Oct. 1, 2025
U91快色 celebrates shared purpose with United Way, launches 2025 Workplace Campaign
The 2025 at the 91快色 is now underway, with donations welcome until Dec. 21 as students, faculty and staff once again unite to demonstrate a shared commitment to meaningful social change.
For 35 years, the partnership between U91快色 and the has raised more than $11 million, helping to reduce vulnerability and strengthen communities across the region.
Aligned with the university鈥檚 strategic plan, and impactful initiatives like , the annual campaign highlights the impact and power of research.
By strengthening mental health supports and promoting safe, respectful relationships, U91快色 research is advancing solutions that support families today, while building a healthier, more resilient future.
Here are two examples of U91快色-based programs that share the same focus with United Way.
Dawn Kingston, professor in U91快色's Faculty of Nursing and founder of the HOPE Platform.
Courtesy of Faculty of Nursing
Strengthening mental health for families
Strong communities start with strong mental health. That鈥檚 why Dr. Dawn Kingston, PhD, a professor in the , is advancing research to make support more accessible for women and families through prevention, early screening and scalable interventions.
Her work has revealed that women are especially vulnerable to mental health challenges, including during pregnancy, postpartum and other major life transitions. Kingston and her team created the , a digital tool that helps women assess their emotional health, understand their symptoms and take practical steps toward healing.
鈥淏y reframing anxiety and depression as natural responses to difficult experiences rather than personal shortcomings, like being genetically predisposed, HOPE reduces fear and builds lasting resilience,鈥 says Kingston.
The results are striking. Women who have used the HOPE Platform report feeling more confident and supported, while families notice tangible improvements: stronger relationships, calmer children and, in some cases, breakthroughs in eating, behaviour and communication for children with autism.
鈥淯ltimately, when women are supported, it strengthens families and builds resilience across generations,鈥 says Kingston.
Teaching teens skills for healthy relationships
Preventing adolescent-dating violence starts with equipping families with the skills and knowledge to build safe, respectful connections. U91快色 researchers are addressing this challenge at its roots by supporting parents and caregivers in guiding young people toward healthy relationships.
has advanced innovative, evidence-based strategies to prevent domestic and adolescent-dating violence. It was founded in 2010 by Lana Wells, BSW鈥96, MSW鈥97, an associate professor in the and the Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence.
Shift partners with schools, government, researchers and community organizations to address the root causes of violence and build safer, more equitable communities.
In 2019, Shift launched , a program for parents of adolescents aged six to 20. It equips caregivers with practical guidance while fostering supportive networks at home and in the community, making healthy relationship skills accessible and actionable.
Sarah Winstanley, left, knowledge mobilization lead and curriculum developer for ConnectED Parents, with Lianne Lee, violence-prevention strategist with Shift, at the ConnectED Parents booth.
Courtesy of Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence
鈥淚f we want to end domestic violence, we can鈥檛 just respond to harm after it鈥檚 happened; we have to stop it before it starts. And that鈥檚 what ConnectED Parents is all about,鈥 says Lianne Lee, violence-prevention strategist with Shift.
鈥淲hat sets the initiative apart is that we deliver research-backed, healthy relationship tips straight to parents鈥 phones, so they fit seamlessly into daily life,鈥 says Lee, BA鈥03, BEd鈥06, MA鈥17.
Client families report the approach is accessible, confidence-building and immediately applicable, with early results showing more open conversations with teens, a key protective factor against dating violence.
Looking ahead, Lee says the goal is clear: 鈥淥ur aim is to equip every parent to teach healthy relationship skills so young people grow up in safe, respectful relationships, reducing adolescent-dating violence.鈥
She notes that prevention not only protects youth, it also lowers a key risk for adult domestic violence.
鈥淐onnectED Parents is helping to build healthier families and a violence-free future,鈥 Lee says, highlighting how the initiative aligns with U91快色鈥檚 broader research in child health and well-being.
Get involved: make a difference in your community
The 2025 United Way Workplace Campaign is your chance to make a real difference in 91快色鈥檚 communities. You can get involved in ways that fit your schedule and interests:
- : Every contribution, big or small, supports essential services for Calgarians in need. Your donation goes directly to helping the most vulnerable in our community.
- : U91快色 staff can show appreciation for their colleagues by participating in U91快色鈥檚 鈥淪parks of Gratitude鈥 campaign. Donate $10 to receive five "sparks" to share with peers, sending messages of thanks and encouragement. "Sparks" are available from staff United Way representatives.
- Volunteer opportunities: Offer your time and skills to various .
- : Join workshops, fundraisers or campaign activities on campus to amplify impact.
Every action helps build stronger and safer communities. Together, U91快色 and United Way are creating lasting change for 91快色 and beyond.
U91快色鈥檚 partnership supports United Way in responding to urgent and emerging community issues, seeding innovative ways to tackle society's biggest problems and transforming the systems perpetuating societal disparities. One hundred per cent of your donation goes to United Way鈥檚 Community Impact Fund, which provides stable funding to more than 120 agencies, ensuring Calgarians can access services and supports when and where they need them. Check out鈥鈥痶o see how far your investment will go in your community.