Investing in Our Community

United Way works to change the lives of vulnerable children, youth, and their families so they have the means to thrive as strong citizens in our community. We work to combat issues in our community including mental health, poverty, homelessness, and racism.

United Way is more than just a funder. We are a catalyst for long-term change.

In the short-term United Way focuses on meeting the immediate need of the most vulnerable people by investing in local programs. To achieve long-term change United Way participates in research, strategy development, investments, partnerships, evaluation, and advocacy.

Funded Community Agencies and Programs

Poverty to Possibility

Positive mental health and ability to handle life’s challenges. Connectedness and involvement in the community. Ability to navigate services.

Foundations Learning & Skills Saskatchewan (formerly READ Saskatoon): Financial literacy for vulnerable individuals.

John Howard Society of Saskatchewan: Transitional reintegration program offers housing supports to males involved with the justice system.

Journey Home: Housing First program helps chronically homeless individuals access stable housing.

OUTSaskatoon: We are providing funding to Pride Homes – a housing option for 2SLGBTQ youth ages 16 – 21 and supporting housing referrals and navigation for 2SLGBTQ people of all ages.

Saskatoon and District Labour Council Summer Snack Program: Nutritious snacks provided to vulnerable children in parks during the summer.

Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership: The goal is to move people out of poverty and into sustainable healthy situations where their basic needs can be met.

All That Kids Can Be

Readiness for kindergarten. Achievement of grade level reading. Readiness for independence.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon: Mentoring for children and youth.

BGC Saskatoon: Supporting Mini Club Programs. Free before and after school programs at schools where there is a high percentage of vulnerable children and families.

Chokecherry Studios: Wāpahki, meaning tomorrow, is a United Way funded partnership between Chokecherry Studios, Okihtcitawak Patrol Group, and Prairie Harm Reduction, hosting a youth led talking circle and art therapy program. Read Kiyari’s Story, Co-Founder of Wāpahki, for more information.

Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op (CNYC): Program and cultural supports for youth offering a variety of skills building, workshops, and education programs.

Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming (SCYAP): Helps and supports youth through arts and cultural programming.

Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre (EGADZ): Action to employment program, youth living in residential programs are hired to do yardwork for seniors.

Saskatoon Interval House: Children support program for those who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence.

Saskatoon Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA): Alternative Suspension is a youth high school dropout prevention program.

Summer Success Literacy Camps: Helping vulnerable children move towards grade-level reading.

Building Strong Communities

Positive mental health and ability to handle life’s challenges. Connection to and involvement in the community. Ability to navigate services.

211 Saskatchewan: Service providers connect individuals to a database of over 6,000 community and social services across the province.

Community Legal Assistance Service for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC) | Walk-in advocacy clinic to provide free, legal representation to clients.

Crocus Co-op: Support for individuals living with mental health issues.

Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan: Client support worker to assist women and girls who have been involved with the criminal justice system.

Family Service Saskatoon Inc (FSS): Healthy Relationships, Resilient Families program incorporates services including counseling, outreach, and therapeutic group sessions.

FASD Network of Saskatchewan: Gladue report writers. Gladue reports are a right that Indigenous people are entitled to under the Criminal Code and make unbiased sentencing recommendations based on healing and a path towards recovery.

Global Gathering Place: Resources for a Social Worker who will provide support and counseling to vulnerable newcomers.

Hope Restored Canada: Victim Recovery program support for survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Inclusion Saskatchewan: Family Network helps individuals who have a family member with an intellectual disability to navigate support systems, combat isolation, and promote resilience.

Navera Community Connections: Counselling services in the community for vulnerable individuals and families.

Prairie Harm Reduction: Through a partnership with Chokecherry Studios and Okihtcitawak Patrol Group, Prairie Harm Reduction supports victims/witnesses of violence and abuse through restorative healing practices as well as increasing community involvement for those living with mental health issues through youth art programming and monthly sharing circles.

Prince Albert Community Fund: Crisis services support for Prince Albert and the North.

Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service (SCIS) | Community crisis services for vulnerable individuals and families.

Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre: Recreational, social, and cultural activities to enhance community connections and engagement with Indigenous peoples.

Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre (SSAIC): Support for sexual assault survivors.

Saskatoon Sexual Health: Sexual and reproductive health education, advocacy, and clinical services.

Student Wellness Initiative Toward Community Health (SWITCH): A student-led health and wellness clinic offering culturally safe interdisciplinary services to the core.

Spinal Cord Injury (Saskatchewan) Inc (SCI): Supports to family and caregivers of individuals living with physical disabilities.

STR8UP – 10,000 Little Steps to Healing Inc.: Community outreach supports for community members liberating from gang and criminal activity.

YWCA Saskatoon – Emergent and preventative services and supports for marginalized populations.

Download a list of United Way Funded Programs and Agencies

Agency Toolkit

United Way of Saskatoon and Area allocates short-term and long-term funding (multi-year) to local agencies that are changing lives every day. As outlined in United Way’s funding agreement agencies are asked to publicly recognize United Way as a community partner and program funder whenever possible.

This toolkit provides downloadable templates and examples of ways to publicly recognize United Way as a partner and funder. Some examples of ways to publicly recognize United Way:

Create a post on your social media channels using the sample messaging and images
Send a media release to local media outlets using the template
Add a “United Way Funded Agency” logo to your letterhead
Write an article in your newsletter about the program United Way supports
Add a United Way logo to the funding section of your website
Recognize funding through other forms of advertising
Hang United Way signage in your office