Their services allow people to remain as capable and independent as possible, offering homemaking to those who are coping with illness and caregiver relief for families and individuals who are caring for others. Assistance for Children, Families and Individuals United Way agencies ensure children have good beginnings by providing early intervention for 0-6 year olds, enriched learning programs for children at risk, prenatal support, daycare and parenting information. Agencies also help school-aged children and youth at risk with counselling for emotional and behavioural issues, after school programs, special needs life skills, and employment preparation. Agencies in this service area also help families and individuals to deal with the stresses of everyday living with programs that address a wide range of needs such as child care and family life education, as well as counselling on issues like alcohol and drug abuse or family violence, and parents in crisis hot lines. Crisis and Emergency Services Distress lines provide a caring voice at the other end of the telephone.
Shelters provide a haven during a major family crisis.
On a daily basis, these agencies deal with issues such as suicide prevention, date rape, and child, spousal and elder abuse. Multicultural Services United Way encourages all its agencies to develop accessible services which reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Some referral services are specific, such as victim assistance or alcohol and drug lines. Others provide information on a wide range of community services. Volunteerinvolvement provides the foundation of all our agencies.