United Way Sets $1.7M Campaign Goal For 2022

The United Way in Saint John, Kings and Charlotte has set a 2022 campaign goal to raise $1.7 million.

Jessica Achilles is a single mother who received support from two United Way member agencies – First Steps Housing Project Inc. and the Crescent Valley Resource Centre.

“I think the amazing thing about First Steps is it’s a small classroom with about 10 girls or less and you really get that one on one help,” Achilles said

She was initially hesitant to accept help from the Crescent Valley Resource Centre but, later chose to accept their “help and friendship”.

“When it came time to go back to school and work, I went to them and said ‘I need resumes. Do you know about where to get my GED? Do you know about this? Do you know about that? They just helped me through everything,” Achilles said.

Achilles said they were very supportive.

“The first people I wanted to tell when I started school was the staff at the resource centre. I want to go and be like ‘Guys! I’m going to school!’ There were like my family,” Achilles said.

Achilles is now an apprentice at a funeral home and in school studying to be a funeral director.

Alexya Heelis, executive director of the United Way,  said they hope to impact 4,600 people with this campaign.

Heelis said they are thrilled to be able to host an in-person event again.

“I think the thing for me that just continues to amaze me about this community, I think I say this every time, our community always continues to rise up to the challenge,” Heelis said.

Heelis said the community believes in the United Way’s vision to make sure everyone can reach their full potential.

The new campaign began on Wednesday and continues until the end of February.

The United Way campaign kickoff is underway at the Delta Mariott. Executive Director Alexya Heelis addressed the full house. pic.twitter.com/REPnq43ZaX

— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) September 21, 2022