WE Winter/Spring 2017

MAGAZINE OF UNITED WAY OF THE ALBERTA CAPITAL REGION • WINTER/SPRING • 2017

U of A students help local youth tackle poverty

Success at School All in for Youth sets students up for brighter futures

Everyday Heroes Classroom projects make a mark on the fight against poverty

Plus:

THIS ISSUE OF WE IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED

BY EPCOR THIS ISSUE OFMAGAZINE WE MAGAZINE IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY

PM#40020055

Integrated Youth Hubs provide hope for youth experiencing homelessness

It’s hard to imagine enduring our winter months without the appropriate clothing. For many people living in poverty in our community, that’s the cold, harsh reality.

Because of your incredible generosity, thousands of adults and children in the Alberta Capital Region were able to stay warm this winter.

Thank you for donating to Coats for Kids & Families, and for ensuring no one is left out in the cold.

2016 PRESENTING PARTNERS

WINTER/SPRING • 2017

SPOTLIGHT Empowering Our Youth

9 Building Brighter Futures All in for Youth sets students on the path to success

14 Taking Action Photo highlights from United Way’s Make Your Mark on Poverty projects

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DEPARTMENTS

18 A Class Act University students are reaching out to a local school to develop future leaders to help tackle poverty

4 MESSAGE FROM UNITED WAY 5 This Way In

22 Look Who’s Talking

Latest news on events and community impact

Our city’s youngest citizens provide input on how to make Edmonton a child-friendly city

8 Truth be Told

24 Surveying the Challenges

Making sense of today’s economy

26 Sponsor Profile: EPCOR Making a lasting impact with investment in youth education

27 Leading Edge Integrated Youth Hubs are helping homeless youth find stability

Youth-focused statistics highlight the need for support

14 ON THE COVER: U of A students (from left) Samantha Lam, Susie Youn and Qaasim Mian.

PHOTO: Eugene Uhuad

29 Business Way

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Creative fundraising efforts at the University of Alberta

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30 milestones United Way makes space for EndPoverty Edmonton

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O UR WAY

WINTER/SPRING 2017 VOL 6 • No. 1 Sarah Chan United Way Campaign Co-chair

Empowering Our Youth Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with more than 8,000 students across the Capital Region, talking about community, poverty and how United Way is making a difference.

Make Your Mark on Poverty is a project-based program I was involved in designing to engage youth and motivate them to get more involved in community solutions to help reduce poverty. Together, we wanted to show kids the impact they could make by encouraging them to think of projects that they’d run year after year.

With the launch of the Make Your Mark on Poverty program, many of the ideas brought forward by students have now become a reality, and some are highlighted in this issue of WE magazine.

Our team continues to be incredibly impressed by the engagement, the compassion and the creativity of these students. By removing participation barriers, we saw kids and youth of all socioeconomic backgrounds step up to offer their creative solutions.

One school grew a garden of plants from the many nations that make up the student body, learning how to can and pickle them for healthy, affordable snacks year-round. Another school with almost 100 per cent non-Canadian attendance created a support system for Syrian newcomers.

On a personal level, meeting youth in need is so meaningful.

It doesn’t matter whether they are a first grader or a teen mom who has to bring her baby to class. They have the capacity to change the future of their city.

Just reaching out to our youth about the root causes of poverty, helping them understand what a complicated issue it is, can have incredible impact. Together, we can empower the leaders of tomorrow to help find a solution to poverty in our city.

UNITED WAY OF THE ALBERTA CAPITAL REGION EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Angela Dorval ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Mike Kluttig, David Odumade, Gillian Rutherford COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Cindy McDonald EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Joanne Currie, Ilene Fleming, Annette Malin, Anne Smith SPONSORSHIP AND CORPORATE SUPPORT COMMITTEE Mike Kluttig, Sheldon Smart VENTURE PUBLISHING INC. PUBLISHER: Ruth Kelly MANAGING EDITOR: Kim Tannas ART DIRECTOR: Charles Burke GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Andrew Wedman PRODUCTION MANAGER: Betty Feniak PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN: Serena Strand CIRCULATION: Karen Reilly CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Jessica Barratt, Steve Macleod, Dawn Smith CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS: Darryl Propp, Eugene Uhuad ABOUT UNITED WAY The mission of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is to mobilize collective action to create pathways out of poverty.

WE is published for United Way of the Alberta Capital Region

by Venture Publishing Inc., #300, 10339-124 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 3W1 Tel: 780-990-0839 Fax: 780-425-4921 Toll-free: 1-866-227-4276 circulation@venturepublishing.ca

Printed in Canada by Transcontinental Interweb

WE is printed on Forest Stewardship Council ® certified paper Publications Agreement #40020055 ISSN 1925-8690 Contents copyright 2017.

Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.

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by United Way Staff

Models show off latest styles from DKNY during a fashion show.

DJ Kwake entertains guests.

Fashion event goes “all in” to support youth For the second year, the Art Gallery of Alberta played host to an evening of DKNY fashion and entertainment, presented by TD Canada Trust in support of United Way’s All in for Youth program. The event was hosted by United Way’s campaign cabinet cochair and Edmonton’s first lady, Sarah Chan.

“Our team was delighted to build upon the success of last year’s sold-out event. All profits from the evening will

be invested into All in for Youth, a program that brings services to children, youth and families in Edmonton’s inner-city schools,” said Chan. “The program consists of nutrition, counselling, mentorship, and many other supports, helping children and their families throughout the school years and on to high school completion.”

Guests enjoyed performances by Edmonton Opera, United 1ne, DJ Kwake, Mary Pinkoski, and the event also featured a runway fashion show presented by DKNY.

Thank You 2016 Community Impact Speakers!

During campaign season, United Way receives requests from hundreds of organizations to hear first-hand how donor contributions are improving the lives of people in our community.

United Way Community Impact Speakers volunteer their time, sharing personal stories about the needs and supports that exist in our community. These presentations inform and inspire their audiences to support United Way and our partner agencies in our collective action to end poverty in the Alberta Capital Region.

In 2016, these individuals made a unique contribution and significant impact as speakers: Ala Elamy, Andy Connelly, Barb Spencer, Bobbi Palynchuk, Bonnie Caron, Brenda Hawryluk, Brent Guidinger, Calvin Avery, Chris Gibson, Christine Hamm, Danisha Bhaloo, Danny Haines, Dianne Jackson, Don Gordon, Donna Lemeiux, Edgar Jackson, Eileen Papulkas, ­Elizabeth Halpin, Harjinder Boparai, Heather B ­ oonstra, I­ vana Silva, Jay Freeman, Jean

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Cremer, Jennifer Higley, ­Jimmy Morrison, Jordan Reiniger, Katie ­Wallbaum, Lana Tordoff, Larry Derkach, Laurie Anderson, Lincoln ­Nanquawetung, Liz Lacika, Medina Bandalli, Melissa St. Dennis, Miranda Jimmy, Monica Das, Nick Lovejoy, Nicola Dakers, Ron Campbell, Ross Norton, Ryan Myers, Sentsetsa Pilane, Shirley Sandul, Susanne Gross, Tamara Gaudet, Tanaura Seon, T ­ annis Pearson, Vickie Mancini and Will Kunyk.

Do You Have a Story to Tell?

Has a United Way funded partner agency had a positive impact on your life or someone you know? Are you a volunteer or staff member of an agency who can share knowledge of the inspiring work happening in our community? Become a part of United Way’s volunteer Community Impact Speaker program, and you’ll receive free public speaking training, meet great people and inspire social change.

For more information please contact Tasha at 780-443-8380 or tmich@myunitedway.ca

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Taking action on mental health On October 28, 2016, the Community Mental Health Action Plan was launched in our city. The plan is the result of the joint work of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, the City of Edmonton and more than 30 representatives from government and community organizations. It was developed through a collaborative process, informed by the experiences of health professionals, volunteers, families and people with lived experience of mental health problems and mental illnesses.

The Mental Health Action Plan highlights what can be done at the community level when we work together effectively and provide enhanced services for individuals and their families. These efforts promote positive mental health and the prevention of mental illness Community Mental through early identification and Health Action Plan intervention.

Steering Committee

partners

Ward 6 Councillor Scott McKeen helps launch the Mental Health Action Plan.

• Alberta Health • Alberta Health Services, Addiction and Mental Health • Alberta Mental Health Patient Advocate • C anadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region • City of Edmonton • Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations • M.A.P.S. Alberta Capital Region • United Way of the Alberta Capital Region

Marking a Milestone There was a lot to celebrate in 2016, as it marked a significant milestone for United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund (­ECECAF), who both celebrated their 75th anniversaries. Over the past 57 years, ECECAF and its more than 11,000 members, representing nine local unions and associations, have cumulatively contributed $13.5 million to United Way. 1941 - 2016

Thank you to the following unions and associations for their outstanding support!

• Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 569 • Alberta Health Services Community Care & Public Health, Association of Management and Non-Union Affiliates • C.E.M.A City of Edmonton Management Association • Unifor, Local 829 • Edmonton Fire Fighters Union • Canadian Union of Public Employees CUPE, Local 30 (Edmonton Civic Employees) • Alberta Health Services, United Nurses of Alberta, Local 196 • Edmonton Police Senior Officers Association • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1007

EPCOR marks 125 years with a $125,000 donation In celebration of EPCOR’s 125th anniversary, $125,000 was ­generously donated to help students and struggling families get the support they need to be successful in school and life through the All in for Youth program. Thank you EPCOR for being a leader in our community! For more information on All in for Youth, visit www. myunitedway.ca/allinforyouth and see our feature on page 9.

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Anne Smith, president and CEO of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, is presented a cheque for $125,000 from EPCOR for All in for Youth.

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United Way Rallies Community to Rise to the Challenge On Thursday, September 15, more than 700 community supporters gathered at the Shaw Conference Centre for the launch of United Way’s 2016 fundraising kickoff.

The focus of the 2016 campaign was on rising to the challenge and tackling adversity head-on. And, despite tough times, when our community needs us, we rally together and take care of each other.

“It’s been a rough year for our province and our region. Our province has had better times, but we are Alberta strong. And, not only are we going to be okay, we rally behind those who have been affected, we push past the challenges and we recover,” stated Sarah Chan, 2016 United Way campaign co-chair, and Edmonton’s first lady, an entrepreneur and teacher. “We are resilient and resourceful, and we don’t back down. And now, more than ever, is the time to rise to this latest challenge.”

Chan and campaign co-chair Tom Redl, president and CEO of Chandos Construction, thanked donors for their support and highlighted why now, more than ever, our community needs to come together to take care of our families, friends and colleagues.

“The need is great … but you’re greater. There are so many ways to support United Way, and there is capacity for each and every one of us to participate, because truly, every contribution makes a big impact,” said Redl. “Think about dropping a pebble in the pond and watching it make ripples. The ripples keep going until they reach all sides. Even a small pebble has far-reaching effects.”

The event also helped mark an important milestone as United Way celebrates 75 years in the Alberta Capital Region. A historical display featuring some of the organization’s major milestones was set up for guests outside of Hall D.

Event emcees Josh Classen and Erin Isfeld from CTV.

Keynote Sarah Hendricks speaks about her experience with addiction and homelessness.

Behind the Scenes United Way’s 2016 Campaign Video “We Get Back Up” featured M ­ ayor Don Iveson playing a drum machine, campaign co-chair and First Lady Sarah Chan playing the melodica and CTV’s Josh Classen rapping on the beat, along with Paul Woida, Julia Nicholson, and over 15 local artists and musicians.

Children’s choir sings in front of the Alberta Legislature.

To view the video visit www.myunitedway.ca

Logan Alexis Singers

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Musicians Julia Nicholson and Paul Woida warm up with the band.

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TRUTH BE TOLD

by KIM TANNAS

Economically Speaking Making sense of today’s economy and its impact on our community Alberta has a long history of boom and bust cycles, and certainly this latest downturn has been challenging for our region. Already there are indications of a modest economic recovery in 2017, but it’s not entirely clear what that might look like. WE magazine looks at some predictions for the year ahead and the impact of the economic climate on our community.

A New Normal?

Increasingly, our local economy is being affected by global factors. That’s been the case for a long time but even more so in recent years. So when the price of oil dropped from $115 per barrel in June 2014 to under $35 at the end of February 2016, Alberta – and especially the energy industry – was hit hard. But there are indications that the worst is over, with economists predicting a modest recovery for 2017.

Some experts are predicting that the days of $100+ barrels of oil are gone and what we are experiencing is a “new normal.” Todd Hirsch, chief economist of ATB Financial, in a recent economic forecast delivered in Calgary, predicted that the price of oil would hover around $45 to $55 through 2017 and beyond.

Those prices are not enough to bring about big investments or job gains but will have a positive impact on the energy sector. Hirsch expects Alberta to see modest growth of 2.1 per cent in GDP this year but said a job market recovery could still be months away.

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Similarly in Edmonton, chief economist John Rose said in a news release he expects the city’s economy to grow in 2017 but also cautions that it will be modest. He predicts that job opportunities will increase this year but as people come back into the labour force it will likely result in a slight increase in unemployment. “Our unemployment rate will probably move up well above seven per cent unfortunately, probably in the range of 7.5 per cent as we get into the first half of 2017.”

On the positive side, Rose says with the economy beginning to stabilize, Albertans have started to spend money again. And looking further ahead to 2018 and beyond, a series of infrastructure projects will bring employment opportunities to our region.

Situational Poverty While we seem to be on the road to recovery, the labour market, combined with factors like a rising cost of living and a lack of affordable housing, could lead to more instances of situational poverty. “There’s a myth that poverty is mostly generational and that there are specific people who have lived, and always will live, in poverty,” says Allan Undheim, vice-president, Community Building and Investment, with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. “What we’re seeing and have always seen, however, is situational poverty; people who’ve fallen into poverty because

they or their partner have lost a job, or as a result of many other factors, including illness, death of a spouse, or fleeing domestic violence,” he says.

Other instances of situational poverty are emerging as a result of an increased number of newcomers arriving in the province. Many are willing and able to work and, in fact, have relevant skills and significant credentials, yet are still unable to find suitable employment. “Those kinds of situations could become a much bigger problem if we can’t support them in the short term to help with their transition,” he says.

Meeting the Need With instability in the marketplace, some people who have lost their jobs may no longer have the disposable income to donate to the community like they used to. Others who may still have the ability are reluctant, perhaps out of fear that they may lose their jobs in the future. “So, as a result, we have increased needs that we’re trying to address; yet, decreased ability to do so given the lack of corresponding philanthropic dollars available to be able to invest in order to meet these needs,” says Undheim.

Fortunately, our community has always been one that rises to the challenge and tackles adversity head-on. Despite the economic challenges, there’s reason to be optimistic as this has always been a community that rallies together and takes care of each other.

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Empowering Our Youth

All in for Youth sets children on the path to success in school – and life

by Jessica Barratt

Photography by darryl propp

All-Star Team: Fatmeh Kalouti and Suhur Omar Farah run after-school programming at Spruce Avenue Junior High as part of the All in for Youth initiative.

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R

aised in an underprivileged

family, Kendall* had difficulties focusing at school. Often he wasn’t getting the nutrition he needed, and transportation to and from school was unreliable. As he grew older, it became harder and harder to concentrate on most anything, let alone his studies.

Many young people like Kendall struggle in school because of challenges at home. While the symptoms don’t go unnoticed, teachers are limited in what they can do. “Teachers often worry in silence,” says Andrea Thrall, a Family Centre mental health therapist working at Delton Elementary School. When academic performance suffers, there is a lot at stake. Many of these students won’t see a high school diploma in their future and may have limited career options, perpetuating the cycle of poverty in their lives. In Edmonton, statistics Set Up for Success: Students at five schools across the indicate that one in five students won’t graduate from city benefit from academic help, life skills and leadership high school in three years. coaching, nutritious food and physical activity programs.

But a new program in our city is aiming to change that. All in for Youth is a local initiative led by U ­ nited Way of the Alberta Capital Region. It focuses on tackwe can bring to bear on children and families so they have the kinds of ling the root causes of poor academic performance experiences and opportunities that we know will help them succeed, not – such as poor nutrition or mental health issues – to just in school, but in life.” help get children and youth successfully through their As one of the most well-established charitable organizations in our region, educational journey. “By addressing the barriers in United Way already had an existing network to call on when talks of the initheir lives, we aim to support students to stay engaged tiative started three years ago. Since then, a variety of partners have come on so that they can complete their education, and set board to ensure that every student receives the support they need to graduate. their course toward a life “We’ve got a great collaborative group – free from poverty,” says they’re focused, determined, innovative, but By addressing the barriers in their Annette Malin, community most of all, passionate about improving the lives, we aim to support students to investment specialist with lives of these young people and their famiUnited Way. lies,” says Judy Smith, director of commustay engaged so that they can complete Since the initiative’s nity resources with the City of Edmonton. their education, and set their course launch in September 2016, “When you can streamline processes, capifor a life free from poverty. five Edmonton schools have talize on the strengths of your partnerships, – Annette Malin benefited from a program and coordinate resources, it helps whole that offers students the communities, not just individuals.” resources they need to succeed. From food programs REACH Edmonton was able to bring the voices of indigenous and newhosted by in-school nutritional support workers to comer communities to the table by coordinating regular meetings between counselling sessions led by full-time mental health members of the agencies that serve these populations. “We’re proud to help therapists, All in for Youth is trying to make sure no backbone this important collaborative designed to improve the lives of our student falls between the cracks. most vulnerable,” says Jan Fox, REACH Edmonton’s executive director.

As Martin Garber-Conrad, chief executive officer Edmonton Public and Edmonton Catholic Schools along with agencies with the Edmonton Community Foundation, says, “It’s took a hands-on approach, facilitating the training and integration of new about a whole variety of services and assistance that staff, all while bridging the gap between planners and principals to set

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Empowering Our Youth both teachers and students up for success. “It’s our shared ownership which will help students learn and gain the skills they need in order to go on to their next adventure,” says Nancy Petersen, director of governance and strategic support services with Edmonton Public Schools. “We wouldn’t have achieved as much as we have doing this by ourselves,” adds Melanie Kidder, community engagement coordinator with Edmonton Catholic Schools.

Five schools in the inner city were selected as the demonstration sites for the program. Based on need and present resources, as well as on the desire to offer wraparound services at every grade level, John A. McDougall Elementary School, Delton Elementary School, Spruce Avenue Junior High School, Eastglen High School and St. Alphonsus Elementary Junior High School were chosen as the sites where the program would be the most effective.

The program is already showing early signs of success.

Kendall, who is now 16 years old and in Grade 11, and other students at Eastglen High School have begun to benefit from a whole host of new resources available right in the school. Ben Hofs, a success coach with The Family Centre, who has known Kendall since he was in junior high, says he’s seen a real change since programming started.

In addition to building his confidence and social skills, Kendall has recently developed an interest in pursuing a

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career as a success coach or social worker. “We arranged for him to attend an open house at MacEwan University – he is quite eager to pursue that,” says Hofs. “It’s a complete turnaround; it’s why I love my job!”

Kendall is thankful for the program and the positive impact that Hofs has had on his life. “It has allowed me to problem solve situations when before I probably wouldn’t know what to do,” he says. “It’s not an overstatement to say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without this program.”

Working at the high school level, Hofs is there for students every step of the way. “We know kids who are invested in their school stay in school,” he says. That’s why

Supporting Success All in for Youth reduces barriers to learning and helps students and their families by offering: • L iteracy supports •M entoring • N utrition • S uccess coaches • B efore and after-school programs • F amily support and counselling • P rograms over spring, summer and fall breaks

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he commits himself to mitigating some of the most difsessions,” she says. “We encourage physical activity; foster a love of the arts ficult aspects of his students’ lives. “I’ve had to find kids and culture; focus on health and nutrition; host life skills and leadership places to live after they’ve been kicked out, I’ve helped workshops to support growth and prominent leadership; and of course, find them funding, helped find them jobs. It’s all about aid students in all areas academic.” a personal response to their crisis.”

The life skills workshops include things like career preparation, cooking All in for Youth also works to alleviate some of the instruction, social skills development, driver’s education and participapressures children face at tion in community initiatives. In addition, home by making sure famcultural programming sessions are led by These kids consider us safe people ilies are connected with the prominent members of the community. to talk to, and they’re at an age where help they need. Service proChildren are then able to discuss topics viders at each school have ranging from growth and empowerment, these conversations need to happen. been scheduling sessions to race issues and marginalization, with– Fatmeh Kalouti with parents, guardians, or out fear of embarrassment or reprimand. relatives and linking them “These kids consider us safe people to with resources they may not have known were availtalk to, and they’re at an age when these conversations need to happen,” able. “We know these kids, but now we know everything explains Kalouti. that’s going on at home,” says Fatmeh Kalouti. “We At Delton Elementary School, mental health therapist Andrea Thrall is want to support families through those difficulties.” in classrooms every week, working alongside teachers to tackle the subject Kalouti works as an out-of-school time coordinator of mental health or meeting with students for individual counselling sesat Spruce Avenue Junior High School. Building on sions. “By the end of the year, I’ll have worked with each class at the school. her experience as a youth coordinator with Boys & That means that each and every student will have participated in a program Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & supporting mental wellness,” she says. When she’s not working with students, Area – yet another organization contributing to All in Thrall is connecting with teachers to provide professional development, and for Youth – Kalouti runs a variety of programs after acting as a resource for teachers so they might better understand some of the school, when at-risk students are most vulnerable. “We issues facing their students. cover five key programming areas during after-school All in for Youth’s team members are quickly learning to adapt and

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All in for Youth is a collaboration between the following organizations: • Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area • City of Edmonton Family and Community Support Services • E4C • Edmonton Catholic Schools • Edmonton Community Foundation • Edmonton Public Schools • The Family Centre • Mental Health Foundation • REACH Edmonton • United Way of the Alberta Capital Region

respond to the unexpected circumstances of many of the students they’re helping, and their efforts are paying off. For instance, Hofs remembers finding out that one of his teenage students was living with absolutely no furniture. Hofs and a team of ­teachers got creative and found some great used furniture and then ­organized a moving effort to deliver the pieces to the student and his family.

Thanks to Thrall’s therapy and mentoring programs, a student at Delton Elementary – who had been struggling with feelings of frustration and isolation – has since begun regularly engaging in a pleasant way with peers and staff.

And through Kalouti’s after-school efforts, one student previously showing signs of being severely antisocial has built critical social skills. “Now I see him in the halls talking with a big group of friends,” she laughs.

It’s success stories like these that are keeping United Way and its partners motivated to continue striving for greatness.

“It’s still early days,” says Garber-Conrad, “but we’re excited for the future.” Advocates like Petersen are hoping All in for Youth will expand its programming to ­other schools in Edmonton. “There’s definitely a need,” she says.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of collaborators, as well as contributions from major funders like EPCOR, the Mental Health Foundation, and the City of Edmonton, for many of Edmonton’s youth, the future is already looking brighter. *name has been changed to protect identity

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Empowering Our Youth

Program Partners

Funding Partners • EPCOR • Mental Health Foundation • Edmonton Community Foundation • City of Edmonton Family and Community Support Services • United Way of the Alberta Capital Region • The Stollery Charitable Foundation • Anonymous Donor

Education Counts Education is the foundation for a bright future.

When youth don’t complete high school, they are more likely to be unemployed or employed in low-paying positions, commit crimes, receive social assistance and have poor health. It’s estimated that for every student who drops out of high school, it costs $19,000 in EI payments, lost tax revenue, social assistance payments and health care per year.

All in for Youth helps vulnerable children succeed in life and become active, productive and financially self-sufficient members of society. In doing so, it improves the employability and quality of our future workforce and reduces costs to taxpayers. It also improves the social equity of indigenous and immigrant children and has the potential to end the cycle of poverty for many families.

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“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our own community – from students, teachers, community members, and outside groups that have donated quality items to the Street Store.”

– Shaun Smith, Junior High Campus Pastor, Strathcona Christian Academy

The Street Store: At Strathcona Christian Academy Secondary, students took on the challenge of launching a donation centre at the school and a store in downtown Edmonton. “We have launched the Street Store in downtown Edmonton, and it has been so well received that we are looking to expand the project to other sites,” says Junior High Campus Pastor Shaun Smith.

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Classrooms across the Capital Region are tackling poverty with creative projects funded through United Way’s Make Your Mark on Poverty initiative. We had a chance to visit some of the projects currently underway and talk to the dedicated teachers and students involved.

Empowering Our Youth

Taking Action

Stretching Our Food Power: At St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School, students are sharing healthy, budget-friendly snack recipes from their families to be collected into a recipe book. The majority of the students at the school participate in a breakfast and hot lunch program, so a recipe project seemed like a natural extension of that. “We just make sure all the kids are fed here at the school,” says principal Mark Sylvestre.

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Sock Heroes: At Abbott Elementary School, Grade 2 and 3 students took on a mental health project that involved creating sock puppets as a way to identify the qualities of a hero and increase their levels of hope. Support was provided from Lawton Junior High School students and a paid artist-in-residence. “The kids loved it,” says school mental health nurse Mardi Hardt (Bernard), who explains that positive mental health includes developing a sense of hope and optimism, and the

“We would never have been able to do this if United Way hadn’t supported us. “ – Mardi Hardt (Bernard), mental health nurse, Abbott Elementary School

concept of everyday heroes is often used to bring that out.

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Empowering Our Youth It’s a Colourful Life: Students at École Secondaire Sainte Marguerite d’Youville (ESSMY) in St. Albert used photos from community members highlighting a favourite place to read or a place that promotes literacy. Photos were then turned into colouring pages which have been made into a book with proceeds to support the Centre for Family Literacy and Star Literacy.

“The students are very much enjoying the project. It has provided students with the opportunity to stimulate their creativity and leadership skills,” says religion teacher Louise Shervey.

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“I have really enjoyed seeing everyone pull together to create the book. It has been an excellent example of how cooperation and communication can accomplish much.”

– Roisin Cahill, Grade 11 student

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Empowering Our Youth

Three medical students are reaching out to help junior high students develop leadership skills to tackle poverty

by Kim Tannas

Photography by Eugene Uhuad

W

hat does it mean to be a leader? How can we make a positive impact in the community?

How should we address social issues like poverty?

Those are just some of the questions that Grade 8 and 9 students at McKernan School tackled as part of a community learning project initiated by three University of Alberta medical students this past fall.

The U of A students are particularly interested in focusing on poverty in Edmonton and what local groups are doing to address it, so they are arranging for a variety of people from organizations to come to the classrooms to present to the students. Some of the organizations they’ve been in discussions with include United Way, EndPoverty Edmonton, the Boyle McCauley Health Centre, Edmonton’s Food Bank, the Mustard Seed, and RISE (Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton). “There are so many groups doing great stuff, so to bring that kind of expertise into the classroom, it’s been very exciting,” says Samantha Lam, one of the U of A students behind the pilot project.

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“We had a really positive experience personally in terms the project, agrees. “We had United Way come in and they did the poverty of community service learning – volunteering and being simulation,” she says. The simulation allows individuals to walk in the really involved with the community and being involved shoes of someone experiencing poverty. Students were placed in a scenario with social justice causes,” that required surviving on a limited income says Lam. “We realized for one month – obtaining food, shelter I think it will be great in teaching not everybody gets those and other basic needs while encountering kids a lot about what they can do experiences and it’s hard a range of obstacles and challenges. “The to have an authentic students loved it because they were really within their community to make it better experience, especially at a contemplating and thinking about what and to support people. young age. So we wanted to decisions they would have to make if they – Anastasia Deligianis bring that to a classroom.” were in that situation,” says Deligianis.

The program, called It’s that kind of interactive experience CommunityConnect, has been integrated into the Grade that Lam and her classmates, Qaasim Mian and Susie Youn, are after.

8 and 9 leadership classes at McKernan, and so far But they want to take it one step further, giving students a first-hand the response from students has been overwhelmingly experience of what it’s like to work on the front lines at some of these positive. “The students and the teachers have been quite social organizations. “The idea is to be able to leave the classroom and enthusiastic about it,” says Lam. go out into the community and visit some of these places where they’re Anastasia Deligianis, one of the leadership instructors actually doing the work,” says Lam. “The first-hand experience will at McKernan who is working with the U of A students on depend on the place and circumstances,” she adds, noting that at the

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Young Leaders The three co-founders of CommunityConnect bring impressive resumés to the project.

Samantha Lam is in her last year of medical school at the University of Alberta and strongly believes in enabling youth to become the drivers of positive change. She has been actively involved in student leadership and politics and community service throughout university. She was instrumental in leading the MusicBox Children’s Charity, a program to provide free musical opportunities to elementary students. She has also served as a director for the Campus Food Bank Board and president of the Medical Student Association.

Empowering Our Youth

Boyle McCauley Health Centre, students might have a more observational role but at a place like Edmonton’s Food Bank, students could participate in putting a hamper together.

There are many benefits to this kind of hands-on approach. “I think students benefit in that it builds a sense of community and it builds a sense of wanting to help within their community as opposed to just hearing about it,” says Deligianis, who notes that the program is still in its early stages. “Once it gets roots, I think it will be great in teaching kids a lot about what they can do within their community to make it better and to support people.”

At the end of the year, students will have the chance to do a wrap-up project in which they come up with their own poverty solutions and pitch their ideas to local Edmonton groups. “The idea is to have the kids come up with a project on their own or an idea so they can actually integrate what they’ve learned in the classroom – like the social justice or social advocacy piece – and combine it with the leadership skills that they’re learning,” says Lam. “So, for example, come up with a project and maybe present it to the Edmonton Youth Council as an idea of how they can make a difference in terms of tackling poverty in Edmonton.”

Lam and her classmates believe it’s never too early to teach students about social advocacy. “We don’t think there’s an age that’s too young for this, and especially youth, they’re just an open, accepting group and they learn so fast. They absorb so much information that’s presented to them and they can process it and I think that’s a very ideal time to learn.”

She believes earlier education about community service leadership would have benefited her greatly in terms of her own path. “Doing it earlier means you have more practice at it and being more comfortable about it,” she says. “A lot of us are really inexperienced in the concept of what being a leader is in the community and being able to have discussions in a very civil and very respectful manner.”

Rather than simply talking about leadership, she wants youth to be able to try their own hands at it and experiment with different ways of approaching topics and to be able to develop real leadership skills. And she has high hopes that CommunityConnect will be able to assist the students at McKernan in doing just that.

Already the trio has plans to expand the program in the future. “Once we work out the kinks with this program, once we have a set format and evaluation of the program, the hope is to actually expand it to other groups and down the road to do a couple more topics beyond poverty,” says Lam.

Susie Youn is in her fourth year of medical school at the U of A and has been involved in teaching, volunteering, and community engagement throughout university. In medical school, she developed an interest in vulnerable populations in Edmonton, including inner city populations as well as immigrants and refugees. Besides working at both a local and national level with other medical students to raise awareness of these issues, she also collaborated with community organizations in Edmonton to create an elective course for medical students about advocacy.

Qaasim Mian is a third year medical student at the U of A who also recently completed his MBA. He is passionate about youth engagement and education, having worked on a wide variety of programs from summer camps to coaching basketball and tutoring. Over the past few years, he has worked to raise funds for Little Warriors, a local charity focused on helping victims of sexual abuse.

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Look Who’s Talking Child Friendly Edmonton engaged children to find out what kind of city they want to grow up in

by Steve Macleod

A

colourful series of pictures from young artists across the city was on display last November at Edmonton’s City Hall. The occasion was National Child Day, celebrated annually on November 20, and the featured artists were Edmonton children. The pictures depicted vibrant scenes with parks, slides and community gathering spaces that portrayed the type of community these children want to grow up in.

“We wanted to engage in conversation with them and find out what they enjoy in the city, what they want to see more of and what’s important to them,” explains Ian Smith, Child Friendly Edmonton coordinator with the City of Edmonton.

The artwork was on display for 10 days at City Hall and is

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providing valuable input as part of a city initiative to make Edmonton a more child-friendly community.

Launched more than a decade ago, the city’s Child Friendly Edmonton initiative went through a refresh in 2016, refocusing its efforts with a new committee and new sense of dedication.

As part of the visioning effort, input was gathered right from the source – Edmonton’s children. During the fall, the Child Friendly Edmonton team toured elementary schools across the city and talked to about 700 children. “We captured their art, drawings, and paintings with blurbs of what a child-friendly city could be like and why they felt that way,” says Smith. “These are filled with important insight from children.”

Child Friendly Edmonton is part of an international effort to

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Empowering Our Youth

recognize children’s rights and give them a voice. The moveRoad, they brought in a variety of materials and enment has expanded to almost 1,000 cities around the world gaged children in a creative play experience. As a result, and is based on the International UNICEF Child Friendly at some of these events, families spent more time at the Cities Initiative, which touches on several aspects, including farmers’ markets than usual, enjoyed the entertainment allowing children to express their opinions, influence deciand visited more vendors. sions, grow up in a safe environment, be included in social The team is also considering incorporating public art events, have access to basic health and education services, and downtown that is more interactive and playable. “We’re places to play. looking at what we can do downtown – even in the city The international initiative was launched in 1996 to act on square – because we can swim in the summer and skate the resolution passed during the second United Nations Conin the winter, but is there something else we can do?” says ference on Human Settlements to make cities livable places Esslinger. Another idea that the team is exploring as a for everyone. It declared that the well-being of children is the result of the feedback from the workshops is the introducultimate indicator of a healthy habitat, a democratic society tion of natural playgrounds in the city, using trees, rocks, and good governance. shrubs and other natural materials in a less structured In addition to gathering feedback from children, the city environment than a typical playground. hosted a series of workshops in November. Leading experts “We know when cities are built for children, it’s good in the field shared best practices on how to create a child-­ for everyone. When you see kids engaged in public art or friendly city, with topics ranging from urban planning and a playground or something they’re really enjoying, other play space design to the importance people come along and enjoy of play in healthy development, watching and feel [like a part It’s about talking to kids about Two of the workshops were part of] that community, so if we what they care about.

It’s valuing of a series of events to celebrate create communities with kids National Child Day in Edmonton, in mind I think … it’ll bring and creating a city built from which is supported by United Way. everybody else out as well,” notes children’s ideas.

“The takeaway from [the Esslinger.

– Ian Smith, Child Friendly Edmonton workshops] is we heard the best Perhaps most importantly, coordinator practices from people on how to Child Friendly Edmonton will create a child-friendly city,” Smith continue to engage with children says. “We also heard from our stakeholders and we got direcand involve them in a meaningful way. From Smith and tion and input for our next steps, and in the next five years his colleagues’ recent experience, it’s clear that children are what we should focus on and move forward with.” By the end more than happy to share their ideas. of January, the Child Friendly Edmonton team was aiming to One particularly colourful picture on display at City come up with a concrete work plan to carry the initiative into Hall featured a sunny day with a waterslide, a park, a the future. purple cat and a coffee shop. The accompanying text deCouncillor Bev Esslinger, who is the council lead on the scribed the many amenities that could be included at the Child Friendly Edmonton initiative, says one of the areas of waterpark and activities that could be enjoyed. focus so far has been on the downtown area.“There has been “The common theme was the kids were open and really such a resurgence of growth and interest in downtown. How engaged in the concept of being asked for their input,” do we make it more child-friendly?” she asks. adds Smith. “It was like, ‘I’m having a dialogue with my The Child-Friendly Edmonton team has already been peers and my teacher and this adult, and my thoughts experimenting with ideas to get children more engaged and ideas matter.’ There was excitement from the children in the downtown core. Last summer, as part of its Playful about being asked what they wanted and the concept of Downtown pilot project, it held several pop-up playgrounds visioning. An experience like that creates opportunities for at Churchill Square and the 104th Street farmers’ market. future generations to be interested, engaged and building University of Alberta students brought cardboard boxes, pa- their cities. per tubes, paint and other materials and involved children in “It’s about talking to kids about what they care about,” the experience of building castles and ships throughout the says Smith. “It’s valuing and creating a city built from afternoon. Similarly at the outdoor market on Stony Plain children’s ideas.”

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Children and youth need support from the community to successfully complete their education and live a poverty-free future 1 in 5 Edmonton students do not complete high school within three years

Children and youth make up 29% of Edmonton’s homeless population

Homeless youth are approximately four times more likely to have experienced bullying than Canadian youth in general High School Completion Rates - 3 Year Rolling Average (Alberta)

1 in 3 Edmonton kids can’t afford the cost of organized sport

80 74.8

65% of youth who are homeless or at-risk dropped out of school because of lack of support, resources and stability

While the high school dropout rate in Canada now sits below 9%, for youth experiencing homelessness the rate is 53.2%. Of those who dropped out, 73.9% would like to return to school

In 2013, 41,640 of those living in poverty in the metro Edmonton region were children and youth under the age of 18

About 40% of the people served by Edmonton’s Food Bank in a typical month are children and youth under the age of 18

75.5

76.1

70

2011-2013 Avg

2012-2014 Avg

2013-2015 Avg

In a survey of students from 36 Canadian universities in 2015, the average student owed $26,819 Education and Income Median employment income of Albertans working full time at various levels of educational attainment No High School Diploma $41,609 High School Diploma Only $45,314 Post-Secondary Diploma $57,665 Bachelor’s Degree or Above $75,620

0

10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000

Sources: Homeward Trust (2014 Homeless Count), Edmonton Food Bank, Statistics Canada, Canadian University Survey Consortium, Edmonton Social Planning Council, The Homeless Hub

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Give. Grow.

31% Transform.

arts, culture & heritage education & learning health & wellness social & community services recreation & leisure environment social enterprise endowment charitable legacy investment grants scholarships impact community fund granting field of interest engaged unique inperpetuity timeless generations forever personal gift priorities causes arts, culture & heritage education & learning health & wellness social & community services recreation & leisure environment

Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) is a charitable organization that helps donors achieve their philanthropic dreams through the power of endowment funds.

More than $170 Million has been granted to the community since 1989.

ECF is proud to partner with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region.

Give. Grow. Transform.

Call 780-426-0015 or visit our website www.ecfoundation.org

SPONSOR PROFILE

Lighting Up the Future EPCOR’s investment in youth education aims to make a lasting impact

O

n December 22, 1881, the first street

lights came on in the city of Edmonton, illuminating Jasper Avenue between 96 Street and 103 Street thanks to a power company started up by a few local entrepreneurs. Today, more than 125 years later, that company – EPCOR – has grown substantially, providing not only power but water and wastewater services as well. It’s also expanded into three provinces and three U.S. states, providing services to about 1.9 million customers. But one thing remains the same: it continues to shine a light in our community.

EPCOR’s 125th anniversary milestone provided it with a significant opportunity. “The official birthday was October 23, 2016, but we thought it was important to dedicate the full year to celebrating, to make sure we were recognizing our employees and also thanking customers and the community for their support,” says John Elford, senior vice-president at EPCOR. The company also chose to mark its anniversary with a generous $125,000 donation to United Way’s All in for Youth initiative, launched this fall. The program helps students get the support they need to be successful in school, which aligns closely with EPCOR’s corporate giving philosophy. “Our focus in the community is on supporting socially vulnerable children and youth in moving out of the cycle of poverty by focusing on education,” says Elford. “We want to make a lasting impact over time and that really came down to making sure those most at risk have the tools and supports they need to stay in school and to be successful. ” EPCOR has been working closely with United Way for a number of years and was excited to see this wraparound and

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collaborative community initiative come forward. “United Way really is a leader in collaboration and we were excited by this opportunity which brings great organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and E4C together to work towards a common goal. It made sense to want to be part of that and to do what we can to help it get off the ground,” says Elford.

Having a partner like EPCOR on board will have a positive effect on overall investment in the program. “We consider EPCOR one of our closest partners,” says Sheldon Smart, director of corporate partnerships at United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. “EPCOR brings an immense amount of value because they hold a very prominent position in the community, so I think when they lend their support to anything, it draws a lot of attention to the program and it lends a lot of credibility to the work that United Way is doing.”

The support for this latest initiative builds on a longstanding relationship with United Way. EPCOR also has an annual workplace campaign that has been going strong since 1993, raising just under $6 million in total over the years. This year’s campaign raised more than half a million dollars for United Way, exceeding its goals.

“We’re in almost constant contact with them year-round discussing different programs and opportunities and ways that we can partner together to effect change in the community,” says Smart.

It’s all part of a common goal to make the community a better place. “Many of our employees live and work here and we’re a part of the community and we want to see every Edmontonian have the chance to thrive,” says Elford. And while the 125-year milestone gave the company a chance to reflect on its past, it also provided an opportunity to look ahead to the future – one it hopes will be poverty free.

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L EADING EDGE

One-Stop Shop Integrated Youth Hubs bring multiple resources under one roof to help youth experiencing homelessness find stability

by Steve Macleod

Erinne, 19, had spent three years as a homeless teenager in Edmonton and finding a place to live was becoming increasingly difficult.

Now as an expectant mother, her need to find a home was even more urgent.

However, not only was she having trouble finding an apartment that would accept her dog, but she was also realizing that many apartments do not allow children. She tried accessing a Support Services: iHuman Youth Society operates a hub on variety of government services and the north side, helping youth access a variety of services. found it challenging since they often had long lineups and were located in different offices. they feel,” says Jessica Day, program something to fill their time. They want Finally Erinne started to make manager with YESS. “They need help purpose and to get through tasks that some progress when she began and want to be heard.” The recent shift will help them,” says Day. “They were accessing services offered by Youth changed the organization’s emphasis saying that they felt stagnant and Empowerment and Support Services from simply engaging youth in activities weren’t accomplishing anything.”

(YESS). The to working with Through a partnership with the not-for-profit them to provide South Side Primary Care Network, organization has stability in their YESS also began providing basic Through the hub and been providing lives. medical care at ARC. Doctors, nurses access to support, we’re support services As part of this, and mental health workers started providing youth with services YESS extended to youth experimaking visits to ARC for the youth that give them purpose. encing homelessthe hours at Arthat were not comfortable going to ness since 1981 moury Resource professional medical centres. Following The kids love it. and operates Centre (ARC), this initial success of bringing in outside – Jessica Day, Edmonton’s where youth ­resources to ARC, YESS is now part program manager, YESS only overnight can access of a larger network of community emergency services and organizations involved in establishing shelter for youth. resources. Workers help youth identify Integrated Youth Hubs in Edmonton.

Erinne’s progress was largely thanks barriers that are preventing them “Through the hubs and access to to a shift that occurred at YESS a from accessing income and housing support, we’re providing them with few years ago. That shift happened support, and find solutions to break services that give them purpose,” says in response to feedback from youth. down those barriers.

Day. “The kids love it.”

“People often forget to ask youth how “The kids wanted more than Erinne agrees, noting that having

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L EADING EDGE better access to support services and workers at the hub was amazing. When she was in the hospital, one of the workers went and viewed an apartment for her, and then sent Erinne pictures. It also became very easy to keep open communication. Erinne could go to one place to find everyone she needed to contact and if they needed to contact her, they could find her at the I­ntegrated Youth Hub.

two distinct groups of youth experiencing homelessness in Edmonton – north and south of the river – it was important to launch the pilot project with a hub in each area.

In spring 2016, the program launched with an Integrated Youth Hub at YESS’s ARC facility in the south with iHuman Youth Society providing the north location. Homeward Trust’s Youth Housing First Teams, Alberta Health Services – Addiction and Mental The idea for Integrated Health, and Child and Family Services Youth Hubs was initiated by Homeward have scheduled hours at each location.

Trust and the Youth Systems CommitDiscussions are ongoing with tee, a 30-member committee repreAlberta Justice, Alberta Works and senting systems, service providers and different education boards to link to youth agencies all the Integrated working on the Youth Hubs.

We take the ideas of the issue of youth “Part of it is youth to build programs homelessness. getting youth This pilot project connected and deliver programs with aims to locate with housing guidance from the youth. multiple comand services.

– Catherine Broomfield, executive munity services Engaging director of iHuman and government government agencies under services and one roof, and is a key priority in the health system are to be a major Homeward Trust’s Community Stratpart of the service,” Puligandla says. egy to End Youth Homelessness in “They would focus on services and we Edmonton. The strategy was developed would focus on housing.” after extensive research and talking to Similar to YESS, iHuman creates multiple agencies. programs based on conversations with “They highlighted a need to address the youth that access its services. “The youth experiencing homelessness in an youth come up with solutions to gaps organized way,” says Giri Puligandla, they’ve identified,” says Catherine director of planning and research Broomfield, executive director of iHuwith Homeward Trust. “One of the key man. “We take the ideas of the youth to issues that we heard from stakeholdbuild programs and deliver programs ers was that youth have difficulties with guidance from the youth.” accessing services. Many don’t feel iHuman launched in 1997, offering comfortable going into government arts-based programs for youth in service centres, and we felt we could high-risk situations. The not-for-profit do a better job helping them if they can organization recently moved into a access those services at places where new facility and with the extra space they already go and trust.” decided an Integrated Youth Hub The research also identified the need would further add to the services they for two Integrated Youth Hubs. With provide.

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“Essentially, we already had a hub operation through the services we were providing,” says Broomfield. “What we didn’t have was a housing component. It was important for us as an organization to engage directly with the housing needs of the youth we are serving.”

Bringing multiple resources and services under one roof helps youth identify the services available to them and provides quick access. The Integrated Youth Hubs can provide a “one-stop shop” and a comfortable place for youth to get the help they need.

“They can build confidence, capacity and skill; then we can bridge them to programs out in the community,” says Broomfield. “It’s a win for the system if youth can access the services that are there for them.”

While the Integrated Youth Hub pilot project is still in its early stages, Puligandla says the stage has been set to build on it and continue improving how youth access services. There are still gaps, however, that service integration alone cannot fill. For example, many of the youth can be too old for children’s services and not old enough to access adult services.

Nonetheless, the dialogue and co-location are important steps in the right direction.

“We’re so early, but one of the successes is being able to bridge between government services and community services in a way we haven’t seen before,” he says. “Having government workers support access in hubs is a huge step. The dream is to not have scheduled workers but full-time workers, and that’s a work in progress.”

For Erinne, her dream of finding a place to live and call home came true.

Since accessing services offered through the Integrated Youth Hub at YESS, she has also registered with Alberta Works, bought a car, carried her baby to full term (her baby was expected to be premature) and reconnected with her parents.

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BUSINESS WAY

Cold Comfort University of Alberta students take a chilly plunge for a good cause

by Dawn smith

The University of Alberta has been supporting United Way of the Alberta Capital Region for more than 30 years, cumulatively contributing more than $11 million. In that time, supporters have dreamed up some unique ways to raise money, including the Turkey Trot, Loopy Lunch, the Plasma Car Derby and the Green and Gold Day Barbecue.

But Alberta JDC West’s Chillin’ for Charity event – which involves students, faculty members and other United Way supporters sporting costumes and plunging into a frigid outdoor pool – is arguably the most unique. It has raised more than $100,000 for United Way. As the VP Internal for Alberta JDC West, Kyle Duperron, a fourth year U of A business student, took the lead on organizing this year’s Chillin’ for Charity, which took place on November 16 and raised more than $12,000.

Duperron was pleased to help raise money and awareness for the organization. “United Way is obviously a great cause,” he says. “All the money we raise stays in the Edmonton area.

That meant a lot to me, having lived in the community for 15 years now.”

As always, the event was a big hit, drawing crowds from all over campus to watch the approximately 150 jumpers. “It’s nice and cold and wakes

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everyone up,” he says with a laugh.

Duperron said this year, for the first time, the jumpers raised funds via an online portal that was shareable on social media, streamlining the process of collecting donations. The peer-topeer giving campaign page was a pilot between United Way and organizers and was successful in that it raised pledges and donations significantly.

Dean Joseph Doucet of the University of Alberta’s School of Business was a jumper in this year’s event, and raised more than $1,400, thanks to donations from friends and colleagues.

He says the event provides a student bonding experience while raising money for a good cause.

Doucet’s reasons for supporting the event are twofold: not only does he believe in United Way’s vision, but he is also keen on showing students the importance of community involvement. “I want to walk the walk,” he says. “It’s important in my mind that I participate in these kinds of activities.”

One thing Doucet appreciates about United Way is that the organization operates across North America, making it an ideal partner.

“The university is very international, so when someone moves from Denver or Vancouver to Edmonton, they are familiar with United Way,” said Doucet, adding he also appreciates

the organization’s broad mandate.

Weronika Michalska, United Way’s campaign manager for corporate partnerships, says the collaboration between the not-for-profit and the university is important as access to education sets people up for greater success in their lives. She added that the organizations share many values, such as the importance of education, wellness and financial support for those in need.

Michalska says, as future leaders, it’s important for students to feel connected, develop a spirit of philanthropy and gain an understanding of the complexities of poverty. “Students are motivated to have a positive impact in their community.”

Resources for Students Between the high cost of living and rising tuition, some students simply don’t have enough money for food. The Campus Food Bank distributes food items and toiletries to all members of the University of Alberta community: students, staff, alumni and their children. Last year, the Food Bank was able to provide enough food to feed over 2,500 individuals. For more information, visit campusfoodbank.com.

Students can also contact the Office of the Registrar for information about financial support at the University of Alberta.

Visit www.registrarsoffice.ualberta.ca.

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MILESTONES

On the Move United Way makes space for EndPoverty Edmonton as they set a path to eliminate poverty in a generation

by Dawn Smith

Since 2014, EndPoverty Edmonton has been making key moves in its bold mission to eliminate poverty in our community in a generation. Now, the organization is gearing up for a physical move as well, as it prepares to take up residence at United Way’s office on Stony Plain Road.

According to the City of Edmonton’s Kate Gunn, director of community initiatives and coordination leading the EndPoverty Edmonton transition, the move is significant for the new organization, which started out as a task force. “The opportunities that this will offer the organization in its inaugural year, with United Way staff and partners at the offices, will be sure to spark connections and creative partnership opportunities,” she says.

EndPoverty Edmonton – which will facilitate, co-ordinate, support and mobilize the efforts of individuals and organizations working toward its goal of eliminating poverty – is set to hire staff and move into the new location from its current home at the City of Edmonton in early 2017. The team will include an executive director and additional staff members, who will share office and meeting space and communications networks with staff from United Way. The inaugural co-chairs of EndPoverty Edmonton are Bishop Jane Alex-

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ander, who co-chaired the founding Task Force with Mayor Don Iveson, and Dr. Jeff Bisanz. The organization continues to align its work with the federal and provincial governments in their effort to end poverty.

The physical move is the next step in EndPoverty Edmonton’s five-year goal of lifting 10,000 people out of poverty in the city. According to Gunn, accomplishing this goal would be a strong first step towards the organization’s ultimate vision of eliminating poverty for the estimated 100,000 Edmontonians who face it every day, one-third of whom are children.

“The value of a community-led organization with the deep history and exemplary, innovative track record of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is a gift that can’t be underestimated in the launch of the new kid on the block, EndPoverty Edmonton, with its mandate to end poverty in a generation,” says Gunn.

Anne Smith, CEO of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, says many at the organization are looking forward to EndPoverty Edmonton working at the new location.

“It is a really unprecedented time in our community in terms of the alignment around poverty elimination,” she says. “That creates immense opportunity for the city to

come together and really address one of the most pervasive social issues we face.”

Smith is excited about the collective impact model EndPoverty Edmonton will be using. That model will see several community groups created, including the Stewardship Round Table, which has already been formed and will strategically guide the Road Map, a five-year plan with 35 actions focused on ending poverty.

Smith is a member of the Stewardship Round Table and says this group will hire EndPoverty Edmonton’s first staff member, who will then create a “small, but nimble” group, which will support the entire community-based structure.

The other groups will include the Indigenous Circle, which will be made up of representatives from the region’s indigenous population; a Stakeholder’s Forum, which will give a voice to those living in poverty; and the Count Me In Network, which will engage Edmontonians in EndPoverty Edmonton’s efforts.

Smith says using United Way’s offices makes sense. “It is a really cost-effective way to support the team and put an infrastructure behind them.”

For more information, visit www. endpovertyedmonton.ca or follow on Twitter @endpovertyyeg

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CAN YOU MAKE THE MONTH? Make the Month is an interactive digital poverty simulation that enables people in the Alberta Capital Region to experience living at or below the poverty line and face decisions that will either make or break the month.

This interactive experience shows the realities of surviving day-to-day, paycheque-to-paycheque and the impact that has on your overall well-being.

“The concern over low-income individuals and families is understandable.

These are hardworking people struggling to meet their basic needs – from paying rent to putting food on the table. Make the Month is a tool that gives us insight into the barriers to success for these low-income Canadians.”

– Todd Hirsch, Chief Economist of ATB Financial

Visit makethemonth.ca to experience what it’s like to live in poverty in our city.

Giving Kids the ChanCe to SuCCeed

From grade sChool to graduation & beyond...

We believe in providing education essentials to young minds today to inspire an employment path towards a poverty-free tomorrow.

That’s why we’re excited to partner with United Way’s All In for Youth program. Together with support from local business, charities and other invested partners, our community’s littlest learners will have the tools to be successful not only in school, but in life. epcor.com/community