United Voices WRC

United Voices WRC

by United Way Waterloo Region Communities
Non-ProfitSociety & Culture
Season 1
“Why We Should Care”: A Conversation About Waterloo Region with Mike Farwell
In this episode of United Voices, Senior Director of Community Engagement & Communications Scott Hamilton sits down with longtime broadcaster and community champion Mike Farwell. Best known as the voice of the Kitchener Rangers and host of The Mike Farwell Show, Mike opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his lifelong commitment to giving back—including how the loss of his sisters to cystic fibrosis inspired his Farwell for Hire fundraising campaign, now surpassing $1.3 million. Together, Scott and Mike explore why volunteerism matters, how sports can strengthen communities, finding motivation during tough times, and the balance between holiday consumerism and generosity. Filled with honesty, warmth, and barn-raiser spirit, this is an inspiring reminder that we are always stronger together—and that kindness costs nothing.
S1 · E25
Dec 11, 2025
24:22
Behind the Mic with Onward Media: Storytelling that Gives Back
This special episode is a collaboration between United Voices and Onward Media Group, co-produced and shared with slight variations across both platforms. In this lively conversation, Darren Bondy and Jill Lawrie reflect on 18 months of partnership; celebrating collaboration, impact, and growth. Expect plenty of laughter, memorable stories, and one big takeaway: the power of connection and the unique magic that makes Waterloo Region such an extraordinary community. Get to know the Onward team better at Onward Media Group | Professional Cinematography & Media Production
S1 · E24
Nov 3, 2025
20:01
Renovictions: Housing Insecurity in Our Community with Megan Walker of the Social Development Centre
In this episode of United Voices, we sit down with Meg from the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region to unpack the growing issue of renovictions - when tenants are forced out of their homes under the guise of major renovations. We explore what renovictions mean for individuals and families in Cambridge, North Dumfries, and across the region, and how this practice contributes to housing insecurity, displacement, and rising poverty. Meg shares stories from community members with lived experience, the role of advocacy in protecting tenants’ rights, and what systemic change is needed to ensure everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.
S1 · E23
Sep 22, 2025
20:39
A Game Changer for Student Outcomes with Erin Moraghan of Nutrition for Learning
In this special back-to-school episode, United Voices welcomes Erin Moraghan, CEO of Nutrition for Learning, for a conversation about food, equity, and opportunity. Serving more than 2 million meals every year, Nutrition for Learning is a game-changer for students across Waterloo Region. Erin discusses the organization’s bold vision: moving beyond being just a band-aid for hunger to becoming a vital tool for student and community success. From growing programs to tackling systemic barriers, this episode highlights why United Way is proud to support and partner with Nutrition for Learning — and why access to food is at the heart of building a stronger community for all.
S1 · E22
Sep 3, 2025
21:18
Settle, Work, Belong: How Community Networks Support Newcomers
In this episode of United Voices, we sit down with Tara Bedard, Executive Director of Immigration Partnership, to explore how Waterloo Region is supporting newcomers as they settle, work, and belong. Tara shares insight into why building a strong network of services is critical for immigrant success — and why, even amid federal cuts to permanent resident targets, supporting immigrants matters now more than ever. This conversation highlights the power of welcome, community collaboration, and the collective role we all play in helping new Canadians thrive.
S1 · E21
Jul 28, 2025
26:23
Healing, Hope, and the Child Witness Centre
In this episode of United Voices, we speak with Robin Heald, Executive Director of the Child Witness Centre, to explore the organization’s vital role in supporting children and youth navigating the justice system after abuse or violence. Robin also shares her own powerful personal story - a moving reminder of why this work matters. To learn more about the Child Witness Centre and they work they do visit childwitness.com. To hear Robin’s story you can watch her CBC Documentary at https://tr.ee/u3IVYa
S1 · E20
Jul 16, 2025
32:46
Shining a Light: Mental Health, Housing, Humanity, and Hope with Porchlight
In this special double length episode of United Voices, we shine a light on the intersection of housing, humanity, and community with special guest Cameron Dearlove, Executive Director of Porchlight. Cameron shares his personal journey into community work and the bold vision behind Porchlight’s efforts to tackle housing instability and build lasting support systems in Waterloo Region. From the challenges of systemic inequity to the power of local partnerships, this conversation highlights the critical work being done to ensure everyone has a place to call home and a community that cares.
S1 · E19
Jul 7, 2025
27:22
Changing lives one word, one number, and one click at a time - The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region
In this episode of United Voices, we speak with Chris Prosser, Executive Director of The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region. Chris shares how adult literacy, numeracy, and digital skills are essential tools for equity and inclusion and how The Literacy Group is helping people build the confidence and skills they need to thrive. Whether it’s reading to a grandchild, filling out a job application, or navigating a digital world, the ability to learn and adapt opens doors to a brighter future. Tune in to hear how literacy connects us all and how you can help support lifelong learning in our community. For all information about our programs, visit http://theliteracygroup.com
S1 · E18
Jun 23, 2025
22:30
United in Pride: Building Joyful, Inclusive Communities with Grand River Pride
In this special Pride Month episode of United Voices, we sit down with Bryan Causarano-Bolton, co-founder of Grand River Pride. From its beginnings as a small drag show in Cambridge to becoming a major force for LGBTQ+ celebration and support across the region, Grand River Pride is helping to build safer, more joyful, and more inclusive communities. Bryan shares the story behind the movement, the power of joy in the face of adversity, and how we can all get involved.
S1 · E17
Jun 9, 2025
18:01
When Women Rise, Communities Thrive
In this episode of United Voices, we speak with Jennifer Hutton, CEO of Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, about how healing from trauma often begins with compassion and a safe environment. Jennifer shares how their innovative music therapy program is helping women and children recovering from domestic violence rebuild their confidence, express emotion, and find moments of peace. We also highlight the incredible impact of a $20,000 donation from Women United, which has helped sustain this powerful.
S1 · E16
May 26, 2025
21:30
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