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31 · Friday, November 20, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com I f you need help, will it be there for you? While United Way of Oakville (UWO) and its funded agencies are able to help thousands of people every year, there are still many more in need. A recent study by Community Development Halton found more than 50 per cent of agencies had an increased demand for services this year and 60 per cent are unable to respond to it. With limited funding, staff and resources, agencies have no choice, but to put clients on a waiting list or increase times on existing waiting lists. At the end of September, Halton Family Services had 195 people on a waiting list, almost double the highest wait list in its 55-year history. Halton Trauma Centre has a wait list of at least six months. Although children and their caregivers receive support during this time, there Getting help now, not later Internationally health concerns, has a waiting list of 20-30 children and an average wait time of two to three months. If a young boy wants to be matched with a male volunteer, the wait time increases to one year. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton has 45 boys waiting to be matched to a mentor. It provides emotional, physical and social needs of children experiencing loneliness, isolation, low self-confidence or lacking familial supports. Waiting lists are an increasing concern in Oakville. Help us do more this year. Visit our website at www.uwoakville.org to find out what our agencies are doing to make Oakville a better community for everyone. Discover how you can be a part of it and help us support people when they ask for it, not months later. -- Submitted by United Way of Oakville trained but can't find a job in your field? If you're an internationally trained professional or business person looking for a job, improve your English and Canadian job search skills with... are possible negative side effects of wait lists, including increased likelihood of re-victimization, undiagnosed posttraumatic stress disorder, social/emotional difficulties and foster/residential placement breakdown. Since November 2008, Halton Trauma Centre has seen a 35 per cent increase in cases and severity of abuse. Most of its clients are under age 13 who are victims of sexual assault, physical violence or have witnessed domestic violence. ROCK-Youth Aiding Youth, an intervention program for kids experiencing mental Enhanced Language Training 8 weeks in Burlington OR 16 weeks (3 evenings and some Saturdays), with online learning in Milton. No cost! Call 905-333-3499, ext. 264 or visit www.thecentre.on.ca agency of Skills International This program is funded by St. Andrew Church Presents A Tour of 8 Homes Decorated for the Yuletide WHY CHOOSE Storage Solutions 4 U? Tea Room - St. Andrew's Parish Center Christmas Boutique - Edgemere Estate Saturday December 5, 2009 9:30am - 4:00pm Tickets $30 Tickets available at the following locations: Saltcreek House 2501 Third Line Watch Us Fashions 1131 Nottinghill Gate The Added Touch 156 Lakeshore Rd.E. House Warmings 178 Lakeshore Rd.E Morrison House 283 Lakeshore Rd. East The Bronze Frog Gallery 162 Lakeshore Rd. E. My Back Shed 2359 Lakeshore Rd. W. Interior Design House 4047 Fairview St. Burlington www.standrewshousetour.ca Finders Keepers Maple Grove Village Mall Winterberry Lane 134 Thomas St. Take Advantage of Home Renovation Tax Credit! Painters Place 478 Dundas West Blyss Hair & Body Upper Middle Shopping Mall For more design ideas, visit our factory showroom at: 2905 Argentia Rd, Unit 8 Mississauga, ON L5N 8G6 N +Z www.storagesolutions4u.ca