Partnerships

Bringing people together from all walks of life to build a better region

It takes the whole community working together to change social conditions. No one organization, no one level of government, can solve systemic problems. But by working in partnership with others and by mobilizing people and resources, we can address the root causes of our region’s shared challenges. We’re working with our frontline agencies, community partners, the private sector and all levels of government to change the conditions of not just individuals but whole neighbourhoods—and that makes a positive impact on our region as a whole. United Way of York Region has developed a partnership approach that aims to address the root causes of social problems through a system approach that works to change not only individuals, but whole communities. Our work is based on a simple but profound belief—that what unites us is ultimately far more powerful than what divides us.

Human Services Planning Board

As a member of York Region’s Human Services Planning Board (HSPB-YR), a body created in 2010 to strengthen the capacity of the human services sector, United Way is helping to address the growing issue of low and moderate income residents who are struggling to make ends meet. The board is focusing its collective attention and resources on the alarming increase in the number of working poor across our region. Together, members of the panel created Making Ends Meet, a call to action to address economic vulnerability throughout the Region. This research was recently endorsed by York Region Council and is an example of United Way’s ongoing commitment to address what it has identified as three community priorities: helping our kids be all they can be, moving people from poverty to possibility and creating strong, healthy neighbourhoods.

Local Immigration Partnership

The Local Immigration Partnership was launched by the federal government to strengthen the role of York Region and local communities to serve and integrate immigrants. As a result of this initiative, York Regional Council created the Community Partnership Council, a body comprised of individuals representing a variety of community stakeholder groups who bring a wide range of professional and personal experience. United Way of York Region is pleased to have representation on this board and is working in collaboration with the region to identify strategic directions for improving immigration services. In partnership with other stakeholders, United Way will work to improve access to and coordination of immigrant integration services (settlement services, language training and labour market integration); improve labour market outcomes for immigrants, and strengthen regional awareness and capacity to successfully integrate immigrants.