Close to 200 frontline programs, services and initiatives receive support from United Way/Centraide, thanks to the donations and volunteer work of more than 100 community leaders who sit on our six impact councils and 12 community-wide and special initiatives , along with countless volunteers who tirelessly find the resources to make our community better.

In 2007, we invested a total of $23.9 million in programs, services and supports that contribute to making Ottawa a better place to live. Of this total, $14.9 million was invested in support of 12 community-wide and special initiatives, including an aboriginal initiative, as well as programs and services directed to our six impact areas [link]: children and youth, seniors, individuals and families in need and crisis, people with disabilities, immigrants and new Canadians, and agency, neighbourhood and community capacity.

In our six impact areas, we made the following investments:

• Children and Youth: $4.46 million in 60 programs, services and initiatives that encourage increased engagement in school and learning, support parents, and help children and youth at risk

Read the story of a how Brianne's life changed as a result of our investment.

• Immigrants and New Canadians: $1.2 million in 11 programs, services and initiatives that support employment and leadership development for immigrants, increase civic engagement, increase awareness about immigrant issues, and reduce cultural/racial tensions among youth

Read the stories of how Susy's and Fartuun's lives changed as a result of our investment.

• Seniors: $1.4 million in 25 programs, services and initiatives that support the underserved senior populations (rural, francophone, multicultural), develop affordable housing options, enhance seniors’ community support services and build public awareness of seniors’ issues

Read the story of how Jim's life changed as a result of our investment.

• People with Disabilities: $2.2 million in 28 programs, services and initiatives that support employment opportunities and skills development, increase accessibility planning, and build capacity to respond to the needs and issues of people with disabilities

Read the stories of how Rick's, Caroline's and Daniel's lives changed as a result of our investment.

• Individuals and Families in Need and Crisis: $4.11 million in 39 programs, services and initiatives that support people in crisis and their caregivers, support vulnerable and isolated individuals or those in crisis, prevent violence and support the transition to permanent housing for individuals or families in need

Read the stories of how Jesse's, Victoria's, Jimmy's and Tracy's lives changed as a result of our investment.

• Agency, Neighbourhood and Community Capacity: $1.53 million in 23 programs, services and initiatives that strengthen agency capacity, support volunteer management and promotion, support neighbourhood initiatives and develop community capacity

Download the Measuring Impact in Ottawa report to read about positive change as a result of our investments.

We also invested $1.3 million in other allocations, designations and programs not linked to our specific impact areas.