelters

Varied service eligibility requirements make system

navigation frustrating

Need more preventative, group-based mental health education

In Caledon, there is a general lack of services

Working with 10 partners, the research examined access to services such as: crisis intervention; hospital emergency, in- and out-patient services; outreach and emergency shelter services; case management services; and family, neighbourhood and ethnocultural supports and services.

IMPROVE collaborative

practices

DEVELOPAPPROACHESin ethnocultural communities to decrease stigma of mental illness

EXPAND reach, capacity and hours of

service

The number of PEOPLE United Way’s Chinese Advisory Council engaged in a Mental Health Forum in November 2013.80

It was an an opportunity for open and honest dialogue around

mental health, the need for culturally appropriate and responsive services,

and ways to confront the stigma around mental illness.

Youth in Action Grants

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“The Girls Empowerment Movement (GEMs) is all about empowering girls in the community,” said Tanya, a grade 10 student. “I have become more confident with myself and my surroundings because of the mentorship at GEMs!”

GEMs runs workshops to empower young girls in Peel. By training mentors in grades eleven and twelve and engaging with mentees in grades nine and ten, the program takes student leadership to the next level – making sure that the impact is for youth and by youth.

“They tackled tough topics like body image, stereotypes and the media’s portrayal of women,” stated Tanya. “The workshops have been amazing!”

GEMs was one of eleven projects to receive a Youth in Action Grant last year. Given to groups of youth ages 14-24, these micro grants of up to $2,000 help youth bring projects that they care about to life.

From youth symposiums to theatre performances, dance workshops to awareness campaigns, the Youth in Action Grant projects always showcase the heights youth can reach when they are supported to be all that they can be.

The Youth in Action Grants develop young leaders of today, and it’s because of your support!

YOUR GIFT IN ACTION

I have become more confident with myself and my surroundings because of the mentorship at GEMs!

The number of STRONG NEIGHBOURHOOD GRANTSWe invested $120,000 in three priority neighbourhoods: The Journey Neighbourhood Centre (Brampton). The Exchange (Caledon) and The Sheridan/Clarkson Neighbourhood Family Program (Mississauga)

3This investment supports

community integration, improved access to services and supports, and ensures residents have a say in the solutions implemented in

their own neighbourhood.

Brampton

Mississauga

Caledon

Bolton

Malton

QEW

Hwy 403

Hwy 401Hwy 407

Hwy 410

Port Credit

Streetsville

Clarkson

Mayfield Rd

Winston Churchill Blvd Huttonville

Meadowvale

Palgrave

Hwy 9

Caledon Village

Terra Cotta

Belfountain

Mayfield West

East Caledon

Mount Pleasant

Castlemore

Erin Mills

Erindale

Steeles Ave West

Lake Ontario

Clareville

Heart LakeSnelgrove

Albion

Gore

Lorne Park

Dixie

Springdale

Peel Village

North West Brampton

StationviewInglewood Hurontario St - Hwy 10

Olde Baseline Rd

Airport Rd

Castlemore Rd

Bovaird Dr

Torbram Rd

Chinguacousy Rd

Britannia Rd

Eglinton Ave

Dundas St

Lakeshore Rd

Queen St

Cawthra Rd

Erin Mills Pkwy

Castlederg Side Rd

Queen St

Mavis RdDixie Rd

Hwy 410

Ninth Line

Hwy 403

Agency partners and agency service locationsStrong Neighbourhood grant initiativesYouth in Action grant initiatives

Income Distribution* in 2010

United Way of Peel Region Investments

Very High Income - $62,000+

High Income - $53,000-$62,000

Middle Income - $35,000-$53,000

Low Income - $26,000-$35,000

Very Low Income - $26,000 or less

Source: Neighbourhood Change Research Partnership, University of Toronto.

Note: Census tract and municipal boundaries are from 2006. Average Individual Income is for persons 15 and over and includes income from all sources, before-tax. Income for 2010 based on all taxfilers for census tracts 2006 boundaries.

*Income numbers are ranges and have been rounded.14

Our reach:

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Our work in 2014/15 Community HubsGuided by the Mapping the Mental Health System in Peel Region: Challenges and Opportunities report findings and recommendations, United Way will work to improve access to mental health community-based services through partnerships with agencies and other community organizations. We call it the community hub approach.

Community hubs will offer local community-based services and programs targeted to local needs, all under one roof – which means that services are easy to get to and people can access the supports they need.

United Way is exploring how we can implement a community hub approach in our neighbourhoods.

Precarious employmentIn 2014/15, United Way will continue to participate in the Community-University Research Alliance and the Poverty and Employment Precarity in Southern Ontario (PEPSO) research project covering the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton Region.

This research project helps us to better understand the impact of precarious employment on individuals, and to identify what supports are needed in the community.

Social scientists use the term ‘precarity’ to describe states of employment that do not have the security or benefits available in more traditional employment relationships. It is characterized by increased insecurity in employment,

reduced entitlement to ongoing employment, limited control over work schedules, low pay, limited benefits and fewer opportunities for career advancement. It often involves unusual job contracts, temporary positions, fairly poor working conditions and high risks of health hazards.

Over the last few years in Peel, we have been focused on the impact precarious employment has on our neighbourhoods. Work will continue to identify ways neighbourhoods can leverage their resources to lessen the impact of precarious employment. In order to do this, focus groups are being conducted with service providers, residents and small businesses to understand the impacts of precarious employment.

LOOKING FORWARD

INITIATE & INVESTin programs

that hold the most promise for long-term

solutions.

ENGAGE & EMPOWERall sectors of our community to come together and share their experiences, expertise and energy.

IDENTIFY, UNDERSTAND & ADDRESSthe root causes of the social issues we face in Peel.

DEVELOP LEADERSand skills to strengthen

the non-profit sector.

BRING TOGETHER the needed research, experts and resources.

90 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 408 | PO Box 58 Mississauga, ON L5B 3C3

Phone: 905-602-3650 | Fax: 905-602-3651 | TTY: 905-602-3653

info@unitedwaypeel.org | www.unitedwaypeel.org

/unitedwaypeel

THANK YOU.