Growing up with the United Way

Talena Jackson-Martineau, field education co-ordinator for the School of Social Work in the Faculty of Community Services, shares her personal story of growing up with the United Way. Now a Ryerson United Way Ambassador, she is spreading the word within the community about the impact of their work.

To learn more about Ryerson’s commitment to the United Way or to make a donation to this year’s campaign before it comes to a close, please visit the Ryerson United Way website.

Growing up with the United Way
My long-standing relationship with United Way Greater Toronto (external link)  began when I was four years old. Due to financial insecurity, my young parents were struggling to purchase Christmas presents for me and my brothers, but somehow discovered Central Neighbourhood House (external link) , a United Way member agency. It was there that I remember seeing Santa for the first time.

I was eight when my mom enrolled me in piano lessons at another United Way member agency, Dixon Hall (external link) . Being enrolled in Dixon Hall’s Music School opened up another world for me. I attended the Toronto Symphony, received a personal invitation from Queen’s Park to meet with Lieutenant-Governor Lincoln Alexander, and attended my first sleepaway camp. At camp, I experienced many firsts: I saw a shooting star, roasted marshmallows on a bonfire, saw crayfish and fell into a skunk hole (luckily, I was not sprayed). Playing the piano began my life-long interest in music, which led to me playing the clarinet, bass clarinet and bassoon in junior high and high school.

Thriving with continued support
When I began working in the mental health sector, I applied for and was accepted into the innovative and dynamic Creative Institute for Toronto’s Young Leaders, commonly referred to as CITY Leaders. This leadership development education program for youth was designed and implemented by United Way Greater Toronto, and contained various valuable modules (i.e. program planning and evaluation, financial management, fundraising, conflict resolution and negotiation, and social entrepreneurship and innovation). Through this program, I was mentored by Mary Jo Haddad, who at the time was president and CEO at the Hospital for Sick Children. I had recently graduated from George Brown College’s Social Service Worker program and, during our meetings, Mary Jo and I discussed my ambivalence about returning to school. The best advice she gave me was that learning does not stop and I should apply to a bachelor of social work program.

I was accepted into Ryerson’s bachelor of social work program and my mentor was absolutely right. I have had the wonderful opportunity to be taught by amazing faculty in the School of Social Work, most notably, Gordon Pon. His student-centered pedagogy truly made the classroom alive with inclusivity, rich and deeply impactful dialectical discussions, and perhaps, most importantly, a genuine sense of belonging.

Paying it forward
I recently completed my master of social work degree at Ryerson and currently work in the School of Social Work as a field education co-ordinator. This is a role that I cherish deeply. I’m able to work with students effectively due to the staff learning opportunities I took part in at Ryerson, and often draw upon my experiences as a placement student and my experiences working within communities.

Currently, I am a very active volunteer for United Way Greater Toronto. This is a life-long commitment due to their exceptional work in our communities and I am thrilled that Ryerson is a steadfast supporter of their work.