The United Way understands and values the importance of inclusion, equity, and accessibility.
On the occasion of Disability Pride Month, we shine a light on one of our outstanding funded partners: Ability New Brunswick.
Its mission is to empower the independence and full community participation of those in the province with a mobility disability.
For several years now, funding from United Way Saint John, Kings and Charlotte has been crucial to Ability’s Transition NB program, which helps young people with a mobility disability reach education and career goals.
For instance, Transition NB staff help those attending college or university confront the obstacles that may lie ahead and are dedicated to helping overcome them.
Staff meet with students to help map out, and find, what they might need to undertake their schooling, including adaptive technology and equipment, accessible living and transportation, and attendant support.
To Haley Flaro, executive director of Ability NB, financial support from United Way Saint John Kings and Charlotte has been crucial to the success of the program, to ensuring people in both urban and rural communities in the region benefit, and to attracting and keeping talented staff.
“We would not be able to provide this equitably without their support. Having some sustainable multi-year funding is really critical,” she says.
Haley notes that more than one in three New Brunswickers have a disability and applauds United Way in its leadership in helping to address the needs of that vulnerable population.
“Alexya and her staff are fantastic to deal with and are truly valuable partners,” Haley says.
“United Way Saint John, Kings and Charlotte really is a trusted partner, working hard for agencies like ours to leverage funding and provide training so that we can continue to do what we do best.”
And none of this life-changing work is possible without the generous support of United Way donors like you.