Meet those being helped

These are just a few of the 150,000+ people United Way helps each year.

Carolina

Carolina

Carolina and her family left everything behind in Venezuela to start a new life in Canada, choosing Calgary because of its educational opportunities for her daughter. But Carolina’s struggles to find financial stability led her to enroll in Momentum’s self-employment program.

Vincenzo

Vincenzo

Vincenzo’s family struggled under the weight of intergenerational trauma – but a community of care was there.

Michele

Michele

Giving back can be life changing. For Michele, it was also life saving.

Travis

Travis

When Travis realized some of his neighbours were struggling during the pandemic, he knew just how to help.

Laura

Laura

Even when Laura's depression was at its worst, she knew there had to be hope for a different life. United Way-supported mental health resources changed Laura's life and gave her a new outlook on happiness.

Kathy

Kathy

Kathy has volunteered at the community centre near her house for years. Read how serving in her community has become her second home.

Bertha

Bertha

See how Bertha got involved with United Way, how her family influenced her values, and the impact volunteering has had on her life.

Melanie

Melanie

Worried that asking for help made her seem weak, Melanie struggled alone before finally getting the help she needed.

Dez

Dez

Dez grew up in the foster care system. Her foster family considered showers and hairbrushes a luxury, and some days she was only given one meal.

Brenda

Brenda

Brenda moved to Calgary in April of 2013 to look after her elderly parents. As their sole caregiver, her life consisted of doctor appointments and hospital visits.

Angelica

Angelica

When Angelica and her husband moved to Canada from Mexico 15 years ago, they were hoping to give their daughter a chance at a good education and a better life.

Travis

Travis

Travis went from experiencing homelessness to studying at university. Now, he’s helping others get their lives on track.

Rose

Rose

Rose battled mental health stress alone until she connected with a local United Way program.

Samantha

Samantha

After Samantha moved to Canada, United Way helped her become a community leader.

Priscilla

Priscilla

Stigma stopped Priscilla from reaching out for help. Now, she works to help others.

Mike

Mike

Mike lived his life on the streets, selling scraps to survive. As he got older, it became harder to continue.

Ken

Ken

Ken had a good education, a good job, and a great family. Then his life changed overnight.

Humaira

Humaira

Humaira gave up a lot to be where she is today. But she knows her voice has power now.

Diamond Willow Youth Lodge

Diamond Willow Youth Lodge

Johnny and Princess, members of the Diamond Willow Youth Lodge’s youth council, explain how this first-of-its-kind gathering space is making a difference.

Jayce

Jayce

When Jayce’s kids, Nadine and Chase, were falling behind in reading, she felt like she’d failed them.

Bryanna

Bryanna

When she faced homelessness at 16, school couldn't be Bryanna's priority. Now, that's changed.

Ann

Ann

For Ann, reaching isolated seniors and ensuring they feel a sense of belonging is vital for her community.

Travis

Travis

Facing mental illness and job uncertainty, Travis received support to succeed.

Wendy

Wendy

Wendy learned the importance of giving back at a young age. Now, she’s changing lives.

Randy

Randy

Randy supports Calgary's Indigenous youth as they gain the skills and confidence they need to become leaders.

Patricia

Patricia

When Patricia fled abuse, she worried where she and her children could go. Now, they're finding home.

Nuhaa

Nuhaa

When Nuhaa was eight, her family settled in Canada after fleeing war-stricken Syria. She was lonely, shy, and struggling with trauma.

North of McKnight Domestic Violence Prevention Collaborative

North of McKnight Domestic Violence Prevention Collaborative

To combat the issue, residents formed the North of McKnight Domestic Violence Prevention Collaborative, a coalition of 18 primarily ethno-cultural and faith-based groups focused on educating and preventing domestic violence in their communities.

Michaella

Michaella

At 16, Michaella was on her own, working desperately to avoid homelessness. Learn how United Way of Calgary is connecting individuals like Michaella to successful programs.

Kathryn & Teague

Kathryn & Teague

Teague struggled to keep up with kids his age. Today, his friendships have build his confidence.

Jill

Jill

When Jill's father was diagnosed with dementia, her family was devastated. But they knew there was help.

Emily

Emily

After moving out of her family home, Emily struggled to manage school and life.

AJ

AJ

When AJ was experiencing homelessness, United Way helped him get support.

United Way of Calgary and AreaMeet Those Being Helped