“My family has been involved with the United Way funded group for many years. We have been both a benefactor and a recipient of support. My children have attended afterschool programs, summer camps, family fun nights and winter carnivals. They have grown with the group as extended family members. This year, my son, who suffers from severe social anxiety, joined me in giving back by delivering Christmas hampers. This was a huge deal for my son, who has been so crippled by his anxiety to the point where he could not return a library book. Feeling comfortable enough to carry boxes upstairs and into community members’ homes was a big step forward for him. He is well aware that similar people had delivered boxes to our own home in the past, and he wanted to return the favour. The staff were so encouraging of him and understanding of his struggles. Now he can’t wait to do it again next year. This program really lives their vision of creating a community where everyone feels at home. There is more to making one feel at home in a community. Understanding peoples’ needs and creating space for them to participate, that’s what community is.”
A community is only as strong as the sum of its parts. Strong, supportive, and inclusive communities are vital for all of us to thrive. At United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, we are committed to ensuring our communities are a place where everyone feels at home, by creating a sense of belonging, building connections, and improving overall well-being through our “Healthy People, Thriving Communities” Impact Area.
