There is a phrase that is said often around the United Way of Chatham-Kent office — “Nothing About Us, Without Us.” The phrase has become a mantra for the UWOCK team which reminds them that leadership does not come from dictating, but rather by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with frontline social service providers and listening to… Read more »
The Coldest Night of the Year event is returning to Chatham-Kent for a fifth year, though it’s no surprise that 2021 will be much different. Taking place virtually, participants can now walk any time this month, rather than on one day as in previous years. According to their website, “The Coldest Night of the Year… Read more »
Please note! Applications are now closed for this program. We will announce any reopening of program applications. Thank you! We’ve all been in a situation where we need to get somewhere but don’t have a ride. This is the reality for many people living in Chatham-Kent – relying on public transit, rides from friends… Read more »
Nearly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, non-profit groups and charities continue to face challenges every day. On our latest podcast (linked below), we spoke with Loree Bailey who is the General Manager of Chatham Hope Haven and Lynn McGeachy Schultz who is the Board Chair at St. Andrew’s Residence. As winter settles in and… Read more »
In June 2020, Ontario’s Chief Coroner announced a 25% increase in suspected drug-related deaths between March to May 2020 compared to 2019*. This statistic may sound alarming, but local frontline social service providers saw this as a possible problem in Chatham-Kent and alerted the Mental Health and Problematic Substance Use Social Planning & Action Table… Read more »
Twice a week, dozens of volunteers reach out to people experiencing homelessness in Chatham-Kent. They bring them meals, supplies, and make connections to help ensure they are receiving and accessing the services they need. R.O.C.K. Missions was established in August 2019 and has quickly grown into an organization that does outreach every Tuesday and Saturday…. Read more »
Something as simple as a ready-made meal can mean so much to someone living in isolation. The Active Lifestyle Centre in Chatham is starting their Take-Out Thursday program where seniors and the general public can visit the Centre and purchase ready-made meals. Executive Director Linda Lucas says the take-out program is one of the few… Read more »
“Have a good day and make it good for someone else” is what Sharon Smith heard everyday from her mom, Hilda Wiersma, when heading out to school. Spreading kindness — a lot of local teachers are doing exactly this and Sharon (a staff member at Chatham Christian School) is hoping to connect these teachers from… Read more »
Applications Open for COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund Charities, Non-Profits, and Community Groups Invited to Apply for Emergency Support Funding Together with government, local businesses, foundations, trusts, and philanthropists, the United Way of Chatham-Kent is accepting applications from registered charities, non-profits, and community groups that directly assist with human and social services needs as part of… Read more »
After responding to the sudden and significant changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the United Way of Chatham-Kent is reinventing itself by turning outward, by courageously building deep relationships that empower all those willing to join us on behalf of those who need us most. As a result of facilitating weekly… Read more »