All that kids can be is a focus area where we look to improve access to early childhood learning and developmental programs, to help children and youth do well in school and complete high school. Our aim is to support youth in making healthy transitions into adulthood and post-secondary education. It’s important that activities, both fun and developmental, be available to youth of all ages.

Some of the related programs that The United Way of Haldimand and Norfolk supports are:


Letters, Sounds & Words Program – This program supports children ages 5-7 who need a literacy boost. Children work one-on-one with trained volunteers playing games designed to teach letters. the sound each letter represents, sight words, and how to build words.


Community-Based Mentoring Programs – This program includes traditional Big Brothers/Big Sisters/Big Sibling/Big Couple one-on-one mentoring relationships for young people aged 6-18 years, as well as a Circle program which includes both one-on-one mentoring and group mentoring. The Circle program focuses on young people aged 10-18 years of age with more lived experiences.

Site-Based Mentoring Program – This program takes place either at a school or a safe, inclusive community site. Mentoring takes shape in both one-on-one or a group setting based on the needs of young people in our community. The program includes In-School Mentoring; Go Girls/Game On Mentoring; The Platform (LGBTQTwoSpirit+), The Zone (Newcomer Young People).


Parenting after Separation/Divorce – Parents attend an educational course about the negative effects of separation/divorce and how to cope. Positive parenting strategies are taught to help keep the children out of their parent’s conflicts and to maintain a healthy relationship.