investing for impact 2014/15

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#WeArePossibility INVESTING FOR IMPACT 2014/15

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Page 1: Investing for impact 2014/15

#WeArePossibility INVESTING FOR IMPACT 2014/15

Page 2: Investing for impact 2014/15

Contents

Together, we are working to reduce poverty, prevent poverty and support people living in poverty right now.

3 Message to our community4 Financial snapshot5 Eliminate poverty in Peel6 Moving people from poverty to possibility

8 Helping kids be all they can be10 Building a stronger community12 New research13 Creating change through partnerships

14 Our reach15 Looking forward

People who are either experiencing or vulnerable to poverty were supported

and empowered.

Children and youth were placed on a path to succeed

in school and life, now and in the future.

Individuals received the help they needed as they faced complex

challenges including abuse, mental illness and social isolation.

INDIVIDUALS SERVED

BECAUSE OF YOU...

Page 3: Investing for impact 2014/15

TOGETHER, WE ARE POSSIBILITYWe are proud to share with you the 2014/2015 Investing for Impact Report — outlining the positive change that we have created in Peel, together. This report outlines how we created hope and possibility for thousands of our most vulnerable neighbours. It has been an extraordinary year that was equally inspirational and impactful.

At United Way of Peel Region, we are about poverty reduction. That’s who we are and what drives us. With contributions from so many of you – those who committed to acting, giving, volunteering – we are proud to say that we have been able to make a positive, lasting change for children, families and our entire community.

Thanks to all of your support, we raised $12.8-million for Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga! This money is invested into the community, as we partner, collaborate and advocate on behalf of those in greatest need. We strengthen our community by investing and supporting accessible programs designed to address poverty in ways that reduce it, prevent it and support those who are living in poverty right now.

Working with everyone – from private and public sectors, Labour and education, and all levels of government – our work truly displays what is possible. For example, this year we have seen graduation rates increase – an outcome that United Way has played a vital role in.

Possibility implies hope and potential. Possibility suggests that there is something within each and every one of us that just needs a little bit of help. Behind each life that is changed is an individual who made it happen. And that is you.

Thank you for everything that you do. It takes all of us working together to build a better community. With everyone at the table, we will be able to do so much more.

Together, we are possibility.

Shelley White John RussoPresident & CEO Chair of the Board

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VIEW THE 2014/15 ANNUAL REPORT ONLINE

unitedwaypeel.org/communityimpact

NOT FOR PROFIT OF THE YEARUnited Way of Peel Region was awarded the distinction of 2014 Not for Profit of the Year at the Mississauga Board of Trade’s 2014 Business Awards of Excellence.

The cover image was taken on September 18, 2014 at the 2014 Campaign Kick-off. The mural pictured was painted in the Ardglen community by volunteers.

Page 4: Investing for impact 2014/15

Peel Campaign $12,650,706

National Campaigns/CCC$1,467,330

Sponsorship $95,769

Grants $400,728

Other MiscellaneousIncome $78,140

Ardglen Emergency Relief $58,004

Community Priority Fund$7,231,825

Program Funding$1,758,912 (including grant funded projects such as Peel Newcomer Strategy Group)

Designations to other United Ways and charities$2,262,755

Community Initiatives Funding$191,521(including Neighbourhood Development grants, Youth in Action grants and Ardglen Emergency Relief

Pledge Loss$247,838

Fundraising Expenses$2,833,946

Investment by Focus Area

From Poverty to Possibility10.5%

All That Kids Can Be37.2%

Strong Communities52.3%

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 2014/15 audited financial statements online at unitedwaypeel.org/impactreport

2014/15 Financial Snapshot

Page 5: Investing for impact 2014/15

There is growing income inequality in our community. Poverty affects 17% 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 uses research and community consultation to identify needs and work together to meet those needs. United Way’s key role is to bring together leaders from all sectors and residents to build collective responses to address the root causes of poverty.

Together, we can improve the lives of people struggling in our community by providing immediate and lasting solutions that tackle the cycle of poverty.

United Way of Peel Region is focused on poverty reduction. Collectively, we work to reduce poverty, prevent poverty and support people living in poverty right now.

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REAL DATA IN REAL TIME

ELIMINATE POVERTY IN PEEL

The data in this report was collected by our United Way agency partners from April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. This data does not reflect unique individuals served, as clients may access a program several times and/or more than one program within an agency or between agencies.

From Povertyto Possibility

All That Kids Can Be

Strong Communities

Page 6: Investing for impact 2014/15

In the middle of Knight’s Table, a United Way-funded agency partner, Glen Harvey shared his story with a group of high school students who were volunteering for the day. “I never really know what I’m going to say when I get up there,” Glen started. “I just share my experience, and hopefully that’s enough.”

Glen’s experience is different than most, and it’s also one you may not think about when Peel comes to mind. Just three years ago, Glen was homeless and sleeping in his car. “I felt like I was inside of a refrigerator – in an empty cell,” recalled Glen. “It was lonely. It was sad. It was depressing.”

Glen battled through addiction and alcoholism, lost his job and his family. He wound up sleeping in his car as a last resort. “It’s no one’s first choice to sleep in their car. And it doesn’t have to be addiction to push people to this option. Everyone has a story.”

On any given day, over 222,000 individuals in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga are experiencing poverty and struggling to afford housing. For those struggling to make ends meet, the threat of homelessness is very real. In our community, homelessness looks different – some families and individuals who lose their homes are turning to their cars for shelter.

But there is one thing that Glen reminds everyone: “We are still people. Regardless of our choices or our circumstances – we are still people and we feel what you feel.”

Today, Glen is back on his feet and is a long way from the man that used to spend nights curled up in the backseat of his car. A true testament to possibility, Glen now volunteers with Knight’s Table and shares his story every week – impacting lives and lifting his most vulnerable neighbours out of poverty.

Homelessness looks different in Peel

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

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Long-term GOALS

Moving people from poverty to possibility

Page 7: Investing for impact 2014/15

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I never actually slept for more than an hour. I kept waking up sporadically – it’s as if my body was trying to remind me that I was at risk of freezing to death.

Carlo Silvestri #LongestNightPeel participant

Learn more at unitedwaypeel.org/communityimpact

The number of PEOPLE who PARTICIPATED IN THE INAUGURAL #LONGESTNIGHTPEELOn February 27, many brave individuals bundled up in their backseats and spent the night in their car. The Longest Night helped to shed light on the reality of homelessness in Peel. Spending the night in your car can make for one of the longest nights of your life. It’s uncomfortable, it’s difficult and it’s cold – but it’s a reality for many of our neighbours.

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BECAUSE OF YOU...

4,593individuals and families experiencing poverty were helped to ensure they had SUFFICIENT,

SAFE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD.

1,229 people received GUIDANCE in identifying and accessing

community-based services and supports THAT COULD HELP THEM.

96%of people using shelters and transitional housing reported PROGRESS TOWARD THEIR

PERSONAL GOALS (employment, rebuilding relationships).

Your donations help ensure

everyone has access to the most

basic needs in life – food security,

emergency shelter and transitional

housing supports.

Page 8: Investing for impact 2014/15

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

By the time she was 18, Kariya found herself in need of emergency shelter. Desperate to leave an abusive relationship at home, she struggled with mental health issues and eventually dropped out of school. Her life was spiralling out of control.

Then she found herself at the steps of Our Place Peel – a United Way funded emergency youth shelter where she received safe shelter. There she met with a Youth Support Coordinator who helped Kariya address her issues and create realistic goals that pushed her to improve in school and in life.

Slowly but surely, everything started falling back into place. Kariya went back to school, secured a part-time job and was selected for a semi-independent youth program.

Today, Kariya is back on her feet and has goals in place to finish high school and secure a job in a

field that she enjoys. Thanks to Our Place Peel, and donors like you, she’s on track to achieve both.

Last year, Our Place Peel was able to help 247 youth. Unfortunately, they had to turn away 457 youth due to a lack of emergency shelter beds. We are working with key community partners to address this gap, by building a system of support to ensure there are more emergency shelter options for youth in Peel.

With your support, we are also continuing to invest in programs and services to prevent youth homelessness.

When we work together with partners such as Our Place Peel, we are able to support possibility in all of our youth in Peel.

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Breaking the cycle of poverty for children and youth

Long-term GOALS

Helping kids be all they can be

Page 9: Investing for impact 2014/15

The number of YOUTH IN ACTION GRANTS distributed by the YOUNG LEADERS COUNCILPeel youth tackled issues ranging from youth unemployment to access for mental health services. Each year, hundreds of youth participate with Youth in Action projects, building skills, networks and healthy relationships. Since the program’s inception in 2009, over $100,000 has been invested in projects as diverse as mentorship, interactive mental health events and hip-hop dance projects.

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Your support helps put children

and youth on a path to succeed

in life by investing in their

development and mental health

from early childhood to young

adulthood – ensuring they have the

skills and opportunities they need

to become successful adults.

BECAUSE OF YOU...

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This experience allowed me to organize, coordinate and execute a large-scale arts show, increasing my confidence and really helping me realize my passions.

Aida Mohammad 2014 Youth in Action grant recipient

Learn more at unitedwaypeel.org/communityimpact

9,806 parents participated in programs designed to INCREASE THEIR

CAPACITY to parent and ENSURE THEIR CHILDREN THRIVE.

89% of youth reported their RELATIONSHIPS with

family and friends had been STRENGTHENED thanks to

United Way funded programs.

471 youth INCREASED their LEADERSHIP skills after

participating in programs funded by United Way of Peel Region.

2,035 youth participated in programs

designed to help them feel less socially isolated and

more SUPPORTED IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

Page 10: Investing for impact 2014/15

In an effort to build a sense of community and improve access to services and supports, and ensure residents have a say in the solutions implemented in their own neighbourhood, United Way of Peel Region introduced the Strong Neighbourhood Grants.

In Caledon, United Way funds The Exchange – a community hub that responds to the changing needs of residents. Hundreds have passed through the doors to access health services, employment training, small business development, newcomer settlement and other social services.

Karen, a single mother, left an abusive partner to pursue the Second Career Program offered at The Exchange. She also participated in food support and counselling programs, as well as various workshops at The Exchange. These programs were a lifeline for Karen and her family.

“It puts us at ease to know that you guys are here for us,” says Karen. “It gives us a sense of comfort and safety – like the safety net for a trapeze artist.”

Today, Karen has successfully completed a Medical Esthetician program and is currently working full-time at a local spa. This was all made possible because of the support of generous, committed individuals like you.

Connecting neighbours to supports in their own backyard

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Long-term GOALS

Victims of violence and abuse

ARE SAFE

INCREASED AWARENESS AND

REDUCING STIGMAsurrounding mental health in

our community

People struggling with complex challenges including mental

illness and disabilities

ARE SUPPORTED

Building a stronger community

Page 11: Investing for impact 2014/15

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The number of VOLUNTEERS involved with United Way of Peel Region In 2014/15, 15,675 volunteer hours were logged. Volunteers were involved in a wide range of activities including the Fall Day of Caring™, which was sponsored by Depend®.

3,290Learn more at unitedwaypeel.org/communityimpact

BECAUSE OF YOU...

24,191people participated in programs to help connect them with VITAL

COMMUNITY SERVICES and supports.

12,139people received the support

they needed when experiencing distress in a TIME OF CRISIS.

15,286 people participated in programs

that IMPROVE SAFETY for victims of abuse and violence.

You 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 and

know they are not alone.

1,345 people increased their awareness of MENTAL HEALTH to REDUCE the

STIGMA surrounding mental illness.

Page 12: Investing for impact 2014/15

THE BLACK COMMUNITY IN PEELSummary: Research Findings from Four Reports

F.A.C.E.S. of Peel Collaborative | 2015

Prepared by the Social Planning Council of Peel

United Way of Peel Region’s Black Community Advisory Council led a research project to examine the well-being of Black youth in Peel. Working with 10 partners, the research examined the social well-being of Black youth in Peel Region and explored the supports needed to ensure the opportunity to thrive. The research is a compilation of several pieces of data, including key interviews with service providers and Black youth themselves. The F.A.C.E.S. (Facilitating Access, Change and Equity in Systems) report paints a clear picture of life in Peel for Black youth and will be used as a foundation to mobilize action to create solutions.

Read the full report at unitedwaypeel.org/faces.

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New research: Key issues affecting the Black population in Peel

KEY FINDINGS

There are 116,225 Black people living in Peel Region – between

2001 and 2011, the Black community grew by 64%

44% of the Black population in Peel are children and youth

Black people earn, on average, 76 cents for every dollar a

white worker earns

Qualitative findings indicate that many Black youth in Peel feel unwanted,

devalued and socially isolated.

This was an important experience... this simulation attempted to recreate the frustration and sense of hopelessness that are all too prevalent amongst many members of our community.

Daryl Brady, Teacher

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

The number of PARTICIPANTS in LIVING ON THE EDGEThe Living on the Edge experience places volunteers in the shoes of low-income families in Peel. The situations and stresses they face are real. This enlightening activity is impactful and helps give others a better understanding of poverty.

459

The unemployment rate for Black youth in the GTA is 30% —

that is 10% higher than the general youth unemployment rate

Page 13: Investing for impact 2014/15

Creating change through partnerships

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Peel Region is incredibly diverse. Many residents are new to Canada. In fact, 10% of residents are recent immigrants and 38% are long-term immigrants (10 or more years in Canada).

In order to meet the unique needs of newcomers in our community, the Region of Peel and United Way came together to launch the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group (PNSG) in 2006. PNSG is a community collaborative comprised of key stakeholders representing government, business, non-profit, health and education. PNSG strengthens our community’s capacity to welcome immigrants, and build a much needed system of supports to help newcomers successfully integrate into the community. PNSG is the first Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) in Canada.

Over the last year, PNSG and the Peel Data Centre have partnered to develop an online tool to help community agencies better understand the demographics and unique needs of those accessing services, including newcomers.

PNSG has also worked closely with employment agencies, school boards, and settlement agencies to develop a comprehensive assessment for newcomers seeking employment. This invaluable resource gives newcomers a better sense of how people who are already working in Canada prepare for new jobs.

Through meaningful partnerships with various organizations including United Way, PNSG is able to drive collective impact in the area of newcomer experience in Peel.

United Way works with people from all corners of our community to ensure people are cared for, connected and included. Our commitment to working through partnership helps to mobilize and leverage the collective strength that exists within all of us.

YOUR GIFT IN ACTION

Collective impact efforts, however, sharpen a community’s collective vision...The novelty of working with people from different sectors brings a fresh perspective that encourages creativity and intensifies effort.

The number of MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOPS held for students United Way of Peel Region’s South Asian Advisory Council and United Way partner agency, Punjabi Community Health Services partnered to launch a pilot program in Peel high schools to lead mental health workshops designed to reduce stigma and educate the public on available supports. Over 200 students participated in the program.

8 It was open and it didn’t matter what you said. Nothing was wrong. I went back with a better understanding about mental health.

Mental Health Workshop Participant

Kania and Kramer, 2013

Page 14: Investing for impact 2014/15

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

Income Distribution* in 2012

United Way of Peel Region Investments

Very High Income - $65,000+

High Income - $56,000-$64,999

Middle Income - $37,000-$55,555

Low Income - $28,000-$36,999

Very Low Income - less than $28,000

Source: Neighbourhood Change Research Partnership, University of Toronto.

Note: Census tract and municipal boundaries are from 2011. Average Individual Income is for persons 15 and over and includes income from all sources, before-tax. Income for 2012 based on all taxfilers for 2011 census tract boundaries.

*Income numbers are ranges and have been rounded.

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

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Our reach:

Page 15: Investing for impact 2014/15

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Our work in 2015/16By leveraging local research and identifying the most pressing community needs, United Way will continue to advance its poverty reduction strategy.

We will continue to work with our community partner agencies to provide accessible programs designed to address poverty by moving people from poverty to possibility, building strong communities and helping kids be all they can be. Additional support will be provided through Strong Neighbourhood Grants, Youth In Action Grants and the Community Response Fund.

Through partnerships with regional government, education, business and health care, United Way will drive community impact addressing root causes of poverty including mental health, family violence, youth unemployment and racism.

United Way is committed to working with local and provincial government partners to ensure Peel has the infrastructure necessary to support our community.

In 2015/16, United Way of Peel Region will advocate on the following:

Decrease youth homelessness. The one youth shelter we have, Our Place Peel, experiences such high demand that last year they had to turn away 457 youth.

Open community hubs offering support for mental health and addictions. Through research and best practice, we know that mental health and addictions plays a critical role in feeding into the cycle of poverty. Community hubs can provide accessible services to people in need, when they need it.

Increase after school programs. With a child poverty rate of almost 20%, many children aren’t able to participate in after school activities because their parents can’t afford the cost. These programs are critical interventions for at-risk youth. They are considerably less expensive than the costs associated with school dropouts, criminal justice and social assistance.

LOOKING FORWARD

INITIATE & INVESTin programs

that hold the most promise for long-term

solutions

IDENTIFY, UNDERSTAND & ADDRESSthe root causes of poverty n Peel

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

DEVELOP LEADERSand skills to strengthen

the non-profit sector

BRING TOGETHER the needed research, experts and resources

Through our work with community partners, stakeholders, donors and over 3,000 volunteers, we’ve been able to impact 187,647 lives. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our supporters for their generosity, commitment and for their confidence in United Way.

Shelley White President and CEO United Way of Peel Region

United Way of Peel Region is a catalyst for collaboration within the community – a foundation for driving social change.

Page 16: Investing for impact 2014/15

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

[email protected] | www.unitedwaypeel.org

/unitedwaypeel

THANK YOU.