2025-2026 United Way WRC_Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 34
Children & Youth
Empowering children and youth to break the
cycle of poverty requires strong frontline
services and coordinated community action.
Across Waterloo Region, organizations, schools, and
partners support young people in developing the social,
emotional, and practical skills they need to thrive.
Community-wide planning and collaboration ensure these
supports are accessible, connected, responsive, and datainformed—creating opportunities for healthy development
and laying the foundation for long-term success.
The Focus
Social
development
Emotional
development
Mentorship
Counselling
and mental
health support
Child and youth
homelessness
School and
weekend food
programs
Education
programs
Systems
navigation and
advocacy
Youth
empowerment
Leadership
and volunteer
opportunities
Tutoring and
academic
support
13,467
individuals accessed
supports related to
children and youth.
$394,000
was invested in
children and youth
supports.
The Issues
34.2%
of children and youth lived in
housing that did not meet
national standards.
1 in 3 food recipients served by
the Cambridge Food Bank is a child,
reflecting broader regional and
national trends. (Cambridge Food Bank)
(Children and Youth in Waterloo Region: A Demographic
Profile (2025) Children & Youth Planning Table)
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