Community Impact Statement
Our mission is to ensure that every effort we make is closely aligned with the genuine needs of our community. This way, we can direct our resources where they’ll make the biggest difference. We’re currently conducting a community impact study to deeply understand the most pressing needs in our area.
We can’t wait to share the exciting results of this study with you, along with the specific initiatives and funding goals that will guide our work. In the meantime, we’re passionately focusing on fundraising to be fully prepared to tackle these important initiatives and make a meaningful impact.
Your support is invaluable, and together, we’re working towards a brighter future for everyone in our community to make the biggest impact. Below, you can read about the significant impact our Tilbury Information and H.E.L.P. Centre has had on Lori’s life.
Thank you for being a crucial part of this journey!
From Crisis to Community: How United Way’s Tilbury Information and H.E.L.P. Centre became Lori’s Lifeline
Imagine stepping out on a routine winter’s day, only to have your life changed by a sudden accident. That’s what happened to Lori whose severe injury threw her and her family into uncertain times. Beyond her physical pain, her family now faced mounting challenges of financial uncertainty, but thanks to a caring community of generous donors and volunteers, the Tilbury Information and H.E.L.P. Centre, a direct service of United Way was able to provide Lori some relief and a renewed sense of hope.
Lori’s Journey:
“My life has been filled with many of the same experiences that might be familiar to you. I grew up in a loving family, went to school, worked, and enjoyed life’s milestones like vacations, marriage, and raising my two sons. For years, I worked as a waitress in Windsor, a job I truly loved. I was good at it—managing tables, handling the cash register, and even cooking. My job brought me joy and a sense of accomplishment, and I was fortunate to have a supportive boss.
But life changed dramatically one winter’s day for me when I slipped on ice and fell down a flight of stairs. The injuries I sustained were severe and life-altering. I was informed that my injuries were serious enough to leave me on disability for life.
My husband Roger also faced significant health challenges, and we found ourselves struggling during that time. It was then that Roger discovered United Way’s Tilbury Information and H.E.L.P. Centre, which proved to be a true lifeline for us. The Centre provided us with two large boxes of food and some essential school supplies for our sons, which made a tremendous difference in stretching our monthly income further.
Seeing how much the Centre had helped us, Roger felt wanted to give back. He began volunteering as a van driver, assisting others with their medical appointments. For ten years, Roger dedicated his time to this role, and our sons also joined in, volunteering at the Centre.
As I began to regain my footing, starting with small steps like grocery shopping and spending more time with my family, I decided to reach out and offer my own help. I started volunteering at the Centre, learning various tasks from operating the photocopier to managing donations. This experience gave me a renewed sense of purpose and connection, and I discovered how fulfilling it was to support the Centre’s mission and assist others in need.
The Tilbury Information and H.E.L.P. Centre, supported by the United Way of Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, has been a beacon of hope for our family. Volunteering at the Centre has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing people leave with smiles and knowing that our work makes a difference fills me with pride. My involvement with the Centre has given me a sense of belonging and purpose and for that I am so grateful. I’m also proud that my grandsons are now beginning to volunteer at the Centre.
Sharing my story, is a new experience for me, and although I have some fears of opening up. I felt it was important to let others know how United Way and the Tilbury Information and H.E.L.P. Centre has profoundly impacted my family.
Life can be unpredictable, and while I never imagined I would face chronic pain or need any assistance from a food bank, I am deeply grateful for the support that has made such a significant difference in our lives. I hope people always remember the vital role that organizations like the United Way Tilbury Information and H.E.L.P. Centre play in times of need and that your support helps ensure that these crucial services continue to be available for those who need them most.
Thank you to all the donors for being part of a community that makes such a meaningful impact, your generosity truly changes lives.”
BaCK to School Program Success!
Providing kids with back-to-school supplies is about more than just having the right tools; it also boosts classroom participation, attendance and student morale. When students have access to the supplies they need, they feel more prepared and confident allowing them to focus on learning and engaging with their peers.
The BaCK to School supported students through two impactful strategies:
The Gift Card Program A $50 gift card allowed families to choose the items that are right for their child’s individual needs at the start of the new school year.
The Teachers’ Totes Program continued the care for our students in the classroom, helping to fill any gaps and helped to ensure that every student has what they need to succeed.
This school year because of your support, we were able to distribute 515 gift cards to students throughout Chatham-Kent. Thanks to you we were also able to place 26 teachers totes filled with essential school supplies in both elementary and secondary schools throughout the Chatham-Kent region.
Community Impact
- “Thank you for allowing me to experience the spontaneous excitement of a four year old when handed a gift card and being told that they can go shopping with Nana for back to school things. Other youths were looking forward to scrolling the sales at the store and putting their card to good use. Other caregivers were very appreciative of a gift card to help cover all those extra back to school costs. I am grateful to the United Way for allowing me to provide gift cards to children and youth in the community of Chatham-Kent.” -Caseworker from Linck
- “I cannot thank you enough for the gift cards to help with back to school items. This was a tremendous help during this time and helped get the kids happy and excited to show off their new stuff. I am forever grateful for the smiles this donation brought to my kids”-Mom from Tilbury
- “I have had several families benefit from the United Way Back to School gift cards. A lot of families have financial struggles and cannot afford new back to school items for their children. With the help of these gift cards I have had children on my caseload be able to afford getting a new back pack and new shoes for their first day back to school.” -Caseworker from Linck
Thank you for all of your support!
