Peace Out Poverty

About the Episode In this episode of United Way's Do Local Good podcast, Youth of the Year Yaël Witvoet takes the mic to share how one strong connection shaped her path and how she's paying it forward. From student to mentor, Yaël offers a powerful look into what it takes to support youth: being consistent, building trust, and creating space for young people to show up as themselves. This conversation dives deep into what mentorship really looks like — no capes, no grand gestures. Just real people showing up, listening, and making space.  Featured Programs and Resources  All in for Youth  All in for Youth (AIFY) brings together local services to help address the complex needs children and families experience when living with low income, such as mental health support, mentoring, before and after school programs, and much more. Learn More --> https://www.myunitedway.ca/how-we-help/children-youth/all-in-for-youth/ 211 Alberta 211 Alberta is an essential service that helps Albertans find the right resource or service for whatever issue they need help with, at the right time. Access local resources by calling 211, texting INFO to 211, or chatting online. Learn More --> https://ab.211.ca/ BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters (BGCBigs) provides a diverse array of mentoring and after school programs to meet the needs of our community's children and youth so they have the tools and supports they need to be successful in school and in life. Learn More --> https://bgcbigs.ca/ Join the Movement  Get Involved with GenNEXT  United Way's GenNEXT is a volunteer-led initiative designed to inspire the next generation of leaders to drive meaningful change in our community. Learn More --> https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/ Special Acknowledgments We extend our heartfelt thanks to Yaël Witvoet for sharing her story and powerful reflections on the role mentorship plays in helping youth thrive. Gratitude also goes to our hosts, Rahma Dalmar and Yawa Idi, for guiding this meaningful conversation. Special thanks to the teams behind All in for Youth and BGCBigs for their commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces that help young people stay connected, confident, and on track. And to every listener - thank you for tuning in and continuing to champion what it means to do local good. Land Acknowledgment This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind

In this episode of United Way's Do Local Good podcast, hosts Vasu Aggarwal and Shawn Singh shine a spotlight on the critical role of financial literacy in building resilient communities. They are joined by Ashley Tillenius, an Operations Manager at TD, and a dedicated volunteer with United Way's Each One, Teach One initiative. Together, they explore how financial literacy workshops empower individuals with the tools to achieve stability and resilience. The conversation covers budgeting basics, debunks financial myths, and provides actionable advice to help listeners take charge of their finances. Ashley also shares her inspiring story of giving back and highlights the transformative impact of financial literacy programs on Edmonton's diverse communities. Get Involved: Learn more about how you can make a difference with GenNEXT: https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/Access local resources by calling 211, texting INFO to 211, or chatting online at 211 Alberta: https://ab.211.ca/Contact Evelyn Hartley to host a financial literacy session in your community: ehartley@myunitedway.ca Featured Programs and Resources: Each One, Teach One: https://www.myunitedway.ca/how-we-help/life-skills/each-one-teach-one/Financial Pathways Collaborative: https://www.myunitedway.ca/financial-pathways-collaborative/Acknowledgments: A special thank-you to hosts Vasu Aggarwal and Sean Singh for guiding this insightful conversation and to Ashley Tillenius for sharing her expertise and dedication to empowering others through financial education. We also extend our gratitude toEach One, Teach One facilitators, Edmonton Public Libraries, and community organizations for creating accessible spaces for financial learning. Additionally, a heartfelt thanks to the Financial Pathways Collaborative for supporting economic empowerment in the Alberta Capital Region. A big thank-you to everyone from United Way and the GenNEXT Cabinet involved in the production of this podcast, including Adam Piercey, Chris Tse, Courtney Riley, Catherine Lee-Hanley, and Daryl Hooke, for their creativity, hard work, and commitment to amplifying stories of resilience and connection. Lastly, we express our gratitude to our listeners for joining us on this journey to explore the importance of financial literacy. Together, we are building resilient, connected, and thriving communities where no one is left behind. Land Acknowledgment: This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.   

In this episode of United Way's Do Local Good podcast, hosts Natalie Steffl and Rahma Dalmar explore the lasting impact of intergenerational trauma and the pathways to healing with special guest Pamela Spurvey, an Indigenous Wellness Coordinator and facilitator with United Way's Empower U program. Pamela shares her personal journey of mental health recovery and addiction healing, emphasizing the vital role of cultural connection, financial empowerment, and community support in breaking cycles of trauma. This conversation sheds light on the challenges families face when working toward reconciliation and recovery, offering a hopeful perspective on how cultural inclusion and community-driven programs likeEmpower U can foster resilience, understanding, and connection. Get Involved: Learn more about how you can make a difference with GenNEXT: https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/Access local resources by calling 211, texting INFO to 211, or chatting online at 211 Alberta: https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/Featured Programs and Resources: Empower U: https://www.myunitedway.ca/empoweru/Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society: https://bentarrow.ca/BGCBigs Edmonton & Area: https://bgcbigs.ca/Acknowledgments: We extend our deepest thanks to hosts Natalie Steffl and Rahma Dalmar for leading this meaningful discussion and to Pamela Spurvey for courageously sharing her story and insights. We also thank Brett Eigner for the content support he provided. Special thanks to all Empower U facilitators, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, BGCBigs Edmonton & Area, and all other partners working alongside us to build resilient, connected communities.  A big thank-you to everyone from United Way and the GenNEXT Cabinet involved in the production of this podcast, including Adam Piercey, Chris Tse, Courtney Riley, Catherine Lee-Hanley, and Daryl Hooke, for their creativity, hard work, and commitment to amplifying stories of resilience and connection. Lastly, we express our gratitude to our listeners for joining us on this journey to explore the role of culture and community in trauma recovery. Together, we are building resilient, connected, and thriving communities where no one is left behind. Land Acknowledgment: This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.   

In this episode of United Way's Do Local Good podcast, hosts Yawa Idi and Rahma Dalmar explore how art therapy is making a meaningful impact on mental health in the Alberta Capital Region. Joined by special guests Derryl-Lynn Braumberger, MCP-AT, CCC, and Laura Torgrimson, MCP-AT, CCC, art therapists from The Family Centre, the conversation highlights the critical need for accessible mental health resources. Together, they discuss how United Way-supported initiatives like All in for Youth foster supportive spaces where creative expression can be a powerful tool for healing. Hear inspiring stories of how art therapy helps build connection, hope, and strength in Edmonton's diverse communities. Get Involved: Learn more about how you can make a difference with GenNEXT: https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/Access local resources by calling 211, texting INFO to 211, or chatting online at 211 Alberta: https://ab.211.ca/Featured Programs and Resources: All in for Youth: https://www.myunitedway.ca/allinforyouth/The Family Centre: https://www.familycentre.org/Tools for School: https://www.myunitedway.ca/tools-for-school/Coats for Kids & Families: https://www.myunitedway.ca/how-we-help/basic-needs/coats-for-kids-and-families/Special Acknowledgments: We extend our heartfelt thanks to our hosts, Yawa Idi and Rahma Dalmar, for leading this inspiring conversation, and to our guests, Derryl-Lynn Braumberger and Laura Torgrimson, for sharing their expertise and passion for building resilient communities through art therapy. Special thanks to The Family Centre for their ongoing leadership in providing essential mental health resources in our community. We also acknowledge the incredible teams at All in for Youth schools across the Alberta Capital Region, whose unwavering dedication helps create supportive environments where young people can thrive. A big thank-you to everyone from United Way and the GenNEXT Cabinet involved in the production of this podcast, including Adam Piercey, Chris Tse, Courtney Riley, Catherine Lee-Hanley, and Daryl Hooke, for their creativity, hard work, and commitment to amplifying stories of resilience and connection. Lastly, we express our gratitude to our listeners for joining us on this journey to explore how creative solutions like art therapy can help strengthen our community.  Together, we are building resilient, connected, and thriving communities where no one is left behind. Land Acknowledgment: This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.   

Welcome to Do Local Good, a podcast created by United Way of the Alberta Capital Region and hosted by the team of volunteers on the GenNEXT Cabinet! We feature stories and people from the Edmonton region to inform, inspire, and invite others to join us in building resilient and thriving communities. Each episode features insights from local experts, community leaders, and non-profits working in education, mental health, financial literacy, and more — bringing you closer to the real challenges and solutions that shape our community.

In this episode we get to know Make Your Mark, an initiative of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region that teaches students from kindergarten to Grade 12 about social issues in their own communities, the role of non-profit organizations, and how they can make a real impact. We interview Sarah Chan about what drives her involvement with Make Your Mark as United Way works to grow the program to more local school projects. We also talk to Michelle Sabourin, a high school teacher at M.E. LaZerte and a champion of the program who participates annually with her students. And we hear from students Jessica and Drew, who are actively participating in Make Your Mark and share how this program has a direct impact on students. Join us as we examine who is readying the next generation of changemakers in the Alberta Capital Region, and how are they doing it. United Way's Make Your Mark is presented by Dentons. Learn More: Stats Canada on Low Volunteerism Get Involved: Make Your MarkSupport: United Way Alberta Capital RegionThe GenNEXT podcast team is Alex Bedard, Adam Tymko, Annie Weishaar, Brett Eigner, Sydney Reid, Feven Woerde, and Samantha Baxter. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can help ensure no one in our community is left behind, visit MyUnitedWay.ca.

The complex needs of Albertans living with disabilities are being supported in part by organizations like the YWCA. In this episode we are joined by Chandra MacLeod, who is the director of external relations for the YWCA and has an extensive history of working with people living with a disability. Also, Donna Bedard, who lives with a physical disability called dystonia. Donna and Chandra share their insights on how as a society we can work to support the community of people living with disabilities.  Learn: Home - YWCA (ywcaofedmonton.org)  Learn: Welcome to Dystonia Medical Research Foundation of Canada | Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada (dystoniacanada.org)  Learn: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/  Get Involved: https://www.volunteerconnector.org/edmonton/volunteeralberta  Support: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region  The GenNEXT podcast team is Alex Bedard, Adam Tymko, Annie Weishaar, Brett Eigner, Sydney Reid, Feven Worede, and Samantha Baxter. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can help ensure no one in our community is left behind, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. 

The growing and complex needs of Albertans are being supported in part by an interconnected network called 211. We examine the beginnings and evolution of the 211 network, what it does, and how it is impacting local communities. This episode, we are joined by Stephanie Wright, the 211 Alberta manager, and Danae Dobko, a community resource specialist for 211. Together, we dive into the ins and outs of how 211 works to find Albertans help in increasingly trying times.  Support: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region Connect: 211 AlbertaLearn: https://alberta.cmha.ca/mental-illness-in-canada/ Learn: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75f0002m/75f0002m2023004-eng.htm  Get Involved: https://www.volunteerconnector.org/edmonton/volunteeralberta  Access 211 support today: You can reach 211 anytime 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.  Over the phone: Dial 2-1-1  Text INFO to 211  Live chat  You can also reach 211 24/7 using one of these toll-free numbers:  1-888-482-4696 (Edmonton & Northern Alberta)  1-855-266-1605 (Calgary, Central & Southern Alberta)   The GenNEXT podcast team is Alex Bedard, Adam Tymko, Annie Weishaar, Brett Eigner, David Odumade, Sydney Reid, Fever Worede, and Samantha Baxter. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca.

We're back for Season 3! Subscribe to this feed and tune into our first episode of the season next week.GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. This trailer was produced by Castria. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. 

Moving to a new country can be daunting, especially if you don't have proper access to resources that can set you up for success. This is the reality for many women immigrating to Canada, and there some organizations out there looking to help bridge that gap. In this episode, we take a look at the resources available and some of the challenges associated with women immigrating to the Alberta Capital Region. This episode, we were joined by Marion Mendoza of the EMCN, Maritza Velasco-Valencia and Cheryl Whitelaw from Women United to discuss the issues they face and to share some impact stories of some of the positive outcomes from programs supported by United Way.  Support: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region Support: Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers Learn: Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) Learn: EMCN – I-WIN Program Learn: United Way – Maritza's Story Learn: United Way – Women United Connect: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region   The GenNEXT podcast team is Alex Bedard, Renée Chan, Andrew Mason, David Odumade, Stephen Ryan, and Feven Worede. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. 

Lack of education and the likelihood of a life in poverty are directly linked. People with higher levels of education are more likely to have better jobs, live in safer home and report better physical and mental health. Things which are good for the whole community. In this episode, we dive into the benefits of post-secondary education and some of the challenges associated with entering and having success there. This episode, we were joined by Amanda Harry of BCGBIGS, Michaela Mann from the University of Alberta U School, and Elaine Tran from the Students' Association of MacEwan University to discuss the issues they face and to highlight the great work their organizations are doing in our community.  Support: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region Support: Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters Support: University of Alberta U School Learn: Students' Association of MacEwan University   Learn: United Way – All in For Youth Program Learn: High School to Post Secondary Transition Rates   Connect: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region   The GenNEXT podcast team is Alex Bedard, Renée Chan, Andrew Mason, David Odumade, Stephen Ryan, and Feven Worede. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. 

The price tags on everything from groceries to transportation have seen significant rises over the past year. This episode, we're digging into why costs of living have risen so sharply, and how it's impacting folks in the Alberta Capital Region. To help unpack the impacts on housing and food security, we were joined by Hayley Irving of REACH Edmonton and Tamisan Bencz-Knight of the Edmonton Food Bank.  Donate: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region Support: REACH Edmonton Membership Support: Edmonton Food Bank Learn: REACH Edmonton 24/7 Crisis Diversion Learn:  Affordability of Housing Kneebone Study Learn: City of Edmonton's Encampment Strategy Prototypes Connect: Receive Support from the Edmonton Food Bank The GenNEXT podcast team is Tokunbo Adegbuyi, Alex Bedard, Renée Chan, Jenna Halabi, Andrew Mason, David Odumade, Stephen Ryan, and Feven Worede. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. 

Opioid overdoses have been a major public health concern for the last several years, with the number of drug poisonings and deaths steadily rising since the pandemic began. This episode, we connected with Marliss Taylor of Boyle Street Community Services and Laurence Braun-Woodbury at Bissell Centre to discuss how the overdose crisis is impacting people in the Alberta Capital Region and what we can do to turn the tide.  Connect: Bissell Centre Connect: Boyle Street Community Services  Connect: Addiction Recovery and Community Health (ARCH) Connect: Alberta's Virtual Opioid Dependency Program Connect: EACH + EVERY: Businesses for Harm Reduction Connect: George Spady Society Connect: Moms Stop the Harm Connect: Opioid Dependency Program, Alberta Health Services Connect: Poundmaker's Lodge Treatment Centres Read:  Affordability of Housing Kneebone Study Read: Alberta Opioid Response Surveillance Report Read: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté The GenNEXT podcast team is Tokunbo Adegbuyi, Alex Bedard, Renée Chan, Jenna Halabi, Andrew Mason, David Odumade, Stephen Ryan, and Feven Worede. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to reduce poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. Citations  Minister's Opioid Emergency Response Commission  Opioid and Stimulant Related Harms in Canada, Government of Canada Study  Opioid crisis remains a large issue in southern Alberta Indigenous Communities, CTV News  Opioid Crisis: No Easy Fix to Its Social and Economic Determinants, National Library of Medicine   The Opioid Crisis in Canada, The Library Parliament  Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics: 2020, Government of Canada Study 

We're back for Season 2! Subscribe to this feed and tune into our first episode of the season next week.The GenNEXT podcast team is Tokunbo Adegbuyi, Alex Bedard, Renée Chan, Jenna Halabi, Andrew Mason, David Odumade, Stephen Ryan, and Feven Worede. This trailer was produced by Castria. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. 

An effective and accessible public school system is a vital component of any prosperous society. Alberta has a world-class education system, but your success as a student is about more than just what's in the curriculum. Social factors like mental health, cultural barriers, and poverty play a pivotal role as well. This episode, we're trying a thought experiment. We speak with EPSB's Kris Simpson, E4C's Kelly Bickford, and BGCBIGS' Tracy Simon to learn how the All In For Youth program holistically supports students. And we'll also show you how these supports work together in context at the Peace Out Poverty Academy for Successful Youngsters (though the cool kids call it POP Academy).  Timecodes Intro to POP Academy – 2:14 Interview with Kris Simpson – 5:42 Nutrition Support Programs – 16:50 Interview with Kelly Bickford – 19:10 Afterschool Programs – 30:55 Interview with Tracy Simon – 32:37 Conclusion – 44:55 Links Connect: Spruce Avenue Instagram Connect: e4c Instagram Connect: e4c Make Tax Time Pay Connect: BGCBIGS Instagram Donate: All In For Youth Donate: Tools for School Learn: e4c School Nutrition Program Volunteer: BGCBIGS Mentorship Program The GenNEXT podcast team is Tokunbo Adegbuyi, Jordan Barrett, Renée Chan, Andrew Mason, David Odumade, Rebecca Price, and Noreen Remtulla. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. 

Poverty is a key indicator for one's mental health. In a low-income situation, it can be difficult to achieve and maintain your mental well-being. This could be due to a lack of access to mental health resources and the stress of poverty itself.  Poor mental health then impacts your ability to fully participate in society, which again, impacts your ability to stay out of poverty. It's a vicious cycle where higher levels of poverty lead to lower levels of mental health, which then lead to even higher levels of poverty. This episode, we speak to David Chowne, Elsie Lobo, and Eric Krepstekies to explore the complexities of managing your mental health while living in poverty. Today's episode was hosted by Tokunbo Adegbuyi. Thank you to Rebecca Price for interviewing our guests. Connect: 211 Alberta Connect: Pride Centre of Edmonton Connect: Jasper Place Family Resource Centre Connect: Family Futures Resource Network Connect: The Family Centre – Online Single Session Therapy Connect: Alberta Black Therapist Network Connect: Healing and Colour Connect: Jewish Family Services Edmonton Donate: All In For Youth Learn: Mental Health First Aid Learn: Community Mental Health Action Plan  Learn: YMCA/YWCA The GenNEXT podcast team is Tokunbo Adegbuyi, Jordan Barrett, Renée Chan, Andrew Mason, David Odumade, Rebecca Price, and Noreen Remtulla. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. 

Poverty has a unique and profound effect on the lives of those who have periods. Without a sufficient income, it can be difficult to maintain reliable access to period products. This impacts an individual's ability to participate fully in work, school, and recreation. This has significant implications for one's ability to earn an income, complete their education, and maintain their mental health. This episode, Andrew Mason and Noreen Remtulla are joined by Pamela Mellon and Scarlet Bjornson to explore the complexities of Period Poverty, and what folks in our community are doing to address the problem. Thank you to Rebecca Price for interviewing our guests for this episode.  Donate: United Way of the Alberta Capital Region – Period Promise Donate: No Period Without Donate: Bissell Centre Advocate: Letter templates to advocate against Period Poverty Learn: Plan International Canada's research on Period Poverty GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit MyUnitedWay.ca. 

Peace Out Poverty uncomplicates the issues and shares practical ways on how you can get involved in your community.  Join hosts Andrew Mason and Noreen Remtulla, as we dive into the social issues that most affect our community and talk to the innovators that are tackling the problems head-on. Along the way, we'll show how you can make a difference with even the smallest act of kindness, and ultimately, find your own social purpose. Peace Out Poverty is a podcast by United Way GenNEXT - Alberta Capital Region. This trailer was voice by Noreen Remtulla and Andrew Mason. It was written and directed by Tokunbo Adegbuyi. Editing by Andrew Mason. Music by Sensho. GenNEXT is a volunteer committee of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. If you'd like to learn more or find out how you can be a part of the plan to end poverty, visit myUnitedWay.ca.