Lives changed, Community United
With your support, United Way Oxford is improving the lives of people across Oxford County. We’re honoured to share just a few of their powerful stories of change.
Kaeleigh and Charlie's Story
What began as a chance connection at the library has grown into a friendship built on trust, encouragement, and shared interests. Whether they’re sewing costumes, exploring bookstores, experimenting with animation, or dreaming up their next creative project, Kaeleigh and Charlie are learning and growing together. While Charlie has gained a trusted mentor and friend, Kaeleigh has discovered new interests, embraced new challenges, and found joy in seeing the world through Charlie’s curious and creative perspective.
Rick's Story
For Rick, the head chef at the Ingersoll 50+ Centre, feeding people has become more than a job. “I love to feed people,” he says, with the kind of enthusiasm that makes it clear this is about much more than cooking. Rick is constantly encouraging staff, volunteers and visitors to eat something. For him, there is something deeply rewarding about watching someone enjoy a meal he has prepared. What’s even better is that much of the food he can provide is made available through the food that is rescued by the FOOD Project.
Stephanie's Story
For Stephanie, peer support is not about fixing people or telling them what their next step should be. It is about meeting people where they are, listening without judgement, and creating the kind of connection that can make moving forward feel possible.
Steve's Story
For Steve, the FOOD Project is not just about moving food from one place to another. It is about connection, dignity and making sure good food reaches the people and organizations that need it most. Retirement gave Steve a new way to serve his community and through the FOOD Project, that service continues to reach tables across Oxford County.
Maureen's Story
For Maureen, Woodstock felt different than what she was used to. Walking the streets with her granddaughter, she noticed that people smiled, said good morning, and made eye contact. “That’s where it starts,” she says. “It’s a smile on the street.” For her, an age-friendly community is built from those small moments, but also from practical supports like transportation, places to sit downtown, accessible spaces, affordable social opportunities, and programs that keep people learning and connected.
Read More Stories of Impact
Learn more about how United Way Oxford is improving lives across the county and how your donation is making a difference by exploring more stories of impact.
"I struggled to get on my feet after my father passed away, and I was struggling with my physical and mental health - on top of the cost of living. Apartments were expensive and I found myself homeless and staying at the local shelter. This is where I met Jade from the Oxford County Community Health Centre, who helped me secure a room at Huron House Transitional Housing. After living at the house for almost 1 year, I secured a job and an affordable apartment of my own. I’m not sure that I would be here to tell my story today if it wasn’t for the support I received at Huron House. My life is now on a different track and I am so grateful." – Sadie, Huron House Resident
"My husband, Kevin, doesn't get excited about many things anymore, but he always looks forward to going to The Social. I think it's because he feels understood and safe there. Every time I ask him how he likes it, he says he “loves” it. As his main caregiver, I’m really happy this program is here for Kevin. The Social is a place where I know Kevin is learning and enjoying himself. It also helps me take care of myself because I get a few hours each week to relax without feeling guilty." - Ursula and Kevin, Individuals supported by The Social.
Ron has been a volunteer for six years, helping children through Strong Start, a literacy mentoring program for children who have fallen behind in their reading skills. Strong Start uses fun games to make learning exciting, and their volunteers help students with patience and care. Ron sees big changes in the children he works with, especially when they start to understand and grow in their lessons. Ron believes that it’s not just about schoolwork; it’s also about showing kids they are important and capable. The one-on-one time he spends with them helps build their confidence and shows them they can succeed. For Ron, volunteering is just as rewarding as it is for the kids.
In the Navy League Sea Cadets program, young people learn skills that help them be successful well into their future. In 2024, thirty-one scholarships were given out to Sea Cadet participants across the province. Two of these scholarships went to Sea Cadets from Oxford. One of them will use her scholarship to study medicine, and the other will go to trade school to become an electrician. Congratulations to these two young women for using what they learned in Sea Cadets to help them fulfill their dreams!
Ashley lives in Innerkip with her husband and two children. In 2019, she started volunteering with the Oxford Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) at her children's school. Ashley wanted to be more involved in her community and became the OSNP volunteer coordinator. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ashley felt even more connected to the students by helping provide food during a tough time. She loves seeing the kids excited about the snacks and how it gives them a chance to try new foods. For Ashley, it's not just about food; it's about building a community.
Damien and Chris were matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters Oxford for four and a half years. Damien shared that Chris “filled a space in my life I didn’t know needed filling.” Before meeting Chris, Damien was shy and unsure about school, but now he’s excited to start college. Damien says he appreciated having a mentor who shared his experiences and was always there to offer advice. Chris, a youth services worker, said he’s grateful for the chance to help and learn from Damien. Their bond shows the power of relationships and community. Although their match has ended, they know they’ll always have a lasting friendship.
Ethan lives in Oxford County and started attending Fusion Youth Centre to help manage his social anxiety. At first, being around new people was challenging, but the welcoming environment at Fusion made it easier for him to participate and feel comfortable. Over time, Ethan gained confidence and began building friendships. Now, Fusion is one of his favourite places to be. He feels calm, and connected, and even met his best friend through the program. For Ethan, Fusion has become more than just a place to hang out—it’s a space where he’s grown, both socially and personally. His experience shows how supportive programs can help young people thrive.
"I experienced sexual assault... and didn't know where to go for help. It's one of those things you don’t realize until you need the help yourself. I'm so grateful OSAS [Oxford Sexual Assault Services] was in my corner. They helped me to know where to go, who to call, what questions to ask, to know my rights. I can’t possibly imagine going through what I did without their support. OSAS counselling really saved my life. I don’t think I would be here today without [OSAS]. Now I am stronger, more grounded, and resilient than I have ever been."
After years of homelessness and difficult challenges, including time in jail, Jake found support through the Mobile Health Outreach Bus (MHOB), which provided care, food, and guidance. With help from MHOB, Jake resolved financial issues and secured housing in Woodstock but wanted to return to his community in Tillsonburg. The housing stability team helped Jake move into the Light House, where he felt safe and supported. After a stroke, he recovered with the help of medical staff and joined programs to build life skills. Now on a waitlist for supported housing, Jake is grateful for the services that helped him rebuild his life.