Childhood should be filled with possibility. Yet for too many children in Calgary, it is marked by poverty, mental health struggles and systemic racism. These challenges are more complex than ever and tackling them requires communities to come together in innovative ways so every child can thrive.
That’s why Karen Young, President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area, was named a recipient of a Champion for Children Award from Children First Canada (CFC), joining nine other Canadians recognized nationally for their leadership in improving the lives of kids.
Karen accepted the award not for herself alone, but on behalf of the agencies, schools, funders and partners across Calgary who share a common mission: ensuring every child can grow, belong and succeed.
“This award reflects the strength of our community,” says Young. “It recognizes the incredible agencies and partners working alongside United Way every day to give kids the support they need to thrive. United Way’s role is to convene and mobilize, but we don’t do this work alone.”
Recognition of collaboration
United Way has partnered with Children First Canada on initiatives such as Being, Belonging and Becoming and the Black North Initiative. For Sara Austin, CFC’s Founder and CEO, collaboration is what makes these efforts successful.
“Without United Way’s support, this work wouldn’t have been possible,” says Austin. “We are trying to create a tide to lift all boats—these awards are meant to honour those who have been instrumental in creating change.”
Locally, that change depends on frontline agencies and partners such as YMCA Calgary, Trellis Society and Miskanawah Community Services Association, as well as the many mentors, tutors and community leaders who support children and youth every day.
Tackling complex challenges
United Way’s role is to bring people together to address interconnected issues. Poverty, lack of education and mental health can’t be solved in isolation.
Since 2014, more than 9,200 young people have received tutoring, mentoring and wraparound support through All In for Youth, helping students overcome barriers to high school completion. Today, the program is active in 36 schools across Calgary.
United Way has also introduced Planet Youth Calgary, a Made-in-Calgary adaptation of Iceland’s evidence-driven model to strengthen youth mental health and well-being. Especially in the wake of COVID-19, the program helps families, schools and communities build stronger protective factors around young people.
“These issues don’t exist in isolation,” says Young. “To make lasting change, we need to put children at the centre and bring the right people together around the table.”
The power of natural supports
For Young, the importance of support networks is also personal. She credits her father with instilling confidence and teaching her the value of listening. “He didn’t tell me what to do, but he encouraged me to have a voice,” she reflects.
That experience mirrors what children across Calgary need today. “It doesn’t have to be a parent,” she adds. “It could be a neighbour, a teacher, a coach—anyone who helps a young person feel connected, cared for and capable.”
Turning recognition into action
While the award is meaningful, Young is clear: recognition only matters if it fuels more collaboration and impact.
“Every child deserves the chance to thrive,” she says. “This award is an opportunity to elevate the sector, strengthen partnerships and push forward United Way’s renewed Children & Youth strategy.”
The strategy focuses on prevention, resilience and belonging—building systems of support so children don’t just get by but truly thrive. From mentoring and tutoring to mental health programs, to safe spaces for belonging, the goal is to work across the sector to close gaps and open doors for young people.
A vision for Calgary’s future
United Way’s goal is bold: to make Calgary one of the best places in Canada to be a kid.
“We have the capacity to do it,” says Young. “This award reinforces what’s possible when we work collectively. Now, the challenge is to turn recognition into action, and action into lasting change.”
Join us in building that future
Learn more about United Way’s Children & Youth strategy, including initiatives like Planet Youth Calgary and All In for Youth. Or give to the Community Impact Fund, ensuring agencies across Calgary have the resources they need to help kids thrive.
United, we can make Calgary a place where every child belongs—and every family has the chance to succeed.