United Way of Oxford has followed the United Way of Canada – Centraide Canada’s direction, and embraced a community impact agenda. Beginning in 2005 we launched our community engagement process though our Community Matters project.  It transformed the way we approach our work; although we are still a fundraiser, and we will always financially support the core work of our Member Agencies, it became apparent that we needed to do more. And so, by listening and gaining a better understanding of our community needs, and by working in collaboration with many others, we are now in a position to help build a healthier Oxford County.

As we move through our community impact agenda, we learn more and more about the need to address root causes, not provide band aid solutions. We understand more about the impact of local issues such as: poverty, substance abuse, violence, homelessness and hunger, low literacy and unemployment.

By working together  with our Member Agencies and other Community Partners in support of each other, lives can be positively impacted and lasting change can occur.

As a community impact organization, our role is constantly changing. At times, we are the funder who can assure that a project is launched; at times we are a leader, calling together the appropriate organizations to address an issue of importance; at times we are a committee member by providing staff or volunteer resources to support a project; at times we are a follower who can help sustain the good work of others. It is through all of these roles that we can achieve a healthier community for all.