Community & Social Supports
A sense of belonging and connection is essential to our well-being. Services or activities that unite people through shared goals or interests, provide systems navigation, and offer wrap-around support, help ensure that everyone can fully participate and feel valued in their community.
United Way Focuses On
- Systems navigation
- Culturally informed services and supports
- Settlement services
- Formal and informal wrap-around services
- Cultural festivals and community gatherings
- Restorative justice
- Community centres
- Land-based healing and education
- Social enterprise projects
- Peer support
- Spaces for people to connect
The Issues – what we know
In the 2023 Youth Impact Survey, 71% of youth reported a strong sense of belonging, up from 64% in 2021.
- In 2023, 21% of young people in Waterloo Region reported feeling isolated from others in their community. (Argus Residence, 2025–2026 reporting)
27% of immigrants reported not having a positive settlement experience in Waterloo Region. (Immigrant Survey, Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership, 2023)
Your Impact
These numbers reflect the 2025 reporting period.
$430,000
Dollars Invested
57,569
People Helped
11
Funded Partners / Programs
Our Response
United Way Waterloo Region works with local partners to help people stay connected and supported, reduce isolation, improve mental health, and strengthen community belonging.
Funded Partners
