20/20 VISION
United Way Greater Victoria
They say that hindsight is 20/20. What if we could see into the future and predict what social issues might be affecting future generations?
No individual has that gift. But what an organization like United Way Greater Victoria has is 81 years of experience working in our community addressing root causes of social issues and creating sustainable change.
Take the issue of youth aging out of foster care. These youth are at a greater risk of problems with substance use, school completion, stable employment and housing, and mental health.
Investing in the well-being of youth aging out of care ensures that they receive the support they need to become self-sufficient members of our community. Youth like Tre.
“I saw a jewel in Tre — his raw honesty,” says youth advisor Elisha.
Elisha met Tre when he was 18, transitioning out of foster care. His depression had reached rock bottom. He was unable to tackle the basics of adulthood like cleaning his room or maintaining good hygiene. His social worker connected him to a program funded by United Way, run at a local community centre where he met Elisha.
Now 21 years old, Tre is full of insight, random facts and quips. He’s working as a sales associate at a skate shop in Victoria.
Tre attributes his transformation to Elisha, but she firmly tells him “I didn’t really change you, Tre, I just helped you see you.”
“I don’t know where I would be or what I would do without Elisha and the programs that have helped me,” says Tre. “I truly don’t know what I would be doing right now if I didn’t have that.”
Thanks to caring donors, United Way Greater Victoria funds a network of 92 programs and services in the community. Thirty-two of those programs help local children and youth thrive and reach their full potential.
As our community grows, so does the need to help our most vulnerable neighbours. Through a gift in your will to United Way Greater Victoria, you can make a significant difference in the lives of others tomorrow, with little impact on your finances today. Consider a bequest or a gift of life insurance, or a donor-advised fund. Contact Peter Brimacombe, peter@uwgv.ca, 250-220-7379. uwgv.ca
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