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.

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

About the Episode 

In this episode of United Way’sDo Local Good podcast, hosts Baichi Chaki and Yawa Idi are joined by Emma Potter from Canadian Mental Health Association and Ashley Baxter from WIN House for a vital conversation on gender-based violence and the strength it takes to survive and rebuild. 

Together, they explore the layered realities survivors face and the essential role of trauma-informed support. From emergency shelter to long-term outreach, this episode highlights the importance of meeting people where they are, with compassion, consistency, and connection. Listeners will also learn about how 211 Alberta helps survivors navigate resources like shelter, food, and mental health support, making sure no one has to face violence alone. 

Featured Programs and Resources  

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/ 

Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton 

Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton offers a variety of programs and services that assist individuals with reaching their short and long-term mental health goals. 

Learn More --> https://edmonton.cmha.ca/ 

WIN House 

WIN House offers women, non-binary individuals, and children a safe place to flee domestic violence where they can access safety, support, relief, and resources.  

Learn More --> https://www.winhouse.org/ 

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 deepest thanks to Emma Potter from Canadian Mental Health Association and Ashley Baxter from WIN House for sharing their insight and expertise on what it truly means to support survivors of gender-based violence with compassion and care. 

Our gratitude also goes to hosts Baichi Chaki and Yawa Idi for leading this vital conversation, and to the teams at WIN House, CMHA, and 211 Alberta for the life-changing work they do every day. 

And to every listener — thank you for tuning in, for showing up for survivors, and for continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities. 

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. 

Relentless Outreach: Unlocking an Untapped Youth Workforce 
 

In this episode of Do Local Good podcast, hosts Nate Spasiuk and Josh Smith sit down with Ryan Beard from YOUCAN Youth Services alongside program participants Kiana Brooks and Abdulrahman Mursal for a powerful conversation about resilience, employment, and what it truly means to meet people where they are. 

Together, they explore YOUCAN’s philosophy of Relentless Outreach, a commitment to never giving up on youth who have often been let down by traditional systems of education, employment, and social support. Through honest storytelling, listeners hear how YOUCAN builds trust, accountability, and confidence by offering individualized, trauma-informed pathways to work. 

From navigating housing instability and mental health challenges to celebrating milestones like ringing the YOUCAN bell, this episode highlights how programs like Verto and Road to Work help youth move from survival to stability. The conversation also challenges employers and young leaders to rethink what “job readiness” really looks like and to recognize the immense, untapped potential in youth who simply need the right support to succeed. 

This is not just a conversation about social services, it's about building a stronger workforce and a more inclusive community, one young person at a time. 

Featured Programs and Resources 

• YOUCAN Youth Services - YOUCAN Youth Services empowers youth facing significant barriers to employment by combining paid training, industry-recognized certifications, and intensive wraparound supports delivered through their Relentless Outreach model. Their programs focus on building stability, confidence, and real-world job readiness with ongoing follow-up to ensure youth not only secure employment but sustain long-term success. 
  Learn More → https://youcan.ca/
   
• Road to Work - A five-week paid pre-employment program for youth aged 18–25 that prepares participants for careers in construction, road building, and traffic safety. Youth gain industry-relevant safety certifications, hands-on tool training, and employability skills while earning an hourly allowance. After completion, participants receive support connecting with employers and transitioning into the workforce. 
  Learn More → https://youcan.ca/our-programs/road-to-work/  

• Verto - A 20-week full-time employment readiness program for youth aged 18–24 designed to help participants build stability, confidence, and work habits before entering the workforce. The program combines personal and employment skill development with a 12-week paid placement and ongoing support to ensure a successful transition into employment or education.
  Learn More → https://youcan.ca/our-programs/verto-project/ 

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 Acknowledgment 
 

We extend our sincere thanks to Ryan, Kiana, and Mursal for sharing their experiences and insights so openly. Your stories bring to life what Relentless Outreach looks like in action and why believing in people, even when they doubt themselves, can change everything. 

Thank you as well to the entire team at YOUCAN Youth Services for their unwavering commitment to youth, and for partnering with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to help ensure the next generation has access to meaningful opportunities. 

To every listener, thank you for tuning in and continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities. 

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. 

You don’t need a massive organization to make a massive difference. In this episode of Do Local Good, hosts Sean Singh and Brett Eigner sit down with Katelyn Petersen (former Chief Experience Officer) and Krista Davis (Director of People Operations) from RunWithIt Synthetics (RWI).

RWI is an Edmonton-based tech company that creates accurate, geospatial digital twins of cities—think SimCity, but for real-life decision-making. Instead of traditional volunteering, RWI partnered with United Way to apply their unique skills to the All In for Youth program.

By hosting an internal "hackathon," the RWI team used synthetic modeling to visualize the long-term, generational benefits of increasing high school graduation rates in Edmonton. This episode explores how skills-based volunteering can revolutionize corporate social responsibility (CSR), boost employee engagement through initiatives like "Give Back Bingo," and prove that small businesses can be powerful drivers of community resilience.

In this episode, we cover:

• How RunWithIt Synthetics uses digital modeling to predict future outcomes.
• The story behind their "All In for Youth" data hackathon.
• How to build a culture of giving in a small, remote-friendly team.
• Advice for small businesses looking to start their own CSR campaigns.

How Relational Hospitality Builds Belonging 

About the Episode

What if community care felt less like an appointment and more like coming home?  

In this episode of Do Local Good, host Vasu sits down with Omar, Ibrahim, and Ali from IslamicFamily (IFSSA) to explore how relational hospitality is reshaping support across the Edmonton community. Together, they share how the organization centres relationships over transactions in its approach to community care. 

From thoughtfully designed spaces that reduce stress and foster trust, to delivering services in multiple languages that meet newcomers where they are, the conversation highlights how environment and approach directly influence outcomes. The team shares how Empower U moves beyond short-term assistance by equipping participants with culturally relevant financial literacy to help break cycles of poverty.  

The discussion also explores The Green Room, a youth initiative designed as a “third space” — not school, not mosque, not home — but a welcoming environment where young people can explore identity, faith, and community without judgment. In a time marked by increasing isolation, these relational spaces do more than provide services; they cultivate belonging.  

This episode invites listeners to reconsider what effective social services look like and asks: What becomes possible when care is rooted in relationship rather than transaction? 

Featured Programs and Resources

IslamicFamily 

IslamicFamily supports individuals and families in the Edmonton area through compassionate, culturally sensitive care that helps the whole person flourish. Their programs span essential needs support, counselling, youth initiatives like The Green Room, newcomer services, and financial literacy education. Their work uplifts the community by offering comprehensive, culturally grounded support and safe spaces where people can connect, grow, and thrive. 

Learn More → https://www.islamicfamily.ca/

The Green Room 

The Green Room is an IslamicFamily initiative dedicated to supporting racialized and newcomer Muslim youth and young adults. It offers a safe and welcoming space where individuals can connect, learn, and grow while expressing their faith, culture, and creativity. 

The Green Room provides a range of activities, programs, and services that promote well-being, educational advancement, and community engagement. It supports young people navigating contemporary challenges, seeking meaningful connections, and exploring opportunities that foster belonging and purpose. 

Learn More → https://www.thegreenroomyeg.ca 

Empower U 

Empower U is a financial literacy program delivered in partnership with the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region that helps participants build long-term economic stability. It combines practical money management skills with culturally relevant supports to help individuals and families strengthen financial confidence, set goals, and reduce cycles of dependency. At IslamicFamily, Empower U is offered in multiple languages to better serve diverse newcomer and community populations. 

Learn More → https://www.myunitedway.ca/how-we-help/life-skills/empower-u/ 

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 Acknowledgment 

Thank you to Omar, Ibrahim, and Ali for sharing your perspectives and lived experiences, and for demonstrating what spaces of belonging can look like in practice. 

We also extend our appreciation to the entire team at IslamicFamily for your continued commitment to serving the Edmonton community with dignity, intention, and care, and for partnering with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to strengthen support systems for individuals and families. 

To every listener, thank you for tuning in and for continuing to champion what it means to do local good in our communities. 

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.