Toronto, York United Way merger complete

Yorkregion.com
June 25, 2015
by Chris Traber

The historic merger between United Way Toronto and United Way York Region has been formalized.

Members of both boards approved bylaw changes uniting the non-profit entities entrusted to support social service agencies in Toronto and York Region at today’s annual general meeting.

Immediately following the formalities in Toronto, the new alliance announced it will invest $86.3-million over the next year in social service agencies and programs that support people throughout Toronto and York Region.

"We're coming together to strengthen our ability to build a better future for people in neighbourhoods and communities throughout our region," incoming United Way Toronto and York Region president and CEO Susan McIsaac said. "This investment will give people a chance at a better life, from the waterfront of Toronto to the southern shore of Lake Simcoe."

As part of United Way's commitment to protect local investments, the charity will continue to support 200 social service agencies in Toronto and 40 in York Region. After government, United Way is the largest funder of social services in our regions, supporting 832 programs.

Included among the 401 regionwide community building programs are supports for residents in targeted neighbourhoods. This includes resident engagement and leadership capacity building done through the Building Strong Neighbourhood Strategy and Strength Investments, both of which support grassroots initiatives in York Region.

Across Toronto and York Region, United Way supports 237 programs that help kids be all they can be, by investing in their development from early childhood to young adulthood. North Etobicoke's Braeburn Neighborhood Place is one such program, providing quality after-school and out-of-school programs during critical periods of child development.

United Way funding supports 194 programs that move people from poverty to possibility and give people the opportunities they need to build better lives across our region. An example is West Neighbourhood House's The Meeting Place, a drop-in for socially isolated and under-housed adults at Queen Street West and Bathurst Street.