United Way KW’s Commitment to Accessibility

In honour of this week, May 29th to June 4th, being National Access Awareness Week, I thought it fitting to highlight the effort United Way KW is making in this regard.
 
What exactly does accessibility mean and why does it matter? As the Access Waterloo Region web site explains, “People with disabilities regularly face barriers that prevent them from working, traveling in and enjoying their communities. Seniors also experience barriers to activities as part of the natural aging process. Ontario's accessibility standards will break down these barriers so that people of all ages and abilities can more easily live, work and travel throughout the province.”

National Access Awareness Week brings attention to the ongoing need for improved accessibility for people with disabilities. It’s also a time to acknowledge and thank those organizations that are making an effort and doing their part.

At United Way KW, we’re committed to making our region a great place to live for everyone. We want our community to be accessible and inclusive for all.

When it comes to communications, our goal is to connect with persons with disabilities in a manner that takes into account special needs and unique circumstances, including the use of assistive devices. We are working toward ensuring that our communications policies, practices and procedures are consistent with the core principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity.

This is an ongoing process, and we welcome your comments and suggestions. Please direct any feedback and inquiries to myself at 519-886-6100 ext. 254 or csnyder@uwaykw.org.
 
Cathy Snyder
Chief Financial Officer

West Avenue Residents Inspire My "Care it Forward" Journey

One of the main reasons I was so excited to embark on my “Care it Forward” journey was so I could inspire other people in KW to give their time by showing them just how easy it is to make a difference.

Well, last week I was the one getting inspired! A story appeared in the Waterloo Region Record entitled “Residents work to take back neighbourhood, honour slain friend”. (http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/527160--residents-work-to-take-back-neighbourhood-honour-slain-friend)

The article references the terrible tragedy that took place last New Year’s Eve when John Ferreira was senselessly killed on the Iron Horse trail and the residents of West Avenue in Kitchener lost a dear friend and neighbour.

From that terrible event, something wonderful has transpired. The residents of John Ferreira’s neighbourhood are now pulling together to reclaim and restore their once safe and prosperous community. Their goal is to change public perceptions about living in downtown Kitchener, while deterring and reducing crime in their own backyard.

Now that’s inspiring! This story demonstrates that by coming together for the common good, we can bring about positive change in our community. All we need to do is get started!

Thank you, residents of West Avenue in Kitchener, for role modeling change in your neighbourhood and showing others how to “Care It Forward”. You are all Community Heroes, and I applaud your efforts.


Meg

PS. Do you have a similar story to tell? If so, be sure to let me know at mlagrotta@uwaykw.org or 519-888-6100 x232. I want to make sure all of our unsung Community Heroes get the congratulations and recognition they deserve.

A Tribute to Mothers Everywhere

On Sunday May 8th, we pay tribute to mothers the world over - biological mothers, adoptive mothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, and anyone else, regardless of gender, who fills the role of mother in someone's life. Our Director of Community Development, Nancy Bird, offers the following thoughts about her own mother, and the valuable life lessons her mother taught her while growing up.

I don’t know what I would do without my mom. She is probably the strongest woman I know. She didn’t go to college until my sister and I were old enough to take care of ourselves at least a little, but she is smart (she doesn’t think so, but I know she is).

My mom came from a very modest family with its own kind of dysfunctions. She was teased as a kid because she was tall and big-boned – after all, we come from good farm stock. But you know what? She is the kindest, most generous person you could meet. She and my dad both remind me on a daily basis that who we are is not defined by what school we went to, what job we have, where we live or who we know. Who we are is truly about what we believe in and how we live our life.

I was blessed in that my parents gave me everything I could possibly have needed in this world. I didn’t have a computer or a cell phone and I remember the day we got a colour tv, so clearly it wasn’t the physical stuff.

What my mom gave and continues to give me is permission to be myself – the good and the bad; she has given me the understanding I needed when I made mistakes that I’m sure she knew I would make; she has demonstrated that even though we think we are imperfect, someone thinks differently; she have given me the experience of unconditional love.
This Mother’s Day I want to thank my mom for helping me become me. I couldn’t have done it without her. The greatest gift I can give her is to do the same for my children. So, mom, no matter how old I get and how independent I seem, I love you and need you every day. Thank you for teaching me the most important things in life – without even knowing you were doing it.

Nancy Bird
Director, Community Development

We've Moved - Same Building, Different Floor

We've just relocated from our offices on the 11th floor of the Marsland Building to a great new spot on the 8th floor. Please note our new contact information:


United Way of KW and Area
20 Erb Street West
Suite 801
Waterloo Ontario  N2L 1T2

Volunteers have Huge Impact on our Community – and Me!

I attended the Volunteer Impact Awards Gala last night! Now I’m even more excited to start my “Care it Forward” journey. It’s truly amazing to see what the gift of time can do in our community.

United Way KW was the proud sponsor of the Business Community Partner Award. Here’s a photo of our very own Nancy Bird, Director of Community Development, on the far right, presenting the award to Home Hardware.

Congrats to all the nominees and winners at last night’s gala. You’ve truly inspired me with all of the amazing things that you do. I hope I can join some of you on my “Care it Forward” adventures. Visit http://www.volunteerkw.ca/ to see all of the deserving award nominees.

It's here! Time to “Care it Forward”...

In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, I’d like to announce something very exciting we’re starting here at United Way! Something we like to call “CARE IT FORWARD”. You’ll hear those three words a lot over the next little while. In fact, you’ll hear from me a lot over the next little while, and as those who know me well are fully aware, I love to talk.

Remember Day of Caring? Well, “Care it Forward” is our way of turning every day into a Day of Caring. There’s an old proverb that goes: "If you have much, give your wealth; if you have little, give your heart." Well, I have a big heart and if I could, I would change the world. Realistically, I know I can’t do that, but I can make a difference right here in my own community.

The goal of “Care it Forward” is to get you thinking about volunteerism and how you, too, can make a difference by lending a helping hand. Which reminds me, we’ve added two new awards to our Community Spirit Awards roster with the introduction of both individual and corporate “Care it Forward” awards. What do you think? Are you up to the challenge?

I invite you to follow me as I venture out over the next few months, volunteering my time and meeting some of the many individuals and organizations in our area that exemplify the true spirit of a community hero.

Come on, be part of the “Care it Forward” movement. Do a good deed and share your story with me. Who knows, I might mention you in my blog. I may even volunteer to help you out!

You can reach me on Twitter , Facebook, or via email at mlagrotta@uwaykw.org.

I look forward to meeting lots of fascinating people and learning more about what our community has to offer. First stop, the Volunteer Impact Awards Gala on April 12th. I can’t wait to be inspired by those who invest their time giving back to our community. Talk about your wise investors!

Until next time, keep caring it forward,

Meg

Opinions Wanted for our Online Communications Survey

Feeling a little opinionated? Great, you're just the person we're looking for! In April 2010, we surveyed many of our stakeholders about their online communications experiences with United Way of KW and Area. Largely as a result of that feedback, we launched a new web site and several social media initiatives in summer 2010, including the blog you're reading right now. Special thanks to all who participated and provided suggestions for improvement. We’re listening! It’s now time to find out how our new web site and online initiatives are doing. We value your feedback in this regard. Whether or not you contributed to our original survey, we welcome and encourage your participation in the brief online questionnaire found at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7YLRNRL. We welcome your input at any time, but to ensure your ideas receive consideration as soon as possible, we encourage you to please respond by Friday April 15, 2011.