Community Priorities
The most powerful investment a community can make is in its children Not only does 90% of brain development occur in the first six years of life but the early development of cognitive skills, emotional well-being, social competence and sound physical and mental health build a strong foundation for success well into the adult years. By focusing on early childhood development and building developmental assets in youth we believe our community can ensure all children are ready to learn as they enter kindergarten and grow into thriving, resilient youth who become contributing citizens in our community. United Way of Regina is committed to taking a leadership role in our community to improve outcomes for children and youth. We will work diligently to build awareness and understanding of what children in our community need to thrive. Our investments are strategic; aimed at supporting children from their first moments of life, through their years in school, until their independence in our community.
When we invest in education we invest in the future of our community. Recognizing this, we must as a community support both children and adults to pursue learning, in and out of school, throughout their lifetimes. Success in learning requires many contributing factors; a stable home, having one’s basic needs met, academic support and a safe and inclusive community where everyone is welcome to participate and contribute. Currently, in Saskatchewan, only approximately 70% of students graduate on time. In Regina, the 22% of adults who have not completed highschool are twice as likely to be unemployed. Likewise, their children are less likely to be successful learners themselves and more likely to experience poor physical and mental health. All citizens need to acquire both academic and life skills to thrive. United Way of Regina is supporting strategies, organizations, and programs that strive to improve education outcomes for all community members.
When families and individuals become financially stable, neighbourhoods become safer, and our community becomes a better place for all of us. Financial stability and independence means that individuals and families have sufficient income to provide for themselves and save for the future. There are many avenues to financial stability, but adequate meaningful employment and sound financial planning will allow most families to achieve independence. We must also consider those who are unable to work and how their financial security can be ensured. Unemployment or underemployment, regardless of reason, often translates to low socio-economic status which can affect all aspects of life. The cycle of poverty is not easy to escape. Low-income families are most likely to have lower levels of education, reducing their employability and their children’s chances to become successful learners. United Way of Regina is supporting innovative ways to improve financial stability for all community members. By building collaborations in the community to funding the programs that give youth the basic skills needed to find employment, we’re helping to create the kind of community where no one is left behind.
To be a valued and contributing member of the community, people need to feel engaged and connected to their community. They need to feel like they belong. High levels of social inclusion have been linked to positive health outcomes and lower crime rates; this means that a strong sense of belonging in our community can improve the lives of all citizens. Active social supports especially for those in need, opportunities to contribute, and vibrant cultural communities all contribute to a sense of belonging, safety and well-being for all citizens. In Regina, not everyone is able to engage meaningfully in the community. For example, those who live in low-income neighborhoods often struggle with issues like inadequate housing, higher crime rates, and food insecurity. United Way of Regina invests in new and innovative projects that address the many complex issues facing families and communities. At the same time we will continue our commitment to be a major funder of crisis services, including those services providing safety and shelter for victims of domestic violence.
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