United Way Expands Support of Community Programs

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Thursday, 27 June 2019 08:48

The United Way Oxford Board of Directors has approved funding for two new programs in the community. The Oxford County Library Ox on the un mobile library, the Woodstock Art Gallery's Start with Art program will get a boost.

OXFORD COUNTY - United Way Oxford will be supporting two new programs through their community initiative fund.

Executive Director Kelly Gilson says the managing and monitoring the many applications through our Community Fund, the Impact Investment Committee of volunteers also review incoming applications to our Community Initiative Fund, which was created to provide smaller, one-time grants in a timely manner

“Our Community Initiative Fund was established over a decade ago to help a variety of local agencies access funding to help them address new and emerging needs in our community. This allows us opportunity to assist some non-traditional
agencies and programs that have the possibility to really make an impact.”

Gilson says they will provide funding to a new program through the Oxford County Library.

"Our Board is thrilled to be able to provide $4000 to the Oxford County Library for their new Ox on the Run Mobile Outreach Program. The program is designed to serve people where they are by visiting parks, events, pools, senior centres, subsidized housing units, etc. As they engage and assist people they will be creating a sense of belonging, increasing awareness and creating new opportunities to help people of all ages in Tillsonburg, Ingersoll and the neighbouring communities. It is a creative, innovative and fun way to address the challenge of transportation and promote learning, literacy, STEM programs and more.”

Gilson says the other program is through the Woodstock Art Gallery.

“Another great new intergenerational program that we are pleased to be able to support is the Woodstock Art Gallery’s ‘Start With Art” program that will connect preschoolers and their parents, caregivers and grandparents to like-minded individuals. It will empower the use of imagination, interaction and create a safe and welcoming space for all of the participants to explore and learn. The program will offer accessible, diverse, environmentally-friendly and inclusive experiences with financial supports available through the City of Woodstock to ensure that program cost is not a barrier to participation. With a relatively small investments of $5730 from United Way, the program can be launched. We look forward to hearing about how creative and critical skill development occurs and will help to better position children for success in schools while also inspiring adults and seniors to create a new network of connections in a positive environment.”

Gilson adds they are really excited to support both of these great programs.

"We are so excited about both of these programs because of the ability they will have to connect with people in our community and to really create a sense of belonging, by going to where people are, by working with other partners to ensure that they can actually provide programs and services and to bring people together to make connections, to develop relationship, it really builds social capital, and we are so excited to be able to help with that because it really matters."

Currently United Way Oxford supports 13 local organizations and over 30 programs through their community fund.