UCalgary celebrates shared purpose with United Way, launches 2025 Workplace Campaign

The 2025 United Way Workplace Campaign at the University of Calgary 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 UCalgary and the United Way of Calgary and Area has raised more than $11 million, helping to reduce vulnerability and strengthen communities across the region.

Aligned with the university’s Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan, and impactful initiatives like One Child Every Child, the annual campaign highlights the impact and power of research.

By strengthening mental health supports and promoting safe, respectful relationships, UCalgary research is advancing solutions that support families today, while building a healthier, more resilient future.

Here are two examples of UCalgary-based programs that share the same focus with United Way.

Strengthening mental health for families

Strong communities start with strong mental health. That’s why Dr. Dawn Kingston, PhD, a professor in the Faculty of Nursing, 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 HOPE platform, a digital tool that helps women assess their emotional health, understand their symptoms and take practical steps toward healing. 

“By 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,” 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.

“Ultimately, when women are supported, it strengthens families and builds resilience across generations,” 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. UCalgary researchers are addressing this challenge at its roots by supporting parents and caregivers in guiding young people toward healthy relationships.

Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence has advanced innovative, evidence-based strategies to prevent domestic and adolescent-dating violence. It was founded in 2010 by Lana Wells, BSW’96, MSW’97, an associate professor in the Faculty of Social Work 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 ConnectED Parents, 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.

“If we want to end domestic violence, we can’t just respond to harm after it’s happened; we have to stop it before it starts. And that’s what ConnectED Parents is all about,” says Lianne Lee, violence-prevention strategist with Shift.

“What sets the initiative apart is that we deliver research-backed, healthy relationship tips straight to parents’ phones, so they fit seamlessly into daily life,” says Lee, BA’03, BEd’06, MA’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: “Our aim is to equip every parent to teach healthy relationship skills so young people grow up in safe, respectful relationships, reducing adolescent-dating violence.” 

She notes that prevention not only protects youth, it also lowers a key risk for adult domestic violence.

“ConnectED Parents is helping to build healthier families and a violence-free future,” Lee says, highlighting how the initiative aligns with UCalgary’s 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 Calgary’s communities. You can get involved in ways that fit your schedule and interests:

• One-time or recurring donations: Every contribution, big or small, supports essential services for Calgarians in need. Your donation goes directly to helping the most vulnerable in our community.
• Sparks of Gratitude Campaign: UCalgary staff can show appreciation for their colleagues by participating in UCalgary’s “Sparks of Gratitude” 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 United Way programs and initiatives.
• Attend events: Join workshops, fundraisers or campaign activities on campus to amplify impact.

Every action helps build stronger and safer communities. Together, UCalgary and United Way are creating lasting change for Calgary and beyond.