Together, we are changing lives Stories of real people who got a chance because you give to United Way. Atiqullah “A new language, English, is good for me.” Peter Peter builds bonds by phone with a donor-supported program for older adults with the help of agency partner A & O: Support Services for Older Adults. Dorothy Dorothy developed self-confidence and found a path to a life purpose through a donor-supported youth program for newcomers. Haley "Learning our history and teachings makes me feel empowered. I’m so proud to be Indigenous.” Osani "Studio 393 was a big part of my healing journey." Rihanna Rihanna found belonging and the tools to succeed at United Way Winnipeg donor-supported agency partner Gilbert Park Going Places. Reta After a life-altering tragedy, Reta discovered renewed purpose as a role model for other women in crisis. Beth A saving circle helped Beth earn the money for a furry friend to help with her anxiety. Sammy Sammy discovered belonging and his true potential with the help of a donor-supported agency partner Thrive Community Support Circle. Dann, Faith, and Diane School is cool for kids in a summer educational program funded by United Way Winnipeg donors. Alyssa “It’s like you’re all on the same playing field.” Tiffany "Being sober, I now have hopes, dreams and goals for mine and my daughter’s future." Danni Huddle, a new model of youth-centred health care in Winnipeg, helped Danni find the services they needed, all under one roof. Ryan and Erica "I've seen my kids flourish in a way I can barely describe." Colin "I feel more prepared for the workplace now." Gillian "I wanted more for myself. I wanted a better future." Dale "Rossbrook House is where I feel I belong. It's like a second home. I love this place." Olga Olga found work that gave her joy and a sense of purpose. Sumegha "No one can thrive in isolation." Stephanie Living independently was a dream come true for Stephanie, a young Winnipegger with big goals. Michele Michele battled addiction, lived on the streets, and struggled with depression. But at a United Way donor-supported food bank, her life started to change. M.H. After escaping crisis overseas, M.H. and his family—including two boys with disabilities—adapted to life in Canada with a family resource centre's support. Newcomer Lorenzo found friendship, creative expression, and a way to overcome his social anxiety at a camp for kids. West Broadway Youth Outreach Agency Visit BGC Winnipeg Agency Visit BGC Winnipeg offers safe, supportive environments for kids to make friends, take part in healthy activities, and learn respect for themselves and others. Community Education Development Association (CEDA) Agency Visit CEDA mentors and builds relationships with inner-city youth, their parents, and their educators to create conditions for success in school and increase access to post-secondary education. Henry Henry escaped a life of poverty and found a safe, nurturing space to heal at OPK, a United Way Winnipeg donor-supported agency. Kara "I was ready to give up." Ashley “Tending to my mental health was important before, but it became even more important after the stroke." Amy "One time, he hit me in the head with a baseball bat." Tyler "Art City became like a second home to me." Mercy "CEDA helped make my dreams come true." Veronika "CNIB gave me hope." Liz and Emily "It’s always there for us. Just recently, we needed groceries and they were able to provide a bit of groceries for us." Rylee "Without SEED, I wouldn't have been able to...start my own nonprofit." Rossbrook House Agency Visit Rossbrook House is a safe place for children and youth living in the inner-city of Winnipeg, to belong, play, learn and become. Good Neighbours Active Living Centre Good Neighbours is an agency partner that provides opportunities for 55+ adults to stay active and connected to their community. Canadian Mental Health Association Agency Visit This donor-supported agency advocates for equal rights, choices, and access for people affected by mental health challenges. SEED Winnipeg Agency Visit Winnipeggers find help learning how to budget, save and manage their finances at this donor-supported organization. Art City Agency Visit Art City offers free art programs for youth and adults in a safe setting in the West Broadway neighbourhood in Winnipeg. Opportunities for Employment Agency Visit Winnipeggers learn employment skills and find job opportunities at Opportunities for Employment, a donor-supported agency partner. Melissa “You’re just choosing to be friends with someone who needs one." Christine Losing her job almost made Christine lose herself. Andrews Street Family Centre Agency Visit Lisa "I went from feeling down to dark." Jackie "Able Sail is accessible for everyone!" Ifeyinwa Ifeyinwa almost had to give up her dream of a law practice in Winnipeg. Jessica “The opportunity was there for me, and I had to take that step.” Taylor "I needed to stand up and show people it's okay to be trans." Karen "I credit the CMHA with saving my life." Merhawi "After school was over, I would run to the Peaceful Village." Geneviève Something for everyone at a local family resource centre Kevin and Stan Lifelong friends, Kevin and Stan - a perfect match! Gilbert Out-of-school programs showed Gilbert the path to success, from breakfast clubs in the morning to floor hockey after school. "It was a safe haven." Luke "I want a job that pays me money." Megan "I knew if I didn't make a change, I probably wouldn't be here." The Inclusion Players Drama program gives people with intellectual disabilities a chance to strut their stuff. Justin Justin has made excellent progress in language and behaviour, thanks to help he received from donor-supported organizations with specialized programs. Kenny Kenny always dreamed of working in a restaurant. ImagineAbility had the recipe for his success. Katie, Avery & Dominic This painting program promotes social connection for people living with intellectual disabiliites. Brooklyn "I've learned about mindfulness and how people feel." Jessica "I'm always learning new things." Stacey Stacy Friesen is one of about a dozen people with intellectual disabilities who have found, purpose, pride and community connection at L'Arche Tova Cafe. Todd He was using meth to cope with his depression and anxiety, but Todd found there was life after meth. Douglas Douglas didn’t know how to lift himself out of poverty, but he knew where to go to get help. Timothy & Walter “He had huge anxiety about going to school and would often dash to the bathroom to vomit as soon as he got up." Kayla "Having grown up in the child welfare system, my biggest fear was losing my son to it." Jocelyn "I no longer live in fear." Geraldine "There's a web of support for me I didn't have before." Minh “I no longer looked at my disability as a weakness and excuse." Skylar "I encourage victims not to stop talking until they are heard." Danielle "The support made me feel like I could accomplish anything." The sky is not the limit "My journey's far from over." Catherine had to leave her war-torn homeland "It was a chance for a new life." A place and space to create and be free An artist finds expression in freedom. "Even in sadness, you can see beauty." Belonging and safety for kids "I didn’t have a single friend, but then I had a friend I made here." A Winnipeg youth shares her mentorship journey "I teach what I learn as I go." A Winnipeg senior keeping connected and staying strong “Annette’s fellow residents at the home refer to her as ‘Miss On-The-Go.'” Overcoming addiction and homelessness "I never thought I was worth anything. They helped me establish a sense of purpose." Reclaiming life after domestic abuse “The voices of women like me have power now. We can make our community a better place to live.” Knowing people care is powerful "My depression was so bad that it manifested as suicidal thoughts." Compassion led Mike to a home and sobriety "Now, others come to me when they want to talk about a problem. I’m helping people too." Learning to read "I can’t fully express what United Way has done for my kids. The future of my entire family has been positively impacted." She didn’t want people to see her face "I stopped planning for the future because I didn't think I had one." Opening doors to high school graduation "United Way has been the biggest change coming into high school." A place where kids find safety and support "I can’t emphasize enough how important a place like this is. I can’t really put it into words." From darkness to sunshine “It opened my eyes to things I’d never seen before. It balanced my life and showed me how to care for myself and to feel loved. It’s really empowering.” A life changed through three United Way Winnipeg agency partners It was like hell for me because there was no safety, no support, no help. Helping isolated seniors find friendship, community and connection You get connected with people that have been through many things in their lives too, you know? A stable job & steady income builds strong families "If I could, I would go to every person’s house and say thank you for making this possible." A Big Sister, a mentor, and a friend she can turn to “Mom wasn’t really able to take me out. She felt bad, and no one else could really do it.” Newcomer kids connect after school “I was lonely. It’s a big school and everyone kept to themselves so I didn’t have any friends.” Building newcomer communities Naod knows what it's like to feel helpless as a newcomer and refugee, and today he volunteers to help others. Mentorship for Winnipeg youth “It’s kept me out of jail. It’s kept me from wanting to turn back to the old ways where I used to be an alcoholic and I used to be a drug addict and a very depressed and lonely person...I honestly don’t think I’d still be here if it wasn’t for this place.” Helping people in crisis "I definitely wouldn’t be the person that I am today." A path back from homelessness and abuse “I don’t think I’d be alive today if not for this program...I may not have a family, but I have people who truly care about me. I am not alone." Gaining confidence in her tomorrow Investing in herself—thanks to the support of donors like you—has paid dividends for Nicole and other women in the community. Discovering life can be meaningful "For the first time I felt genuinely happy; it was when I felt first accepted and knew I had found my place in the world." Building support and opportunity for newcomers Instead of reading rejection emails, Shayan now spends his days working. Food for the body and the soul “I’m learning from people every day. There’s always a friend there. We all have something to give.” Finding life after loss “You wonder, Where do I go from here? What do I do? What do I have to look forward to?” The definition of community A place to feel safe—and to belong. After fleeing an abusive relationship, Dawn worried she might never be able to get the fresh start she so desperately needed. Giving back and discovering self Alasdair felt helpless and afraid for the future. “I was lost and I didn’t know what was going on. My self-esteem was completely shot.” Turning a new world into home “We often went through long periods without water or electricity,” Rama recalls. “When I did have to leave the house, I would say goodbye to my daughter and I would never know if I would come back or not.” A youth leader emerges from the streets “My life is awesome,” she says. “I’m still a ball of energy and I’m still figuring out where I want to go, but at least I have a sense of direction.” Following her dream Dropping out of school as a teenager led her into poverty, until education support helped her follow her dreams. A chance meeting brought her home Meet Liza. She was homeless until money management training helped her back on her feet. Showing kids caring Meet Vinnie. He found stability through after-school mentorship. Family Resource Centres Family resource centres are the community's living room—a place to connect, learn & grow. Mentorship comes full circle Meet Victor. He went into CFS care when he was 11. Mentorship helped him find a path to higher education. Hope returns Meet Kristi. She's a therapist who's helping an abused young girl go from cutting and drinking to hope and healing. Feeling her self-worth again Meet Deanna. Visual impairment made it hard to find a job. Deanna on the verge of poverty, until job skills training changed the course of her life. Healing power of human connection Meet Malofo. When she suddenly lost her husband, her neighbourhood family centre became her emotional support system. To live a happy life Meet Shania. After her sister's suicide, the world seemed to stop around her, until she found the support she needed to live life again. Teaching strategies for mental wellness Meet Griffin. He was almost swallowed by suicide as a young teenager, but he got the help he needed to live a life full of hope. She can make friends Meet Sydney. She used alcohol to escape overwhelming social anxiety, until she found help and learned to cope with music & friendship. Love, trust, and caring Meet Brandon. He grew up in a home full of alcohol & gang affiliations. But he found help and mentorship, and became the first person in his family to graduate. Scott NashTogether, we are changing lives.08.17.2016
