NEWS RELEASE
UNITED WAY GUELPH WELLINGTON DUFFERIN
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United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin is pleased to announce they will now act as the host agency for the Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination, effective immediately. The Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination works collaboratively, informed by diverse voices of experience, to take local action and advocate for system and policy change to address the root causes of poverty.
“COVID-19 demonstrated the cracks in social service systems and disproportionately impacted those living in poverty,” said Glenna Banda, executive director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin. “The community is challenging the social services sector to address systemic issues and United Way hosting the Poverty Task Force provides an opportunity to continue to build our collective approach for social good.”
Previously hosted by Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health, United Way stepped forward to act as host because of strong alignment with their Strategic Plan and the opportunity to assist with advocacy work in the community. Last month, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin launched a new Community Impact Strategy, which includes a focus on aligning supports for food insecurity, housing and financial security, and the credible, collective strategies of the Poverty Task Force are a natural fit.
“Advocacy, engagement and collaboration are important aspects of the Poverty Task Force’s work to eliminate poverty in Guelph Wellington, said Dominica McPherson, Director, Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination. “We are excited to work in partnership with United Way and their diverse network of community partners and key players to mobilize the work of the Poverty Task Force.”
While United Way will act as host, the Poverty Task Force’s workplan will continue to be led by a steering committee of community members, informed by voices of lived experience.
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