As we rise to a new post-pandemic world, the Colchester community has shown amazing resiliency with a steadfast approach towards a brighter and more vibrant future. Through the unwavering generosity of hundreds of donors, giving through their workplaces or directly to United Way, and many dedicated volunteers, United Way of Colchester County’s Community Fund is steadily growing towards its 2021 campaign goal of $ 300,000.
These donations enable the United Way to collaborate with other agencies in the delivery of several projects and programs throughout the year. Our program funding for 2022-2023 has just been awarded, and we are very pleased to announce that more than $145,000 will help support 11 charities in Colchester County, as they create opportunities for positive impact on the lives of individuals and families throughout the county.
“The word resilience has been used a lot in the past couple of years and we have seen it in action within the organizations we support,” says Sam Madore, interim Executive Director, United Way of Colchester County. “Their ability to continue to commit themselves to improving opportunities for the people they serve, while facing challenging external circumstances out of their control, is inspiring. We are thrilled to be able to continue to support their efforts to enhance our community.”
Among the recipients of the current funding stream are three organizations that are new to the United Way’s list of funded agencies: the Truro Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia, the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning and the Northern Healthy Connections Society.
“As a first-time recipient, we were able to use funds from our United Way Fall Impact Grant to purchase much needed equipment and furniture for our space,” says Leah Poirier, Autism Support Coordinator, Truro Chapter. “This has enabled us to make our Regional Autism Centre more welcoming and sensory-friendly, which is very important. We know that when people are comfortable and feeling safe in a space, they tend to learn more and can participate in a bigger way. The variety of adaptive equipment we have on hand, as well as this new United Way Program Funding that’s just been approved for our Inclusive Community Program expansion, will have a positive impact on our community for years to come and will help us achieve our vision for a world where everyone is living their lives fully.”
Successful applicants for United Way funding complete a robust application process that is stringently reviewed by the United Way’s Investment Committee, ensuring that they address relevant community needs and respect the donor’s directives for community support. All approved applications must also speak to one or more of United Way’s key focus areas: moving people from poverty to possibility, healthy people – strong communities and helping kids be all they can be.
United Way of Colchester County 2022 Funded Partners
- Autism NS; Truro Chapter: Inclusive Community Program Expansion
- BGC Truro & Colchester: Program Subsidy
- Bridges Institute: A Program for Abusive Men
- Canadian Mental Health Association; Colchester East Hants Branch: Food with Thought
- Colchester Adult Learning Association: Community Essentials & Service Coordination
- Colchester Sexual Assault Centre (with Lotus Centre): Outreach & Community Needs Assessment
- MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning: Portapique Project
- Maggie’s Place Family Resource Centre: Outreach Playgroups
- Northern Healthy Connections Society: A Little Bit of Something
- Tatamagouche Centre: Reducing Barriers
- Third Place Transition House: Women’s Outreach