Media Release
August 20, 2024
Connecting Windsor-Essex Partners with ProsperUS Initiative to Promote Digital Inclusion
Windsor, Ontario – Connecting Windsor-Essex (CWE) and United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent announced today the impact of a recent collaboration to foster digital inclusion for members of their Community Action Network (CAN). United Way has been acting as the backbone agency for the ProsperUs collective impact strategy aimed at reducing regional childhood poverty since 2018.
The Community Action Network, as part of the broader Cradle to Career strategy , is the community engagement platform for the residents living in areas of our community experiencing higher rates of childhood poverty. CAN members meet regularly to create solutions and inform advocacy efforts to make lasting change for children, youth and families experiencing significant barriers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, disparities became more pronounced and it was noticed that over 50% of the CAN membership had no reliable access to internet or a device to use to take part in virtual meetings as the group pivoted to fully virtual meetings. After raising this concern to the ProsperUs Executive Leadership Roundtable, a working group comprised of over 40 regional leaders and organizations, Connecting Windsor-Essex, the only non-profit organization in the region focused on connectivity and cybersecurity of the public sector and a private sector consortium, took immediate action to bridge the digital divide.
By uniting 46 dedicated participants—including youth, parents, subject matter experts, and frontline service providers—the Community Action Network has successfully launched Ignite Academy, an initiative that has empowered over 450 individuals and families across the Windsor-Essex County. The commitment and collaboration of CAN members have driven personal and professional growth while also strengthening community relationships, highlighting the power of working together to create positive change.
Leveraging wide-reaching vendor relationships, CWE quickly procured and donated 56 Apple iPads representing a contribution of both time and technology totaling $40,000 to ProsperUs to distribute to families in priority neighbourhoods participating in the CAN.
“Empowering our community through digital inclusion is a vital step towards a more equitable future,” said Jessica Sartori, Co-Chair of ProsperUs Leadership Council. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Connecting Windsor-Essex to address these critical needs. By providing access to essential technology, we are not only helping to bridge the digital divide but also reinforcing our commitment to creating opportunities for children, youth, and their families in Windsor-Essex County. Together, we can build a more connected and inclusive community for all.”
“Being a part of helping people in the Windsor-Essex region build the future is a key priority for Connecting Windsor Essex”, said Joanne Soave, Chief Executive Officer of Connecting Windsor-Essex. “That is why we are delighted to support the ProsperUs initiative both through
this contribution and through our presence on the ProsperUs Executive Leadership Roundtable. With a firm commitment to bridging the digital divide, we’re taking strides to ensure that every member of our community has access to the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to thrive.”, Soave added.
To learn more about how Connecting Windsor-Essex, United Way and PropserUs are working together to support digital inclusion visit: https://cw-e.ca/telling-the-story-prosperus/
About Connecting Windsor-Essex
Connecting Windsor-Essex is a non-profit organization at the heartbeat of collaboration in Windsor-Essex, dedicated to elevating the region’s prosperity and resilience by providing connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital transformation solutions to public sector stakeholders and a consortium of private sector companies. Learn more about CWE at: https://cw-e.ca/
About United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent and ProsperUs
Together, we can help local kids find the path out of poverty. Our vision at United Way is that a generation from now, Windsor-Essex County is a prosperous community where all children have the ability to achieve their dreams and reach their potential. Visit www.weareunited.com
The ProsperUs Cradle to Career (C2C) strategy aims to create a continuum of support for children and youth from the time they’re born until they find a career. Research has shown us that locally some children are falling behind and are at risk of living in poverty as an adult. C2C can change the trajectory for youth through education, the clearest pathway to success. Learn more at www.weunlockpotential.com
Media Contacts:
Joanne Soave, Chief Executive Officer
Connecting Windsor-Essex
CEO@cw-e.ca
226-674-3636 x 202
Dina Misur, Interim VP of Brand Experience
United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent
dmisur@weareunited.com
519-567-8735
