Stories That Unite Us

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Banner image of Uptown Saint John builidings harbour and a woman and baby at the beach

Thank you – your generosity pushes our campaign past its goal

I am delighted to share with you the success of the 2020 United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte campaign.

When we launched our campaign, there was uncertainty about how we could achieve our goal. I knew that the people and organizations of Saint John, Kings and Charlotte understood that their support was needed more than ever. This was, and is, especially true, given the challenges of raising funds and organizing events in the midst of the current pandemic.

By giving to the United Way, you are supporting organizations that help vulnerable individuals in our region. You understand that, by donating to the United Way, you are helping to restore hope and strength to people and organizations that need it most.

Tracy’s story: A boy transformed

When Tracy first joined Sistema NB at the age of five, he struggled with focus and his own emotions. While enthusiastic about the music program, he fidgeted through classes and became easily upset.

Some days, he’d hide under tables or run away from his teachers. With help from occupational therapy, Sistema learned how to deal with his restlessness.

Melinda’s story: Renewed hope in recovery

Photo of a woman silhouetted against a sunset

As a young woman in her 20s, Melinda had a full life yet ahead of her. But she struggled with an addiction to alcohol. When doubt and worry made her question her relationships and the future of her job, she decided to turn to the Sophia Recovery Centre.

But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing the centre for women in recovery from addiction to close before Melinda had her first appointment.

UNIGNORABLE FACT Saint Johns child poverty rate of nearly 32 per cent is as much as 4 times higher than in nearby suburban communities. LOCALLOVE FACT 96 per cent of youth in Sistema show improvement in motivation frustration tolerance self-esteem and inde

Photo of a young woman sitting at a desk with a laptop

Helping non-profit leaders grow and succeed

When Chelsie Nightingale was hired as the executive director of the Multicultural Association of Sussex about 18 months ago, it marked a couple of firsts.

She was the first staff member for the previously all-volunteer organization, and it was the first time she headed up a non-profit organization.

After the pandemic hit, she sought emergency funding from the United Way to help keep the organization moving forward. Through the application process, United Way staff identified her as a young leader who could benefit from mentoring.

Million Dollar Pledge in the news

A photo of Dave Veale speaking with a colleague

The Million Dollar Pledge, an initiative of socially progressive business leaders in the region, featured in the news recently – shining a spotlight on the entrepreneurs and organizations who give selflessly in support of their communities.

As part of its “Business Does Good” series, Huddle Today interviewed Pledge co-founder Dave Veale, CEO of Vision Coaching, on the value a program like the Pledge can bring and the importance of small businesses investing in community.

“We’ve got back way more than we’ve given in so many different ways,” Dave told the online business news publication.

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