United Way and Public Policy Evaluation

social services: But in a sprawling city of 2.8 million people, divided into dozens of neigbourhoods each with different demographics and social needs, how does the agency decide how to allocate those resources The answer is arguably the United Way most powerful tool: research, according to Toronto Star. Evidence is very important to what we do, said Michelynn Laflèche, head of research, public policy and evaluation for United Way Toronto & York Region. The agency is the largest non-governmental supporter of social services in the GTA. Last year it invested more than $80 million in Toronto-area communities, money that went towards funding 764 programs delivered in partnership with 200 community agencies. The studies the agency carries out determine how we make decisions about what we’re going to support and what we think the big issues are that are facing the city. Katherine Scott, vice-president, research and policy at the Canadian Council on Social Development, said the United Way has played a leadership role in publishing studies that inform effective social policy. United Way Toronto & York Region is unique among non-profits in terms of the amount and quality of research that it produces. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.