Theresa’s Story:
Seeing the Need for New Beginnings

Across our city, we see the need to help Calgarians turn a corner from despair to hope.

For Theresa, that need came after she lost a child to diabetes. Grieving and struggling to stay afloat, she left Saskatchewan in 2021 determined to rebuild her life in Calgary.

As a mother and grandmother of seven, she arrived facing both emotional and financial hardship—caring for her daughter with a learning disability while raising her grandchildren and working toward financial stability.

That’s when Theresa connected with Hull Services’ Patch program, which operates neighbourhood hubs across Calgary providing low-income residents with essentials like financial support, employment programs and community connections.

Hull Services is one of the many partner agencies that United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) funds to help ensure everyone has access to the basic necessities and mental health supports needed to thrive.

Through the Patch program, Theresa found more than practical help—she found people who believed in her.

“I was introduced to employment and educational programs, and they offered me necessities for my everyday needs,” she says. “They helped me advocate for myself so I could get the funds I needed to support my family.”

At 56, Theresa found the stability and confidence to return to school thanks to the financial and mental health supports from Patch. Now, she’s working toward her dream of studying Addiction Counselling at Bow Valley College.

“Going to school and working is difficult, but my goal is to become a counsellor to others,” she says. “I want my kids and grandkids to see that it’s never too late to learn—that education opens doors to independence and stability.”

For Theresa, education is more than a personal goal; it’s a way to break the cycle of poverty.

“I hope my kids don’t have to struggle like I did. I want them to look at their grandma and see that it’s never too late to work toward your dreams.”

Theresa’s story reflects a growing reality in our city. Behind Calgary’s skyline and prosperity are quiet struggles. One in ten Calgarians live in poverty, and one in four struggle to meet basic financial needs. Many face unseen barriers; the stress of unpaid bills, the isolation of starting over or the quiet fear of being unable to provide for loved ones.

That’s where you come in.

United Way funds more than 170 local partner agencies, including Hull Services, that help Calgarians face unseen barriers and respond to urgent and often hidden needs across our city.

Your generosity helps neighbours find connection.

It helps families rebuild stability.

It helps people believe in their own strength.