United Way Funding Supports 19 Regional Organizations

The United Way of Saint John, Kings, Charlotte counties will distribute more than $1.08-million to 19 organizations.

It comes from the 2021 fundraising campaign which wraps up at the end of February.

Executive Director Alexya Heelis said the smallest grant is $12,000 and the largest is $100,000, with the average grant size this year being $56,000.

“[It] comes from probably over 5,000 different donors. Individuals, corporations and foundations,” Heelis said.

Heelis said they are continually impressed by the work the organizations are doing in the midst of changing restrictions due to the pandemic.

The Saint John Community Loan Fund’s Enterprising Women program is one of the many being supported.

“What we fund through the loan fund is programs that help women build those entrepreneurial skills and often those skills they learn through that program help them develop a business,” Heelis said.

Miriam Westin completed the program and started a business called Life Dirt selling fresh juice and produce.

“With the help of the business plan I completed in the program, I was accepted to the Self-Employment Benefit program through NB CBDC. I incorporated my business in March of 2021 and since then have been selling boxes of fresh produce and fresh raw juices,” said Westin.

“I also received a loan that helped to kickstart my business and provided me with some security. I am so grateful for the Saint John Community Loan Fund for both pushing me to move forward with my idea and providing me with the support to take it further.

A grant from the United Way will help Second Stage Safe Haven provide housing and support to women and their children who have fled domestic violence.

Blacks Harbour School is able to offer summer and after school programs to improve literacy and numeracy.

Dial-A-Ride Fundy Regional Transportation is a new funded partner. Through a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Saint John, it provides essential transportation to people from Grand Bay-Westfield to Sussex.

United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte 2022 Funded Partners

1. Ability NB: Helping youth with a mobility disability transition to post-secondary education and employment.
2. Bee Me Kidz: Improving the social and emotional skills of families in priority neighbourhoods.
3. BGC Greater Saint John: Helping kids build resilience and a sense of belonging.
4. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John: Helping kids through mentorship and positive role models.
5. Blacks Harbour School: Helping kids improve literacy and numeracy through summer and after-school programs.
6. Charlotte County Dial-A-Ride: Providing essential transportation to individuals in Charlotte County.
7. *NEW* Dial A Ride Fundy Regional Transportation (in partnership with BGC Greater Saint John): Providing essential transportation to individuals from Grand Bay-Westfield to Sussex.
8. Family Plus Life Solutions: Subsidizing counselling for low-income individuals and families.
9. First Steps: Providing housing and support to pregnant and parenting young moms.
10. Milltown Elementary School: Helping kids improve literacy and numeracy through a summer program, tutoring and family support.
11. *NEW* Multicultural Association of Sussex (in partnership with the Sussex Regional Library): Providing language training for newcomers to help them access services and gain employment.
12. Outflow: Providing shelter and support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
13. Saint John Community Loan Fund: Building entrepreneurial mindset and skills for low-income individuals.
14. Saint John Learning Exchange: Fighting poverty through education and training.
15. Saint John Women’s Empowerment Network: Improving the lives of low-income women.
16. Second Stage Safe Haven: Providing housing and support to women and their children who have fled domestic violence
17. Sistema: Empowering kids through a daily after-school orchestral program.
18. Sophia Recovery Centre: Helping women maintain their recovery from addictions.
19. Teen Resource Centre: Helping youth succeed and move onto post-secondary education and employment.