Community Investments
United Way Oxford strategically invests its resources to create meaningful, measurable change for the most vulnerable members of our community.
*Lead applicant of a collaborative project
All That Kids Can Be
Agency
Program
Description
Video
Big Brothers Big Sisters Oxford
Mentoring programs
Big Brothers Big Sisters Oxford County supports youth by offering 1:1 and group mentorship to help them reach their full potential. Through mentorship programs, the agency helps reduce the risks associated with ACEs, improving the well-being of local youth.
Fusion Youth Centre
Youth programs
The Fusion Youth Centre offers youth aged 10-18 a variety of programs, including art, music, sports, and life skills, for a $5 annual membership fee. Programs are led by trained professionals such as Child & Youth Workers and Social Workers, providing expert guidance.
Navy League & Sea Cadets
Programs
The Navy League and Sea Cadet Program is a civilian youth initiative for young people aged 9-18, focusing on teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Volunteers help cadets gain valuable life skills, such as cooking nutritious meals, to support their transition into adulthood. The program is free, provides uniforms, and encourages community improvement through maritime-themed activities.
Strong Start
Letters, Sounds and Words
Strong Start’s Letters, Sounds and Words™ (LSW) program provides early literacy intervention for children ages 5-9 who are struggling readers. Trained community volunteers work 1:1 with students in Kindergarten to Grade 4 for 60-90 minutes weekly over a 10-week period.
Ontario Student Nutrition Program- Oxford
Student Nutrition Program
The Ontario Student Nutrition Program South West supports over 13,600 students in Oxford County by providing healthy food to schools, helping alleviate pressure on family grocery budgets.
STEAM Education Centre
Access to devices that increase digital equity
Youth in Oxford County requiring a computer can make a request through STEAM Education. Free devices are provided to youth along with the digital literacy education and local resources needed to be successful.
Building Strong Communities
Agency
Program
Description
Video
Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners
The Social
The Social is a therapeutic recreation program for individuals living with dementia, aimed at improving their quality of life and offering respite for their care partners. The program provides peer support, meaningful engagement for participants, and education for care partners.
Woodstock Public Library
Community Outreach and Connection pilot project
The Community Connection and Outreach (pilot) program offers seasonal, culturally responsive events—like winter outreach, youth pizza nights, and outdoor films—that promote literacy, inclusion, and belonging. This initiative meets people where they are and strengthens community ties. Through these pilot activities, they hope to learn how seasonal, low-barrier events can effectively reduce social isolation and foster a sense of belonging among newcomers, youth, and low-income families in Oxford County.
Ingamo Homes*
Domestic Abuse Resource Team (DART)
The Violence Against Women/DART Coordinator helps 30+ local agencies work together to prevent and respond to domestic and gender-based violence, especially in high-risk situations.
Ingersoll Services for Seniors*
Age Friendly Communities Oxford
The committee is working to make Oxford County a place where older adults can live safely, stay healthy, and remain active and connected in the community. The committee has developed a local plan with input from residents to respect seniors’ choices, support those who are most vulnerable, and make the community easier for people of all ages and abilities to live in.
STICH Supper Club*
FOOD Project
The FOOD Project is a shared space where charities and non-profits work together to fight hunger and poverty. They collect, sort, store, and give out food and other essential items while also reducing food waste.
Southwestern Public Health*
Planet Youth Oxford
The Planet Youth Icelandic Model (IPM) is an evidence-based, community-driven prevention approach developed to reduce youth substance use by targeting root causes through strengthened protective factors, such as enhancing family time and promoting organized leisure activities.
CMHA Thames Valley*
Peer Support Worker at Operation Sharing
CMHA will provide dedicated peer support to individuals accessing programs and services at Operation Sharing. Peer support is a recovery-oriented relationship between individuals who share similar lived experiences, often relating to mental health, addiction, or trauma.
Poverty to Possibility
Agency
Program
Description
Video
Oxford County Community Health Centre
Housing stability program
The Oxford County Community Health Centre (OCCHC) Housing Stability Program helps individuals at risk of homelessness or eviction by providing timely support. Services include eviction prevention, assistance in maintaining affordable housing, and help accessing low-income housing or transitional housing options. The program aims to stabilize housing for those with a history of instability, reducing the rate of illegal evictions in the community.
Oxford County Community Health Centre
Huron House transitional housing program, Tillsonburg Light House, and the Ingersoll Light House
The OCCHC operates transitional housing programs in Woodstock, Ingersoll and Tillsonburg. These programs provide up to 364 days of supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Tenants are provided affordable housing while they receive 1:1 support for life skills and transitioning to permanent housing. There are 27 rooms among the three locations.
Tillsonburg Multi Service Centre
Supports for people experiencing barriers to employment
This program provides additional support to people seeking employment, but facing extraordinary barriers. For example, the funding may provide child care, transportation or safety gear that is vital to securing and maintaining employment.
Tillsonburg Community Kitchen
Supports for people needing a warm meal
The Tillsonburg Community Kitchen provides weekly warm meals to anyone in need. Guests can come into a local church for a seated meal or grab a takeout at the door. For older adults with mobility issues, volunteer drivers can bring the meal to their home. The church also keeps a room stocked with other basics needs so that guests can have access to other items they may need.
Helping Hand Food Bank
Protein for Every Family
Families across Oxford County are struggling to afford nutritious food, especially protein, which remains one of the most expensive and least donated items at food banks and other food stability programs. The rising cost of living and limited income options have pushed more households to rely on the food bank, stretching resources beyond capacity.
The Protein for Every Family initiative addresses that gap by ensuring families have consistent access to quality protein, reducing nutritional inequities and supporting overall community wellbeing.
