The time is now, time for a new direction that provides even more focus and effort on the priorities that matter most to the residents of Windsor and Essex County. This direction is based upon what you, the community, have told us is most important. It is anchored in research and identified best practices in making progress on social problems that affect the quality of life at an individual and community level.

 

Reasons for Change

 

In spite of our best efforts and the dedicated work of many community agencies and organizations, social problems have continued to grow. In addition, over the past five years, our community has been under stress as a result of changes in our economy. Statistics reflect the impact on our residents. Unemployment has reached double digits. The demand for social and support services has increased dramatically. The needs are greater, yet there are fewer resources to meet the needs.

 

 

At United Way/Centraide, we recognize that by working together we can do more and have a greater impact. The good news is that there is progress being made on understanding how to effectively address root causes of problems. Working with others and increasing our focus on root causes, we can work toward lasting solutions that improve the quality of life at an individual and community level. To achieve these results requires us to focus on areas where we can have the greatest impact. That is why United Way/Centraide is changing its focus and its funding priorities. That is why we're also asking organizations to change the way they work, to look beyond their own doors, to work in partnership with others in new and different ways.

 

The first step was to find out what is important to you, the people who live and work in Windsor-Essex. In 2005, United Way/Centraide took a lead role in a community consultation that ultimately involved more than 3700 local residents through conversations, forums, and the "Together We Dream" survey.

 

Rather than focusing on the negative, the conversations and survey focused on the positive. What do we want for the future? What aspirations and hopes do we have for ourselves, our families, and our community of Windsor-Essex? More than 700 conversations were held with business leaders, labour, public service and community organizations, and groups. Eleven themes or priorities kept recurring in those conversations.

 

In order to cast an even wider net, in 2009, we conducted a community-wide survey called "Together We Dream". We asked community residents to rank, in order of priority, the eleven themes that had emerged in the community conversations. Surveys were completed online, by paper, by telephone, or by calling 211. Through this survey, four priorities jumped to the top.

 

Our next steps were to identify how United Way can contribute toward realizing these goals...how we can contribute toward and actively participate in "moving the needle" on our community's hopes and aspirations.

 

We reviewed local statistics and data related to community priorities to get an accurate snapshot of the situation. We looked for best practices in achieving results on addressing the root causes of issues and problems we face. We identified which issues are the responsibility of other funders and organizations and therefore are outside of the mandate of United Way/Centraide.

 

 

Our approach will be to:

This will mean a change in the programs and services United Way funds. It is a necessary change that is a direct response to what our community needs and wants. It is an investment in a positive future for the residents of Windsor-Essex.