Helping kids get the education and opportunities they deserve
A key pillar in developing strong communities is ensuring kids can be all they can be. The United Way of Northern BC provides supports to help kids get the education they deserve, starting at the earliest possible age, and continuing through to adulthood.
“Our mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. Our promise is to invest resources where they are needed the most and where they will have the most impact to the most people”
STRATEGY
United Way of Northern British Columbia invests in immediate strategies such as services for families, children, youth, and young adults so they can get a healthy start in life and stable support relationships. We invest in culturally specific services that encourage and support the growth of language, customs, and beliefs. Long term strategies include addressing the underlying conditions that create barriers to education, stable and supportive relationships, safe and secure environments, and employment for young people.
GOAL
To invest in the development of children, from birth through to young adulthood, ensuring they have access to the opportunities needed to thrive.
1 in 4 children in Northern BC are vulnerable in one or more areas of development—such as communication skills, social competency and language development—prior to entering Grade 1.
United Way helps give children and youth the support they need to get a great start in life, do well in school, and reach their full potential. This includes vital early-years supports for kids and their families, and youth engagement and employment programs that set young people up for lifelong success and economic security.
$70
$130
Provides nutritious snacks to 100 kids at an after-school program.
Provides three at-risk primary school children with the necessary school supplies to start the year off right.
Children and youth are one of our region’s greatest assets. But, too many young people are struggling. Poverty, food insecurity, mental illness and lack of early-years supports can have life-long effects on children. Youth are also struggling to connect with their communities, finish high school and find meaningful jobs.
Show your local love
See the lives changed
Emily’s Life Changed
After moving out of her family home, Emily struggled to manage school and life. United Way’s All In for Youth program helped support her in school and beyond, getting her back on track to graduate.
Jayce’s Life Changed
Early childhood development is vital in setting kids up for the rest of their lives. That’s why early learning programs, such as reading programs like the ones in which Jayce’s kids Nadine and Chase are enrolled, can become vital resources for the rest of their lives.
Samantha’s Life Changed
When Samantha and her family first moved to Canada from Uganda, it was a shock. Between cultural and languages changes and adjusting to the much colder weather, she needed support to adjust. As she grew up, she wanted to give back and help others. Now, at 19, volunteering has helped Samantha become a local leader.