As we step into a new year, it feels like the perfect time to celebrate and express our gratitude for the invaluable partnership between Faith in Families and the Waterloo Foundation. For 17 years, the Waterloo Foundation has been a beacon of support for countless charities, and their commitment to creating positive change has profoundly impacted the communities we serve.
Who Are the Waterloo Foundation?
The Waterloo Foundation (TWF) is a dynamic and forward-thinking independent grant-making foundation based in Wales. Over the years, they have dedicated themselves to supporting transformative projects in areas such as child development, social justice, the environment, and global health. In 2024 alone, they approved 252 grants for a diverse range of initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to improving lives both locally and globally.
Their values align closely with our mission at Faith in Families: to nurture and empower families and children, providing the support they need to thrive. From advancing education to promoting well-being, their grants make it possible for us to carry out vital work in our communities.
Supporting Faith in Families
Faith in Families is proud to be one of the organisations supported by the Waterloo Foundation. Their generosity has played a crucial role in enabling us to deliver life-changing services, including Cwtch Mawr, our community cwtches, and our parenting support programs.
Cwtch Mawr
Cwtch Mawr is our multi-bank initiative, providing essential items and practical support to families in need. With the help of the Waterloo Foundation, we’ve been able to expand our services and ensure that families facing challenges have access to the resources they require. While not a drop-in centre, Cwtch Mawr offers a structured and supportive environment to help families navigate difficult times.
Inspiring Futures Project
One of the most transformative Waterloo-funded projects is the Inspiring Futures Project, which ran from January to December 2024. This project supported a full-time Outreach Worker who played a pivotal role in delivering holistic family support. Through group sessions, one-to-one support, and various community events, the project achieved remarkable outcomes:
- Direct Support: 230 clients were supported through activities or one-to-one sessions, with 87 receiving ongoing support.
- Family Engagement: Parent and Toddler groups welcomed 41 parents and children.
- Community Events: Highlights included International Ladies Day with 70 attendees, Ladies Pamper Day with 52 participants, and a Back to School event attended by over 1,100 individuals.
- Family Tea Sessions: 64 sessions provided home-cooked meals, fostering a sense of community and easing financial pressures.
- Education and Employment: 42 clients accessed accredited courses, 8 secured employment, and 7 began volunteering, empowering them with skills and confidence.
Parenting Support Programs
Our parenting support programs are tailored to equip families with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Thanks to the Foundation’s funding, we can deliver workshops, one-to-one sessions, and community events that foster stronger, healthier family relationships.
Transformative Impact
The funding and support from the Waterloo Foundation have addressed critical challenges, including:
- Food Insecurity: Hundreds of families benefited from food vouchers, meal programmes, and foodbank referrals.
- Mental Health: Early intervention services provided much-needed support to children and parents.
- Cost of Living Crisis: Practical initiatives such as budgeting support and grant applications empowered families to navigate financial difficulties.
- Community Engagement: Events like Family Tea Sessions and Back to School celebrations strengthened trust, reduced isolation, and built community connections.
Real Stories of Change
Miriam’s Story: A single carer for her granddaughters, Miriam participated in afterschool and holiday sessions, Family Tea Sessions, and received food vouchers through our Compassionate Christmas Campaign. These initiatives eased her financial strain and strengthened her connection to the community.
Chelsea’s Story: A young mum, Chelsea received parenting advice, accessed a diagnosis pathway for her child, and completed a Teaching Assistant course. With the help of our programmes, she gained employment and new opportunities for her family.
A Shared Vision for Social Justice
The Waterloo Foundation’s emphasis on social justice resonates deeply with our work. In 2024, TWF supported the first All Wales Social Justice Conference, highlighting the transformative power of the third sector. This event brought together diverse voices and powerful stories, inspiring us to continue advocating for those who need it most.
Looking Ahead Together
The Foundation’s dedication to tackling challenges head-on—whether through addressing economic hardships, improving mental health, or advocating for environmental sustainability—encourages us to dream bigger for the communities we serve. Their Pathways Out of Poverty initiative and unwavering support for young carers exemplify their commitment to building a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Thank You
To the Waterloo Foundation, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support enables us to create lasting change in the lives of families and children. Together, we’re shaping a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
As we embark on 2025, we look forward to continuing this incredible partnership and achieving even greater heights together. Here’s to another year of collaboration, compassion, and impactful change.
