Category: Article Mentions

23 Oct

Demar Harris Joins United Way of Lake County’s Board

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions

Recently, United Way of Lake County welcomed seven new members to their Board of Directors.  We will be highlighting each of the new members on our blog.  Next up, hear from Demar Harris, Director of Programs and EEO Officer at Lake County Workforce, about why he decided to join the Board.

What inspired you to join United Way of Lake County’s Board of Directors?

United Way of Lake County has established and implemented an array of community programs that have positively impacted Lake County and the community I reside in. I read United Way’s newsletter that illustrated the importance of  their Success By 6 programming, and how kids that are exposed to reading and educational resources at an early age dramatically increase their learning capacity. That inspired me to be part of an organization that is providing an educational ladder for our youth of tomorrow. I felt joining United Way’s Board of Directors would allow me to learn, and be intimately involved in their programming, and fulfill my social economic responsibility by being an active board member

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I find the Stay in School programming appealing. The mission of helping youth and their families overcome barriers to graduation really hits home to me. This program allows students and parents to understand career pathways, meet industry professionals, and expose them to work environments. Programs like this can really change the trajectory of a student, parent, and the generation that follows. I want to be part of that agent of change within Lake County and leverage any resources I encompass to contribute to future generations.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

Supporting the mission of “Building Safe and Stable Families” means I live in a community that is stable, safe, and enriching for my family. Supporting United Ways mission allows businesses and volunteer members to uplift others and be a positive impact within their communities.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

09 Oct

Wygenia Brisco Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I was inspired to become a volunteer with Women United, a critical community within United Way of Lake County that fights for the education of our youngest learners in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities, due to the educational funding support in the community. As a person committed to helping in the community, the programs that are funded by Women United are key to providing necessary programs that will make a difference for children and families.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

Reading in the schools is a great connection for me. Interacting with the children, seeing their faces and smiles when they understand the book I am reading or the craft we are making is so rewarding.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

Supporting the mission of United Way is very important to me and being a part of the programs that support my community is very rewarding. When passing by a school that we repainted the states on a map or numbers, brings a great feeling to my heart. The mission of educational programs is a need in this community.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

05 Oct

Karen Jones Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

United Way has always been a part of my life, and after moving to Lake County while employed at Abbott, I started donating to United Way of Lake County because I believe in their mission. United Way of Lake County’s mission is to unite leadership and resources to create lasting change in Lake County, and they continue to use our financial resources wisely to make impactful changes.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I connect most with education, as it is a key focus of United Way of Lake County and is very important to me. I believe all children should be given a chance to succeed. As a youth growing up in a challenging environment in Philadelphia, education was my path to new opportunities. I volunteer with Women United of Lake County to continue to give more youth that support of early education.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

Supporting United Way’s mission is not just supporting our community, it’s supporting the next generation of leaders. We all must continue to live by the motto “Each One Teach One”, as we each continue investing in our youth.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

03 Oct

Glenda Abbott Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I first became involved with United Way of Lake County many years ago through Abbott’s Employee Giving Campaign. I understood the importance of giving back to the community where I lived and worked, so I started volunteering for service projects with my work colleagues. In an area with such prosperity and opportunity, it was humbling to see the critical issues that affect so many families in Lake County. From my first experience to my most recent experience many years later, United Way continues to be laser-focused on helping families thrive in our local community.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

As the parent of two children, I am especially connected to United Way’s commitment to early childhood education. Providing strong educational opportunities for children is fundamental to helping children be successful throughout their lives. This is what I want for my children. I believe this is what every parent wants for their children. United Way is committed to developing programs and uniting resources in the community to help “at risk” children be successful in school. This is my passion and commitment as well.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

In contrast to some programs that focus on symptoms, United Way is focused on addressing the underlying causes of critical issues. Breaking the cycle of poverty is pivotal for addressing the causes and to prevent these issues in the future. Providing supplemental educational opportunities for children in need has been proven to offer a high return on investment in terms of prevention. One of my favorite quotes, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.”, reminds me of why this is so important.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

28 Sep

Frank and Diane Weitekamper Choose United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I became more aware of the work of United Way of Lake County through my work at Abbott, which supports United Way through company contributions as well as offers a way for employees to contribute through an annual employee giving campaign. I was looking for other ways to get involved beyond financial support. One of the things that resonates with me is United Way’s fundamental purpose of helping people in our communities who are in need, which in turn, strengthens our communities overall. And, in my work with United Way, I am always inspired by the passionate staff and energetic volunteers who are tirelessly committed to helping people live better lives.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I have a personal passion for the work aimed at preparing children to reach their full potential. I had the opportunity to help get the Reading Success program off the ground about 10 years ago. It was an eye-opening and rewarding experience to work alongside the staff at United Way, local school administrators, and other volunteers to ensure the schools were equipped with books, backpacks, tutors and other resources to set up children for reading and learning success.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

It’s important to me to support United Way’s mission because we all benefit when we have strong communities. Lake County is a great place to live, work and raise a family. In a sense, I feel each of us is a steward of our community and can do our part by offering some of our time and resources to make it better for our neighbors who may not be as fortunate.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

26 Sep

Kate Collins Joins United Way of Lake County’s Board

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions

Recently, United Way of Lake County welcomed seven new members to their Board of Directors.  We will be highlighting each of the new members on our blog.  First up, hear from Kate Collins about why she decided to join the Board.

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I grew up in a community that was far more likely to be the recipient of charity than the donor. I simply wasn’t exposed to philanthropy at an early age. It wasn’t until I joined Abbott and began to participate in Abbott’s Employee Giving Campaign (ECG) that I started to understand the importance of giving back. Abbott’s EGC began as a United Way campaign and, to this day, United Way remains a very important component of our campaign. As I became increasingly involved in our corporate campaign, I became more familiar with United Way and the many ways the lives of so many of my neighbors in Lake County have been improved by this organization.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I think it’s the inclusivity of United Way’s approach that I value most. Many charities target very specific needs. United Way, on the other hand, targets whole communities. United Way of Lake County works with dozens of community partners and funds programs that promote healthy early childhood development and empower families throughout Beach Park, North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion. Broad-based community support with measurable outcomes is hard to beat. I guess I’m a utilitarian at heart.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

Of course, there is a world of need and many ways to provide support, but starting with the health and welfare of our local communities feels right to me. My company operates globally and I have the good fortune to work with colleagues and customers in over 100 countries, but I never want to lose sight of the needs of those closest to home.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

26 Sep

Maria Colunga Joins United Way of Lake County’s Board

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions

Recently, United Way of Lake County welcomed seven new members to their Board of Directors.  We will be highlighting each of the new members on our blog.  Next up, hear from Maria Colunga, Parent Coordinator at Round Lake Area School District #116, about why she decided to join the Board.

What inspired you to join United Way of Lake County’s Board of Directors?

I was inspired by the deep commitment demonstrated by the United Way of Lake County Board of Directors to enhance and improve the lives of all Lake County families.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I feel a profound connection to the programs and services geared toward preparing children for kindergarten. I truly believe a child’s strong educational foundation can shape their future.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

It is vital to support United Way’s mission because it constitutes a long-term investment in our communities that creates a positive impact on current and future generations.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

20 Sep

Kate Collins Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I grew up in a community that was far more likely to be the recipient of charity than the donor. I simply wasn’t exposed to philanthropy at an early age. It wasn’t until I joined Abbott and began to participate in Abbott’s Employee Giving Campaign (ECG) that I started to understand the importance of giving back. Abbott’s EGC began as a United Way campaign and, to this day, United Way remains a very important component of our campaign. As I became increasingly involved in our corporate campaign, I became more familiar with United Way and the many ways the lives of so many of my neighbors in Lake County have been improved by this organization.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I think it’s the inclusivity of United Way’s approach that I value most. Many charities target very specific needs. United Way, on the other hand, targets whole communities. United Way of Lake County works with dozens of community partners and funds programs that promote healthy early childhood development and empower families throughout Beach Park, North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion. Broad-based community support with measurable outcomes is hard to beat. I guess I’m an utilitarian at heart.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

Of course, there is a world of need and many ways to provide support, but starting with the health and welfare of our local communities feels right to me. My company operates globally and I have the good fortune to work with colleagues and customers in over 100 countries, but I never want to lose sight of the needs of those closest to home.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

20 Sep

Tony Thompson Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

My initial exposure to United Way was through my employer. I was struck by the breadth of services that the organization provides to the community. It presented a wonderful opportunity to make contributions that benefit many on a variety of fronts.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

Providing diverse educational opportunities and experiences for those that may not readily have access.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

I think that United Way’s mission is representative of what we all want to do for each other in one way, shape or form.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

20 Sep

Frank Weitekamper Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I became more aware of the work of United Way of Lake County through my work at Abbott, which supports United Way through company contributions as well as offers a way for employees to contribute through an annual employee giving campaign. I was looking for other ways to get involved beyond financial support. One of the things that resonates with me is United Way’s fundamental purpose of helping people in our communities who are in need, which in turn, strengthens our communities overall. And, in my work with United Way, I am always inspired by the passionate staff and energetic volunteers who are tirelessly committed to helping people live better lives.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I have a personal passion for the work aimed at preparing children to reach their full potential. I had the opportunity to help get the Reading Success program off the ground about 10 years ago. It was an eye-opening and rewarding experience to work alongside the staff at United Way, local school administrators, and other volunteers to ensure the schools were equipped with books, backpacks, tutors and other resources to set up children for reading and learning success.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

It’s important to me to support United Way’s mission because we all benefit when we have strong communities. Lake County is a great place to live, work and raise a family. In a sense, I feel each of us is a steward of our community and can do our part by offering some of our time and resources to make it better for our neighbors who may not be as fortunate.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

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