2024/25 Impact Report

Building a Stronger Windsor-Essex Together

At United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, our mission is simple but powerful: create a brighter future for local kids and families. Thanks to the dedication of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we are seeing lives changed every day. Our 2024/25 Annual Impact Report highlights the progress we’ve made across Windsor-Essex—and the hope we’re building for the future.

Helping Kids Succeed in School and Beyond

Education is the foundation of opportunity and the clearest path out of poverty. Through On Track to Success (OTTS), youth in West Windsor, Downtown Windsor, and Leamington receive the academic, mental health, social, and financial support they need to graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education.

One caregiver captured the impact best:

“This program has really helped and given my family HOPE. I am forever grateful.”

This year, we continued our supports with On Track On Campus, helping the high school graduates transition into college, trades or university so they can stay enrolled, be successful and finish strong. We also continued the Executive Mentorship Program, giving post-secondary students valuable career-building and mentorship opportunities over the summer.

Through the UJIMA Initiative, Black youth in OTTS received culturally relevant programming, leading to a 7% increase in enrollment and inspiring students through Black cultural activities.

For younger learners, Ignite Academy is helping children in Grades 2–7 build confidence, strengthen math and literacy skills, and improve attendance—ensuring they start school each day with the tools they need to succeed.

Supporting Families Year-Round

Every child deserves a healthy start, no matter the season. Our Summer Programs provided nutritious meals, learning support through free books, and back-to-school supplies for families across Windsor-Essex.

Our school lunch pilot program served more than 45,000 lunches to 1,500 students, ensuring kids could focus on learning—not hunger. Parents told us this program eased financial pressures, while teachers shared that students were trying new, healthy foods for the first time. The pilot program is funded by the Gordie Howe International Bride Community Benefit Plan.

We also continued to address food insecurity through our continued support of the Unemployed Help Centre Food Bank, a vital hub in our community for the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association.

And through Period Promise, our community came together to collect more than 6,000 packages of menstrual products and $15,000 in donations—helping ensure that no one misses school, work, or daily life because of a lack of these essential supplies.

Empowering Neighbourhoods

Change starts where people live. Through the Neighbourhood Program, a Pathway to Potential initiative funded by the City of Windsor and County of Essex, we are investing in priority communities like Downtown Windsor East, West Windsor, and North Leamington. Together with residents, we are building stronger, safer, and more connected neighbourhoods through services support and partnerships.

Looking Forward

As we look to the future, one truth is clear: partnership is the foundation of impact. None of this would be possible without organizations like ProsperUs, the GECDSB and WECDSB, the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, the Multicultural Council, and the South Essex Community Council—along with our incredible donors and volunteers.

United is the Way. And together, we are building a Windsor-Essex where every child has the chance to reach their full potential.

✨ Discover the full story of impact, hope, and partnership in our 2024/25 Annual Impact Report below.

Last updated on November 10, 2025