100% of your donation stays in Windsor-Essex County
1 in 7 kids in Windsor-Essex County are living in poverty. (Canada Census 2021)
Supporting families in our local community since 1947
What’s Happening
Our Summer Eats for Kids 50/50 draw is officially underway!
Draw Date: Friday, July 17
This is more than a fundraiser—it’s a powerful opportunity to win big and give back. Every ticket sold helps ensure local kids have access to healthy food this summer. When school is out, food programs stop, and many families face real challenges—Summer Eats for Kids helps fill the gap.
Save the Date for United Way’s Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Monday, October 5, 2026
United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent’s 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament brings together donors, supporters and partners to fundraise for and support local children and youth, while also enjoying a full day of golf, food and fun!
We love where we live.
This local love powers our efforts to support children and families
Guided by a vision of a prosperous Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, where every child has the opportunity to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential, we work alongside our community to create lasting impact and brighter futures for all.
-
12
Books Per Month
-
4
Tutoring Hours
-
1
Family Supported
Real stories. Real impact.
From small moments to life-changing support, these stories show the real impact of people coming together to strengthen our community.
Finding Community, Finding Purpose: Bosun’s On Track to Success Story
From high school struggles to discovering her purpose, Bosun’s story shows the impact of mentorship, community, and real human connection.
“Because of On Track, I learned it’s okay to ask for help—and that changed everything for me.”
Cradle to Career: a path out of poverty, milestone by milestone
Research shows the best path out of poverty is education. Our programs focus on six key milestones — the moments where the right support changes a life trajectory.
Our Programs
Supports Milestones 1, 2 & 3
Summer Programs
Helps children stay supported, nourished, and engaged during the summer months so they don’t lose momentum between school years.
Supports Milestones 2 & 3
Ignite Academy
Closes literacy and numeracy gaps in elementary years — when intervention has the highest return.
Supports Milestones 4
On Track to Success
Supports students in graduating high school and preparing for post-secondary education.
Get Involved with United Way
From volunteer opportunities to workplace campaigns — there’s a way for everyone to make a difference.
Summer Programs
Helps children stay supported, nourished, and engaged during the summer months so they don’t lose momentum between school years.
Labour Advocacy Training
Explore programs and resources that support workers, strengthen workplaces, and advance labour and community partnerships.
Workplace Champion Toolkit
Access tools and resources to help support and promote your United Way campaign.
Retired Volunteer Council
Connect with other retirees and give back to the community through meaningful volunteer opportunities and events.
Women United
Join a network of women creating positive change through leadership, volunteerism, and community support.
Mentor & Tutor
Support local students by volunteering as a mentor and helping young people build confidence, skills, and connections.
In the News
Meaningful conversations with family can start with a planned gift
United Way donor, Kyle Kootstra, says conversations about philanthropy can help create a sense of identity and legacy among family members, specifically the younger generation.
2024/25 Impact Report: Building a stronger Windsor-Essex together
At United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, our mission is simple but powerful: create a brighter future for local kids and families. Thanks to the dedication of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we are seeing lives changed every day. Our 2024/25 Annual Impact Report highlights the progress we’ve made across Windsor-Essex—and the hope we’re building for the future.
