Our Region
Kitimat, BC
Planned Approach
The United Way of Northern British Columbia uses a planned approach to ensure a constant cycle of effort so that critical needs are identified, cooperative strategies are developed, and donations are invested in a way to have the greatest impact on communities. The three focus areas of impactful investment include: successful kids & empowered families, involved seniors and healthy citizens & safe, supportive communities.
The five step impact cycle is illustrated below and aligns with United Way activities:
Successful Kids & Empowered Families
What is the issue?
25% of children entering kindergarten in northern BC lack the skills needed to succeed in school. Literacy rates of children in northern BC are among the lowest in the province. Family relationships are under stress through a variety of forces. Social and recreational activities need to be broadly supported for youth, teens, and the "missing" age group of 17-23 years old. Accessibility to general and recreational activities can mitigate issues around stress in the household and can build stronger families and thus stronger communities.
What is our impact on this issue?
Every $1 invested in early childhood programs equates to a $7 return on investment in later years. Through early childhood development programs, United Way is committed to significantly increasing the number of school-ready children. United Way gives families the tools they need to give children a good start. Programs and services include literacy, nutrition and parenting support. We fund a youth crisis line, intervention programs to prevent youth from becoming involved in crime and drugs, programs for children involved in parental divorce or death, and education programs for parents to learn to deal effectively with youth at risk. United Way works with our partners to intervene in negative family environments. Prevention and early intervention programs are critical for these children. We support shelter, counseling and guidance for women and children who have witnessed violence, and support for sexual abuse victims and their families.
We believe in successful kids and empowered families.
Success by 6
For information on programs and services for children ages 0 to 6 and families in your community visit the
SUCCESS BY 6 page.
Involved Seniors
What is the issue?
The seniors' population is undergoing significant growth. Services are either not available or simply not keeping pace. Older people often need assistance in order to continue to live independently and participate in community life. Physical limitations, shrinking social networks and declining income are among the many challenges seniors face. Many caregivers must balance care responsibilities for children and older relatives. With little to no foundation of services and programs for the aging population, many services must be created from scratch.
What is our impact on this issue?
United Way is committed to helping seniors remain healthy, independent, contributing members of the community. United Way engages seniors through housing support, care giving, social networking and outreach. United Way assists organizations to establish programs and services that provide support to seniors and their caregivers.
We believe in involved seniors.
Healthy Citizens & Safe, Supportive Communities
What is the issue?
10% of the population lives with a physical disability. The rate of brain injury in northern BC is more than double the national average. Nearly 20% of northern BC residents are living below the poverty line, the number of families affected by HIV is increasing, drug-related crimes are on the rise. Annually, 8,000 adults and teens facing life-altering events, emotional stress, or thinking of ending their lives call the crisis line.
What is our impact on this issue?
United Way supports education programs for those living in poverty, adult and teen crisis lines, programs for victims of crime, those dealing with substance abuse problems and people affected by HIV. United Way helps individuals escape negative lifestyles and reintegrate into the community. United Way plays a lead role in supporting local agencies to ensure all residents with mental health issues, hearing and visual impairments and survivors of brain and spinal cord injuries have access to the equipment and services they need to live healthy lives and participate fully in the community.
We believe in healthy citizens and safe, supportive communities.
Information/Transition Coordinator
In partnership with Northern Savings, United Way of Northern British Columbia employed a Transition Coordinator from February 8, 2010 until April 9, 2010 to work with the Eurocan Transition Coordinator to create and maintain a network for information sharing during the community transition occurring in both Kitimat and Terrace as a result of the closure of the Eurocan Mill.
Both Coordinators worked collaboratively with community agencies and other community stakeholders acting as a liaison between individuals and their families and resource providers. Office resources were provided by the City of Terrace, District of Kitimat and West Fraser.
Feedback from the community indicated the support provided for and by this position to be of great help with one person commenting: "We are very grateful to United Way for your involvement in helping Kitimat and Terrace during this crisis. We also appreciate the financial support from Northern Savings Credit Union to help fund the position of Information Coordinator and for their sponsorship of the Kitimat & Terrace Community Services Guide."
Campaign
For information on Campaign activities in your community please visit the Campaign page.
