Four years ago, James Kulatkowski was living on the streets and was forced to eat from garbage bins.

Today James works as a handyman doing renovations and odd jobs and has a place to live. But he still struggles to make ends meet and buy groceries.

“Right now work is slow,” says James. “It's difficult to work steadily during this uncertain economy.”

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When 46 year old Carlos and his two sons were targeted by Columbian guerillias, he escaped to Canada looking for safety and a new beginning.

“It was difficult leaving my whole life behind, but I truly feared if I didn’t leave, my sons and I would be killed,” says Carlos.

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When a tumour on four year old Maggie's optical nerve robbed her of her vision, her parents reached out to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), a United Way funded agency that supports those who are visually impaired.

"An early intervention specialist helped Maggie adjust to her blindness, and also gave her sensory and Braille activities to prepare her for school,” says Maggie’s mom Lisa. “A mobility specialist taught Maggie how to get around independently using a cane.”

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When Surjit’s husband died suddenly, she lost her zest for life and didn’t leave the house for more than four months.

“I felt depressed and didn’t want to face people,” she says. “All I wanted to do was stay home and stare at the walls.”

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