2025-2026 United Way WRC_Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 28
Community
& Social Supports
Everyone deserves to feel welcomed, valued, connected,
and able to participate fully in their community.
Across Waterloo Region, community organizations provide
the services, activities, and connections that help people
navigate challenges, build relationships, and access
meaningful support. Together, these supports create stronger
communities where more people can participate, find a sense
of belonging, and thrive.
The Focus
Systems navigation
Culturally informed services
and supports
Settlement services
Formal and informal wraparound services
Cultural festivals and
community gatherings
Restorative justice
Community centres
Land-based healing and education
Social enterprise projects
Peer support
Spaces for people to connect
The Issues
In the 2023 Youth Impact
Survey, 71% of youth
reported a strong sense
of belonging,
up from 64% in 2021
(Children & Youth Planning Table, 2023)
57,569
people accessed communitybased programs and services.
$430,000
was invested in Community
and social supports.
21%
27%
In 2023, 21% of young
people in Waterloo
Region reported feeling
isolated from others in
their community.
27% of immigrants
reported not having
a positive settlement
experience in
Waterloo Region
(Argus Residence, 2025–2026 reporting)
(Immigrant Survey, Waterloo Region
Immigration Partnership, 2023)
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