Belonging To Community Testimonials

KingstonYouth Shelter
“My son is diagnosed with an intellectual disability and adjustment disorder. He experienced severe abuse as a child. As a result he ended up on the street, dropping out of school and wandering the streets without purpose. Many professionals tried to help but could not achieve any success. The only person who was able to approach my son was a Kingston Youth Shelter Senior Counsellor”

“Now my son is not only back at home, but back at school. His average is 80%! Thank you to your wonderful personnel and the help and support they offered my son.”

-Thank you letter written by the mother of a Kingston Youth Shelter resident

Ryandale Shelter
*Michael and *Norman met at Ryandale Homeless Shelter and found they had a lot in common:  life snuck up on them before they realized. For Michael, the loss of a job and money mismanagement and a disagreement with a landlord meant losing his apartment. The series of events and a severe bone infection triggered old problems with depression. Norman fell into depression following a lapse into addiction. During the depression he also developed  serious health concerns. Their commonalities led them to become friends and eventually housemates. Their greatest joint housing and how much support they would receive during their search. They put some of their fears to rest by remembering Ryandale Homeless Shelter is a United Way Member Agency.

United Way and felt sure Ryandale with United Way support would be willing and able to help while they located a home. Now Michael and Norman share a nice apartment. They are coping with health problems, and enjoying life. They know their lives are more promising because funding received from the United Way allows Ryandale Homeless Shelter to take that extra step to help people.

*names have been changed to protect identities

Growing Up Great Testimonials

Carl’s Story
Carl is a twelve year old boy who lives with his grand­mother. His mother is working on her addiction and mental health issues. He misses liv­ing with his mother.

His grandmother decides that Carl needs to enjoy life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is able to help out with Carl’s situation and it is not long be­fore Carl receives a mentor: Derek. The two immediately form a connection and enjoy indoor and outdoor activities such as hiking, skating, and having fun at climbing gyms. Carl’s relationship with Derek allows him to see his self-worth in a more positive light and made him able to recon­nect with his mother.

*names have been changed to protect their identities

Turning Lives Around Testimonials

Canadian Mental Health Association Children’s Mental Health Programs
“I am a single mother of two children who lives in Kingston. Two years ago my husband died of a brain tumor. Several months after that, I noticed my children were not coping well with the loss behaviours. I didn’t know what to do. My youngest daughter had some severe anger issues and my son just wasn’t able to express his feelings.

Both appeared to have lost their sense of belonging and self-esteem. Both children attended the 6 week Please Listen program at CMHA. I am so thankful they did so. The

program focused on self-esteem building, anger management issues and they learned to talk about feelings. I noticed a change in their behaviours immediately  after attending the program. My daughter learned techniques to deal with her anger and my son was ready to share his feelings with me. I felt more grounded and capable of supporting my children through the assistance and guidance of the CMHA.

My children and I loved the program, and it has made a huge difference in the lives of my kids! I am glad  that The United Way funds these types of programs for children because, without this program I don’t know where I would be right now. My kids are doing well and want to attend another program in the future. I can’t wait for them to do so.”

Frontenac - Kingston Council on Aging Oasis Supportive Living Program
“I am 75 year old tenant living in a Kingston apartment building where volunteers from the Council  on Aging have been working with my fellow tenants for the past two years. They have provided information and help so that we can continue to live independently in our own apartment rather than move to a nursing home subsidized by the government.

Most of the tenants here are in their 80’s and 90’s and many no longer drive due to poor eyesight, reasons. Most do not have close relatives to provide assistance in getting groceries or transportation to doctor’s appointments, etc. The Personal Support Worker has been exceptionally helpful in providing assistance and guidance. The Council on Aging has arranged speakers to help us in so many areas such as bathroom devices, safety and so much more. I have participated in the exercise program during the past 3-15 week sessions, and this program has kept us all active. This pilot project seniors in this building.

*names have been changed to protect their identities

Donations to United Way serving KFL&A impact the lives of thousands of people every year. The following is a brief list of examples that show what a difference United Way and its member agencies made in just one year.

Your donation...

• Provided 1,193 children and youth with better futures by developing healthy behaviours and attitudes through educational, social and recreational programs
• Enabled 480 individuals with vision loss maintain their independence and remain active and independent by learning daily living skills and safe indoor and outdoor traveling methods
• Provided approximately 10,000 students in elementary and high schools in the region with nutritious snacks and meals, which helped to improve their behaviour and readiness to learn in the classroom
• Helped 923 individuals, who were experiencing social, emotional or relationship prob-lems, regain stability in their lives through affordable professional counselling
• Helped 804 homeless individuals access emergency shelter, transitional or permanent housing, and provided 212 adults and children with a place to sleep
• Helped 53 homeless youth gain stability and learn to live independently through a high-support transitional housing program
• Enabled 521 women and their children increase their personal safety and begin new lives free of violence and abuse through safe accommodation and counselling
• Provided 238 young individuals, aged 16 to 24, with shelter and supports to assist them in stabilizing their lives
• Provided over 33,000 meals to the most vulnerable in our community, improving their nutrition and food security
• Enabled 218 at-risk youth to improve their coping strategies, behaviour and attitudes, and learn important life skills
• Provided 205 children with an adult mentor, giving them opportunities to increase the children’s social skills and feelings of self-worth
• Developed positive attitudes and bolstered self esteem in 501 girls, aged 9 to 13 years, through participation in specially designed workshops
• Provided 375 children in North Kingston with warm winter boots, making them more comfortable and better prepared for winter weather.
• Provided 799 youth, aged 9 to 19, with counselling and interventions for gambling or substance problems, enabling them to make better life choices, continue to attend school, find a job and relate better with family and friends