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Helping Kids Be All They Can Be

Every kid deserves a chance to have a great life. But for that to happen, kids need to be set up for success from an early age. That’s why United Way works with community partners to invest in support for children and youth, including mentoring opportunities, safe places to learn and grow, and access to healthy food – things that help youth successfully transition to adulthood.

We believe that for children and youth to have opportunities to be all they can be in the future, United Way Oxford must support programs and services that forge strong social connections, support academic success and build their confidence to succeed.

UNITED in Opportunities for Youth:

  • 39% of United Way Oxford’s funding allocation in 2023-2024
  • Investing in support at an early age reduces the need for reactive services in the future (mental health, homelessness, food insecurity, etc.).
  • Vulnerability in early childhood development is 1.8x higher in the lowest-income communities. 
  • 3,729 children and youth were helped by a United Way-funded program last year. 
  • 1,777 received mentorship or skill development opportunities.
  • 97 gender-diverse youth were supported by a United Way Oxford-funded program last year.
  • 101 students in 11 schools in Oxford County accessed free, in-school tutoring to help achieve substantial gains in their literacy.

Your Support in Action

Meet Ron

Meet Ethan

Funding Strategies:

 Children and youth have resilience, strong self-esteem and a sense of acceptance so they are able to cope with day-to-day challenges.

Interventions and supports for children, youth and families dealing with mental health and addiction issues.

Safe, welcoming opportunities for children and youth to pursue educational, leadership, mentorship, recreation and social interests.

Program and Community Outcomes:

  • Access to a variety of opportunities that meet interests and needs. 
  • Positive mental health and wellbeing.
  • Healthy decision making
  • Readiness to learn.
  • Young people choose to stay in the community because of local opportunities and supports.
  • Children and youth experience successful transitions.
  • The community is able to respond to challenges presented by children and youth both proactively and reactively.
  • Parents and caregivers feel empowered and supported as they deal with their children’s development.