United Way

04 • UNITED WAY FALL 2013 I was 16 when my parents split up. I was confused and angry. I was running away and staying out all night. I moved in with my cousin and got a job waitressing. Every weekend was a party and it wasn't long before I got kicked out of school. Though I was passing with flying colours, they said I was missing too many classes. It got worse when I injured my shoulder at work. I went to the hospital and they wanted to do an x-ray. When a nurse asked if there was any chance I was pregnant, I realized I couldn't be sure. I took a test. It was positive. All I could think was, 'I'm not even graduated from high school, I can't work, I have nobody I can depend on and I'm about to have a child. What am I going to do?' I turned to Villa Rosa. As soon as I walked through the door I knew this was where I needed to be. Nobody judged me. They were just so welcoming. I moved into the pre-natal residence and began attending the on-site school. The rest of my time I spent learning about pregnancy, breast feeding, attending counselling and anger-management classes. I was able to quit smoking and they even helped me rebuild my relationship with my parents. My son Miguel was born on March 18. Seeing him for the first time was just amazing. He was just gorgeous. When Miguel was about three months, I graduated from high school. Just as I was putting on my cap and gown, one of the teachers told me I'd won a scholarship. I'd always dreamed of being a nurse and the nurses who took care of Miguel and I just made me want to dedicate my life to helping people. In 2007, I entered the U of M nursing program. Today, Miguel is 9 and I am working full-time as a nurse after earning my degree last April. I am so proud of myself. But I couldn't have done it without people behind me, supporting me. My friends, my family, and the generous Winnipeggers who support United Way and this essential network of programs and services each year. Without that support, without these programs, I don't know where I'd be. I don't think I would have graduated high school. I probably wouldn't have a relationship with my family. More than the programs and services, or even the skills I gained, United Way gave me an opportunity … a chance to turn a corner in my life. It helped me realize I had this potential and I had this brain and I could do it and I could show Miguel that it doesn't matter how tough life is, or the struggles you have, you can still do it. I hope you'll take this opportunity to change a life in our community by supporting United Way. Whatever the amount, it does make a difference. We're living proof! To be financially stable and self-sufficient, families first need the knowledge and tools to maximize their income and savings. United Way currently partners with organizations like Villa Rosa throughout Winnipeg to deliver programs that help Winnipeggers move from poverty to possibility. Your generosity means that programs and services from money management and matched savings programs to financial counselling and job training can be delivered so Winnipeggers like Cassandra can secure steady employment and save for a brighter future. Helping Winnipeggers transition from a life of poverty to one full of possibility Hello, I'm Cassandra A donation of just a dollar a day can provide a Winnipegger living with a disability with an assistive device that will enhance independence and quality of life. Did you know? By the Numbers It doesn't take much to make a big difference More than 54,000 Winnipeggers rely on food banks each month – almost 26,000 are children (source: Winnipeg Harvest, 2013). Last year alone, your support for United Way paved the way to permanent employment and greater financial stability for an estimated 3,100 Winnipeggers. It doesn't take much to make a big difference. A donation of just a dollar per week or $50 per year can provide 30 Winnipeggers in low-income situations with one month of computer and internet access, making it possible to create resumes and learn important skills that can lead to steady employment and better lives. In 2012, 34 per cent of Manitobans aged 15 and older provided care to a family member or friend living with a long- term health condition or disability (source: Stats Canada). Last year alone, your support for United Way gave nearly 20,000 Winnipeggers living with a disability opportunities to access information, manage their pain, find support and understanding and achieve greater independence.

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