After challenging year, United Way to expand funding program in 2021
$6.5 million invested in 150 programs during pandemic
United Way Niagara and its partner agencies have continued working on the front lines serving the most vulnerable people in the region, throughout the “most challenging year in recent history.”
Issues such as poverty were brought to the forefront as a result of the pandemic’s economic fallout — creating fundraising challenges while exacerbating the need for that funding, the organization said in a media release.
Nevertheless, United Way Niagara invested close to $6.5 million in more than 150 programs, thanks to community, corporate and government support while also accepting applications for new poverty reduction programs.
United Way Niagara executive director Frances Hallworth said it “immediately saw needs increasing at a rapid rate and were able to respond with necessary supports for our agency partners.”
“We increased funding to new food programs across the region, invested in virtual and phone counselling so that people had access to mental health supports and also significantly funded supports for older adults, seniors and families in isolation,” she said.
United Way Niagara chair Jeff Klassen called it fortunate that the organization was able to maintain its community investments, despite the challenges Niagara residents and businesses faced.
“Fundraising during a pandemic was a challenge, but I am proud of the many volunteers, supporters and the Niagara community for coming together when we had to stay apart,” Klassen said.
United Way Niagara said it plans to continue expanding its funding programs.
During a meeting last week, United Way Niagara’s board of directors approved funding plans for 2021 that include seven new programs focusing on emerging community issues and new models of service delivery.
“We recognize the evolving and emerging needs of our community and the need to adapt programs and services so that vulnerable people have an equitable opportunity to succeed,” Hallworth said.
“We have made significant investments over the last year in housing stability, food, employment and financial security and will continue to do so this coming year.”