UNITED WAY BUILDS TIES

The United Way of Calgary and Area is one of the region’s best-known charities and well respected for its capacity to make people’s lives better. The United Way recently explored ways of enhancing its contribution to the community, and after a year of analysis, it decided to improve the way it operates. It now works collaboratively with teams of stakeholders, rather than simply providing money to its more than 100 agencies.

It’s a tremendous adjustment in strategy. The funding the United Way provides to the groups it supports is unquestionably of great value, but it makes sense to set goals and identify solutions for the pressing challenges that confront our community.

“People saw us as this umbrella organization that just gave money to other agencies like a funnel,” said Karen Young, the United Way’s new CEO. “But now, we are creating new partnerships working toward common causes and outcomes. It’s about convening the social sector so we can make an impact right away.”

Groups, she explained, work collectively, discussing best practices and establishing aggressive targets to pinpoint solutions that will pay dividends in short order. The United Way has brought together agencies, community associations and other stakeholders to address issues such as domestic violence, poverty and financial empowerment.

Twenty-two agencies recently took up the cause of high school completion, which was identified as a concern by the United Way some years ago. The All In For Youth initiative targets the 3,000 Calgary students who don’t complete high school on time each year. Poverty, mental health and language barriers are among the reasons students drop out.

Removing those obstacles means young people are less likely to experience below-average earnings, dependence on social assistance, brushes with the court system and poor health.

It makes sense to bring agencies together so they can learn from one another and develop a cohesive approach to solving the troubles that prevent many from achieving their potential and living with dignity.

Stubborn problems such as poverty and domestic abuse are complex and difficult to erase. Jason Hatcher, the United Way’s new board chairman, is confident the strategy of building partnerships will yield results.

“To respond to all the social needs within our city is impossible for one individual or organization to do alone. Partnerships are key,” says Hatcher.

Indeed, they are. All Calgarians have a stake in the United Way’s continued success.