Media Release

June 22, 2022

Brockville, ON – United Way Leeds & Grenville releases Our Strategic Journey – Step One Report to the public.

The Step One Report was released last week during United Way Leeds & Grenville’s Annual General Meeting. It outlines United Way’s progress on its strategic journey to address key systemic issues in the Leeds & Grenville community. The report highlights the approach they will take to narrow the focus around key issues and priorities in the community where the United Way can have a significant impact.

To this end, United Way Leeds & Grenville will explore the possibilities of a collective impact strategy which will focus on a collaboration between organizations, community and institutions. This approach will be deeper and more strategic than simply partnering on a project. It will mean coming together and collaborating in new ways.

“If we want to improve the resilience of our communities, we need to better understand the root causes of critical social issues in Leeds & Grenville, and how we can close the gap,” said Ian McFall, President of the Board of Directors, United Way Leeds & Grenville. “The community, including United Way’s network of agencies and partners, is an important bridge to understanding the critical issues and delivering the right solutions. This report is an important first step to letting the public know where we are heading and how we will invest important donor dollars.”

Communities across Canada are facing many complex social issues that affect every facet of daily life. Those who are struggling with issues have been further marginalized by the pandemic. The Leeds & Grenville community is not immune to these issues; in fact, we are just beginning to see the fall-out. United Way is on a journey to actively identify the key issues by listening to our communities through direct conversations and through the expertise of the social service agencies that provide services.

“We are very pleased to present our initial step to evolve as a critical advocate and investor in key social issues that affect our community,” says Trish Buote, Executive Director, United Ways Leeds & Grenville. “Although this may take some time, I am excited to ask the community for input, develop a plan and begin providing solutions that address the issues here. For our own sustainability, we must be able to demonstrate impact and progress and we must invest our donor dollars on the right things”