Explore each issue, learn about the challenges facing our communities, and how together, we’re creating lasting change.
Before the pandemic, many young children were already struggling with reading, but now they may have fallen even further behind. By the end of grade three, 74% of struggling readers will likely never catch up and are 4 times more likely to drop out of high school. 1 in 4 Canadian children has difficulty learning to read, and Canadians with low literacy are 2.5 times more likely to be unemployed. Almost half of those with the lowest literacy levels live in low-income households.
The Strong Start Letters, Sounds, and Words™ (LSW) supports children in kindergarten to grade four who struggle with reading. Trained volunteers work with children for 60-90 minutes each week for 10 weeks. The program uses fun games and activities to help kids build reading skills and boost their confidence. It’s free for families and happens during school hours.
Many children from middle- and upper-class families join after-school activities like sports, dance, and tutoring to help them succeed in school and build skills. These programs help children grow and prepare for their future. All children should have the same opportunities, but they face barriers like high costs, transportation issues, language, and lack of information. Some programs offer financial help, but families may not know about it or may feel embarrassed to ask for assistance. It’s important to make sure all children can join these activities and benefit from them.
Programs like the Navy League & Sea Cadets, Fusion Youth Centre, and Big Brothers Big Sisters provide free, inclusive programs that connect youth to their community and help them build their skills and interests. Through these programs, local youth are accessing opportunities to build social connections, advance leadership and life skills, experience civic engagement, increase physical activity, and explore their interests in arts, culture, and recreation.
Supporting kids with positive experiences when they are young helps them grow into healthy, happy adults.
Many youth and families in our community face long wait times to get mental health support, especially during a crisis. In Oxford, 35% of people don’t have health benefits. For families without health benefits, the only choice is to wait for public services, which can take a long time. This delay can be dangerous, as suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth. In Canada, only 1 in 5 children get the mental health care they need.
By providing access to programs like the Rapid Response Fund and walk-in mental health counselling, we can reduce the time people wait for the mental health care that they need and deserve.
Sexual violence affects many people, especially those aged 12-17. It impacts 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men. Support from United Way Oxford increases the sexual assault services in Oxford County from 1 to 4 days per week.
Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS) helps survivors by offering counselling, case management, and support with legal matters. They provide trauma-informed care and work with other services like health care, housing, and therapy. OSAS also partners with St. Joseph’s Hospital to bring sexual assault evidence kits to Oxford, so survivors don’t have to travel far for care. This program helps people heal and find support close to home, making it easier to get the care they need. This partnership is the first of its kind in Ontario.
Visits to local food banks in Canada have increased 90% since 2019. The cost of groceries has risen sharply, making it harder for many families to afford nutritious food. In Oxford County, the demand for food programs has increased by 60%. When money is tight, people often must buy less food or choose cheaper, less nutritious options. Nearly 18% of food bank users have jobs but still can’t afford enough food. In Ontario, 31% of food bank users are children and almost 8% are seniors. These numbers show how difficult it is for many people to get the healthy food they need.
By investing in the student nutrition program, we can ensure that all children are well nourished while reducing some of the strain on family grocery budgets. Eating good food gives children the energy and nutrients they need to focus, think clearly, and do their best in school.
In Oxford County, there is a long wait for affordable housing, with about 2,500 people on the list, a wait that can be more than ten years. Many people in Oxford struggle with low income, including 10% of residents who make less than $26,000 a year. Rent is high—market rent in Woodstock reached $1,398 in 2023, but people on Ontario Disability Support get only $497 for housing. Without enough money for basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare, it is harder for people to thrive.
When we invest in housing-first programs, we are breaking the cycle of homelessness, helping individuals regain stability and self-sufficiency. By providing access to stable housing, people to break free from poverty and avoid the long-term effects of homelessness like poor mental and physical health.
Do you want to make a difference in our community?