Children & Youth
Empowering children and youth with the support they need to break the cycle of poverty is essential for their long-term success. This includes opportunities for healthy social, emotional, and physical development, to reduce the risk of facing challenges later in life.
United Way Focuses On
- Social Development
- Emotional Development
- Mentorship
- Counselling and Mental Health Support
- Child and Youth Homelessness
- Recreation Programs
- School and Weekend Food Programs
- Education Programs
- Systems Navigation and Advocacy
- Youth Empowerment
- Leadership and Volunteer Opportunities
- Tutoring or academic Support
The Issues – what we know
- 34.2% of children and youth lived in housing that did not meet national standards. (Children and Youth in Waterloo Region: A Demographic Profile (2025) Children & Youth Planning Table)
- 1 in 3 food recipients served by the Cambridge Food Bank is a child, reflecting broader regional and national trends. (Cambridge Food Bank)
- The percentage of gender-diverse youth who reported experiencing homelessness was nearly double that of cisgender youth (23% compared with 12% for both boys and girls). (Youth Impact Survey, 2023, Children and Youth Planning Table)
Your Impact
These numbers reflect the 2025 reporting period.
$394,000
Dollars Invested
13,467
People Helped
9
Funded Partners / Programs
Our Response
By bringing together local partners and community members, advocating for stronger supports and systemic change, and investing in local programs and services, United Way Waterloo Region is helping children and youth across our region build a brighter future.
Funded Partners
