By Sarah Flemming
Executive Director, United Way of Colchester County
As seen in the May issue of the Shoreline Journal
Community is at the heart of everything the United Way does. As we at the United Way of Colchester County reflect on what our communities have come through this past year, all that we have accomplished, and how we prepare for what is ahead, we realize we have a lot to be grateful for… And it all comes back to “community”.
Cumberland County.
As so many of us have discovered since early 2020, the world has drastically changed. We’re all learning and adapting as we find new ways forward. In Nova Scotia’s non-profit sector, the cry for change is particularly loud.
In Cumberland County, specifically, the local United Way office was forced to close in 2022 due to a variety of challenges that simply could not be overcome. Being a close neighbour, and already sharing in the support of many regional organizations and resources, the United Way of Colchester County is transitioning its operations in order to continue providing United Way services throughout Cumberland County.
As there are so many dedicated supporters of the United Way of Cumberland County, we want to assure the community that we are determined to not only grow our partnerships throughout the region, but to also work together to create positive change. As we set out on this new journey, our goal is to grow the work of the United Way in both counties – where money raised in either county will be respectfully allocated – and build on our commitment to supporting neighbours helping neighbours.
Increased need.
This year, we have seen an increase of over $150,000 in requests for program funding. The need is clear across the board for support in areas and issues that affect us all, particularly those most in need in our communities.
Through the support of individuals, families, and businesses, together with the United Way, we can achieve more than any individual or single organization could alone. When people continue to support the United Way of Colchester County, the funds get pooled together with other generous donors to support vital human services organizations that focus on food insecurity, mental health support, pre-employment training and more.
This year, United Way has announced support for programs in organizations throughout Colchester and Cumberland counties, including:
- After The School Bell (Cumberland)
- Amherst Preschool (Cumberland)
- Autism Nova Scotia (Truro & Cumberland)
- BGC Truro Colchester
- Bridges Institute (Colchester)
- Canadian Mental Health Association: Colchester East Hants
- Colchester Adult Learning Association (CALA)
- Cumberland County Transportation Services (CCTS)
- Elizabeth Fry Society (Colchester)
- Maggie’s Place Family Resource Centre (Colchester & Cumberland)
- Northern Healthy Connections Society (serving Colchester & Cumberland)
- Sexual Health Centre (Cumberland)
- Tatamagouche Centre (serving Colchester & Cumberland)
- Third Place Transition House (Colchester)
- Truro Housing Outreach Society (Colchester)
Just as there is no shortage of need in our communities, there is no shortage of support. We’ve seen it first hand, consistently and without hesitation and we’re grateful.
As we look ahead to this year, we are excited to have many events, partnerships and opportunities for connection and collaboration on the horizon. We truly could not do what we do without the support of our partners, supporters and friends… Our community.
unitedwaycolchester.ca | @uwcolchester