It Takes a Community: United Way Greater Toronto to invest over $1 million in Jane-Finch

December 18, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – Jane-Finch is going through a transformation as infrastructure and transit investments spur development. Amid this change, United Way Greater Toronto is launching a $1 million Community Action Grant program that is intended to support neighbourhood-focused initiatives.

The first round of the $1 million funding is being allocated to seven projects, which address systemic inequities such as employment, community safety and wellbeing, food justice and anti-displacement. Some of these funded projects include The Smile Society, Afrocentric Parenting Program and From the Roots Up.

“We are deeply grateful to United Way Greater Toronto for its commitment to our vision of fostering transformative change in underserved communities,” said Ardavan Eizadirad, Executive Director of the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, and Character Education (YAAACE). “This funding strengthens our capacity to empower Black parents impacted by the justice system by equipping them with culturally responsive, trauma-informed tools and skills to navigate systemic barriers, while providing vital supports in mental health, elder mentorship, and digital literacy. These efforts align with YAAACE’s vision to create dynamic communities with positive life outcomes for all.”

These initiatives, which are led by residents and local organizations, reflect the community’s priorities and vision for their respective neighbourhood, and are identified in local plans.

Residents played a direct role in grant reviews and decision making, representing a majority of the 10-member committee, which also included key stakeholders from the City of Toronto and York University. This diverse group brought deep knowledge of the community’s needs, existing programs, and the capacity of applicants to deliver impactful initiatives ensuring investments are grounded in lived experience and drive meaningful, community-led change.

“By investing in the ideas and leadership of local residents of Jane-Finch, we’re ensuring the community’s voices are directly shaping their neighbourhoods, spaces and our city, we are working together to build a future Jane-Finch with the people who know it best,” said Nation Cheong, Vice President, Community Impact and Mobilization United Way Greater Toronto.

United Way Greater Toronto is also committing $100,000 in funding towards an additional project, in partnership with the City of Toronto, to support community participation and engagement work related to the development of a Community Hub and Centre for the Arts. Under the trusteeship of Jane/Finch Centre, these funds will enable the organizing committee to begin planning for the next phase of hub design and development.

“Our community is stronger when we work together and we’re so proud to support the distribution of this impactful grant funding, and excited to see what kind of meaningful change it will enable our resident groups to achieve,” said Michelle Dagnino, Executive Director of the Jane/Finch Centre.

For over 20 years, United Way has been working to build more resilient neighbourhoods across the Greater Toronto Area. From groundbreaking research like the Poverty by Postal Code report, which exposed growing poverty in Toronto’s inner suburbs, to strategic investments through its Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy, United Way has consistently focused on addressing inequities and strengthening community services.

This investment in Jane-Finch marks a significant step in advancing neighbourhood-based priorities. Similar work is underway in South Markham and Cooksville in Peel Region, as United Way Greater Toronto continues its mission to create a future where everyone can thrive.

About United Way: As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTA, United Way Greater Toronto reinforces a crucial community safety net to support people living in poverty. United Way’s network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto and York Region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive. Mobilizing community support, United Way’s work is rooted in ground-breaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building a more equitable region and lasting solutions to the GTA’s greatest challenges.