11 May

April 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

We Love Our Volunteers!

It’s National Volunteer Month and we’d like to take this time to recognize all of the selfless individuals who lend their time, talent, and support to serve our community. As an organization that relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its mission, this annual celebration is near and dear to our hearts. Day in and day out, our volunteers help enrich the lives of those in need and help build a strong, equitable Lake County where everyone can thrive. Without volunteers, our work is simply not possible. Thank you!

Exploring Science on Earth Day

United Way of Lake County’s Science Speaker initiative brings scientists from local companies to speak with Waukegan students about the field of science and present unique, engaging and interactive learning experiences.

In honor of Earth Day, Science Speakers returned to Glenwood Elementary. A wonderful group of AbbVie scientists helped 5th-grade students dive into the captivating world of chromatography, which is a process for separating components of a mixture. By understanding more about chromatography, we can better appreciate the importance of keeping our environment clean and healthy.

The scientists showed students how to explore the hidden colors in markers and learn how nature creates breathtaking hues by combining different components. Students conducted a hands-on experiment, uncovering the secrets of chromatography and discovering the amazing physics behind how trees and plants drink water.

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) is our free summer learning program for children entering kindergarten this fall who have little to no preschool experience. Children who attend KCC will adjust to the classroom setting, practice following directions and rules, and practice key kindergarten skills. KCC is a great opportunity to get your child prepared to succeed in kindergarten.

Registration is now open for students in the Beach Park, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion school districts. KCC in Beach Park runs from June 5 – 22, Round Lake runs from June 5 – 29, and Waukegan runs from June 5 – 29 and Zion runs July 10 – 20.

Interested? Fill out the form for your school district at the link below.

“Wine & Learn” About Women United

Looking for new ways to connect with amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for children and families in Lake County?

Join Women United for a prospective member Wine & Learn on May 4 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Corked Wine Bar in Long Grove. RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org.

Women United mobilizes more than 130 women to ensure children living in Lake County are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, they have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.

Bond with Your Baby Using “Bright by Text”

Bright by Text has a new program to support new parents in their journey. Parents and caregivers of children ages 0-1 can text the word BOND to 274-448 for free text messages, in English and Spanish, with tips for bonding with their baby and taking care of themselves. Weekly messages share tips for helping new parents bond with their baby and keep both parent and child happy and healthy.

Every Child Deserves a Safe Childhood

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and we have partnered with the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (LCCAC) to help keep every child safe. LCCAC’s Blue Kids Program creates awareness about child abuse in Lake County and encourages parents, teachers, and members of the community to engage youth and encourage education on the topic.

LCCAC has resources for youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, business and more. We encourage you to visit LCCAC’s website.

We’re Hiring: 211 Manager

We are seeking an innovative individual passionate about serving others to develop and lead a team in ensuring that 211 Lake County excels in the delivery of referral services and information to the residents of Lake County. The 211 Manager will be responsible for ensuring that 211 Lake County provides a positive experience for individuals, non-profit organizations and government agencies and is a valued partner to stakeholders throughout the county.

31 Mar

March 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Celebrating Read Across America

In early March, community and corporate volunteers gathered to share the joy of reading with students at Howe Elementary in Beach Park and at Pleviak Elementary in Lake Villa.

The volunteers read stories that amplified this year’s theme, Bringing Communities Together, in both English and Spanish. Each reader shared about their jobs and roles in the community. Then all the books were given to the teachers so that they could continue to grow their classroom libraries.

Teachers love this interaction because it helps to provide a model of reading fluency, introduces new vocabulary, and helps to increase attention spans in our young learners. Our readers also help children see themselves in books, feel validated and confident, and have pride in their experiences and cultures.

Thank you to all our incredible volunteer readers for sharing their love of reading with these students! View photos from both events below.

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Registration is now open for students in the Beach Park, Round Lake and Waukegan school districts. KCC in Beach Park runs from June 5 – 22, Round Lake runs from June 5 – 29, and Waukegan runs from June 5 – 29.

Interested? Fill out the form for your school district at the link below.

Another Successful Year of Mentoring Middle Schoolers

Leaders United, our affinity group of young professionals, recently wrapped up another successful year of their mentoring program called Breakfast Club with the 8th graders at Robert Abbott Middle School in Waukegan.

The students were eager to participate in each session and the conversations were meaningful. They engaged in discussions around topics to support mental wellness and social-emotional learning. We are proud that these students are leaving middle school with more of the tools they need to successfully overcome obstacles as they transition into high school.

To celebrate the students and prepare them for their next steps, each student was gifted with Waukegan High School spirit wear. Each student was also given a journal to keep track of their journey and earbuds to use for their assessments and testing. We are wishing these students much success in high school and beyond!

Thank you to Medline for your support of this program!

Women United’s Corporate Future Leaders of Color Closes Inaugural Year On a High Note

The eleven strong women who took the risk to join the first-ever cohort of Women United’s Corporate Future Leaders of Color program celebrated the end of a wonderful year with their mentors and other United Way supporters on March 14.

The program offered networking, community service, leadership, social, and mentorship opportunities to these women whose companies sponsored their $1,000 investment in Women United. Through a community service project sponsored by AbbVie, one-on-one personalized mentoring meetings, and a series of unique Success Seminars focused on strengths, these leaders grew in their confidence to step into their own leadership professionally and in the community.

Everyone involved enjoyed and learned so much from the program, and Women United is proud to announce they’ll launch a second cohort this coming fall. If you’d like to be a cohort member, mentor, or if you’re a business leader who wishes to invest in one of your up-and-coming women of color, please reach out to Jessica Ceisel at Jessica.Ceisel@uwlakeco.org.

Help Us Win $15K!

Help us win up to $15K from Old National Bank! Old National is donating $500K to community nonprofits in Illinois, Iowa, Northwest Indiana and select areas of Southeast Wisconsin. Use the link below to vote for United Way of Lake County once a day thru March 31!

Black History Month Reading Day in Waukegan

In honor of Black History Month, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) partnered with us to coordinate a special reading day at North Elementary in Waukegan. This event brought GLCU readers into classrooms to share stories that celebrated Black characters, culture and traditions. GLCU sponsored all the books, which were given to the school after the event. Each student also received a copy of the book “Nigel and the Moon” to take home to build their at-home book collection and encourage reading outside of school.

Thank you, GLCU, for being such a strong supporter of Black History Month and our Lake County community!

Aon Serving the Community

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Aon volunteers spent time at Keeping Families Covered where they collected items to share with local families. During their time on site, the volunteers helped with packing diapers and sorting clothing in preparation for future community distributions.

Aon is also gearing up for their Employee Giving Campaign next month. Since 1996, Aon employees have been generous supporters not only with their donations but also with their time. Aon continues to be a great supporter of our work and events.

Thank you to Aon and all the Aon volunteers for taking the time to support our Lake County families! We would also like to thank Michelle Hansen, Senior Partner at Aon and UWLC Board Member, for helping to coordinate this wonderful volunteer event.

Honoring Gale Graves’ Impact

Gale Graves, our VP of Community Impact, was recently honored as a local hero for her work in breaking barriers and impacting the next generation of African American leaders in Lake County. Congratulations, Gale! Thank you to the scholars at Affirm Leadership Christian Academy for recognizing Gale’s impact in the community.

We’re Hiring: 211 Manager

03 Mar

February 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Lake County Celebrates 211 Day!

In special recognition of United Way of Lake County’s 211, the Lake County Board, as well as the City of Waukegan, Village of Gurnee, and City of Zion, have all proclaimed February 11 as “211 Day”! We are grateful to our local government partners for their generous support of our 211 service, as well as the many other partners and individuals who have contributed to help make 211 a reality for our community.

211 has already made a tremendous impact, making nearly 200,000 connections to essential health and human services. 211 Day is a wonderful opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this vital service to improve and save lives here in Lake County.

We invite you to help us spread the word about 211. Check out our social media channels for posts to share and visit 211LakeCounty.org for more information and materials.

Help Create and Revitalize Our Early Learning Trails

As we look ahead to spring and warmer days, we are looking for volunteers to create and revitalize our Early Learning Trails (ELTs) across Lake County. ELTs are publicly accessible outdoor learning games designed to develop children’s academic readiness and encourage active movement and play. The brightly painted trails marked by numbers, letters and shapes help children develop social, cognitive, and kinesthetic skills in a fun and safe space.

Thanks to the generosity of our corporate and community sponsors, children in Lake County have access to dozens of these trails. If you’re interested in creating or revitalizing an ELT with your organization, please contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Because Kids Don’t Come With Instructions

Bright by Text is a great free resource for anyone looking to receive activities, child development information and other tools to assist in their parenting journey. This national texting program’s messages include topics like brain development, health and wellness, STEM, safety and more. The content comes from trusted partners like PBS and Sesame Street and is available in English and Spanish.

It’s easy to sign up. Simply text “UWLC” to 274-448. We only ask for your child’s birth date and zip code. That way, you’ll get messages timed to their exact age and information about local events and resources, including information about our very own early education programs. We will never share your information.

Young Professionals Who Make a Difference

Want to create positive change in your community while connecting and having fun with other young professionals? Leaders United of Lake County is a group within United Way that provides opportunities such as mentoring local middle school students, volunteer projects, building leadership experience, networking with community leaders, and more.

Interested in getting involved? Contact Michelle.Sanchez@uwlakeco.org.

STORY: David Prepares to Succeed in School

In celebration of Better Together being back in session for spring, we would like to share a story about a boy who attended our program named David.

When David was just one year old, David’s mom, Lia, knew how important it was to spend time educating David, so she signed up for United Way of Lake County’s Better Together program. Better Together is for North Chicago families with children birth to three years old. Through Better Together, parents can learn how to become their child’s first teacher and the program provides a safe place where children can develop the readiness, physical and cognitive skills crucial to their education.

David engaged in the weekly program, learning, playing, and exploring. It fostered David’s love of learning and helped to prepare David for success in school. Lia shared that “Better Together helped shape David’s development and prepared him for school in so many ways. David is so smart and detail oriented. He already knows his multiplication!”

When we give children a solid educational foundation, they are better prepared to succeed in school and life. David is well on his way—on his path to success.

Welcome, Angela Ramirez!

Angela Ramirez recently joined our United Way family as Community Engagement Coordinator. Angela comes to us with over three decades of experience in Family and Community Engagement and Bilingual Education within a local school district. In her new role, Angela will assist with our community and volunteer projects.

Get to know Angela—her favorite part of her job, what she does in her free time, and more—by clicking below.

21 Dec

December 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Warm and Bright Holiday Season!

You helped us accomplish so much this year! Thank you for supporting our mission to build an equitable Lake County community where everyone can thrive. We are so grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season.

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Each holiday season, we publish our Holiday Guide that includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County. The guide also includes agency wish lists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

‘Tis the Season of Giving Back

We have been working with our partners and friends to spread holiday cheer across Lake County to hundreds of children and families. Here’s a quick list of some of those projects:

Volunteers from Jabil, Snap-On Credit and United Way helped Catholic Charities provide gifts to more than 9,000 children and seniors!
We coordinated an event with 45 AbbVie volunteers who assembled 100 wellness kits and 156 snack packs. These kits will be shared with Green Bay Early Learning Center to be distributed among students and their families.
Many of our partners and friends have been donating presents and warm winter clothing to us, which we have given to Family Focus, a local family support organization.

Thank you to our wonderful friends, partners and volunteers for making a difference this holiday season!

Double Your Impact for Children and Families in Lake County

Through December 20, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors in need.

With your support, United Way can continue to provide local children, youth, and families with tools to build a path to education and lifelong success, and connect people with life-changing resources. Together, we can make real, lasting change.

Your gift goes further to strengthen our community thanks to Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, which is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K.

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with rent and utility assistance, food, mental health services, or other health and human services—call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to available resources. Learn more at 211LakeCounty.org.

Thank you, North Shore Gas!

Thanks to North Shore Gas, the enthusiastic young learners in our Better Together program made the nice list and were rewarded with holiday cheer and gifts for all! Each family received a toy, warm weather gear and a gift card.

Welcome, Jessica Gomez!

Jessica Gomez recently joined our United Way family as Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator. Jessica is our Better Together teacher and assists with Success By 6’s many initiatives, including Kindergarten Countdown Camps.

Get to know Jessica—why she joined United Way, her favorite part of her job, what she does in her free time, and more—by clicking below.

14 Nov

October 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

211 Year Three Results and Impact

We are pleased to share our third annual report for 211 that summarizes the tremendous impact 211 continues to make, including another 57,374 connections to critical services and help!

The report is now available for download and provides a snapshot of the demographic data and top needs requested from 211 between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. The goal of this report is to share an overview of 211 data on top community needs and the populations we serve in Lake County, as well as trends and highlights throughout the year.

On October 17, we celebrated the third anniversary of 211 services for Lake County with a virtual event highlighting 211’s measurable year-three results and impact. We are thrilled with the number of community members who joined us to learn more about 211 and how it is benefiting Lake County. We are grateful to our host/moderator, expert panel, and 211 leadership team who shared data, insights and real-life stories of how 211 is making a difference every day.

In case you missed it, you can watch a recording of the event on YouTube below.

UWLC Receives Grant from Highland Park Community Foundation

United Way of Lake County was recently awarded a grant by the Highland Park Community Foundation. The grant will support our 211 helpline that connects people in our community to local health and human services.

211 is here to answer the call every day and in times of crisis. We are proud to have supported the community throughout the pandemic and in response to the July 4th shooting tragedy. Thank you, Highland Park Community Foundation, for your generous support of 211!

Little Kids, Big Feelings Event

On October 15, Women United hosted an event called “Little Kids, Big Feelings” at the Whispering Oaks apartment complex in Waukegan. Building on the theme of Social Emotional Learning as introduced by their Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative during a September educational forum, the HUGS Committee took the reins and brought the book, Feelings by Todd Parr to the little ones at Whispering Oaks.

A special thank you to Rosalind Franklin University for sending the Community Care Coach bus so families could get free flu shots, blood pressure tests and blood sugar tests.

We love working with the families there who are doing everything right to put their children on the path to academic success. Look how much fun we all had!

Don’t Miss Out on Power of the Purse!

Join Women United on Sunday, November 6 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.

Come away for a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate the special women in our lives. We’ll enjoy a champagne brunch, games, prizes and special surprises. There will be 50+ designer bags, silent auction purses and baskets to bid on in person. 100% of the proceeds will support critical early education programs in Lake County.

SUCCESS STORY: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

This summer, Dayana entered our Kindergarten Countdown Camp as the shyest and most quiet student in her class. Within just a few days, Dayana began confidently belting out the alphabet and leading the class number song!

KCC is a free summer learning program for incoming kindergarten students who have little to no preschool experience. Through KCC, licensed teacher, Mrs. Monbrod, worked with Dayana and her classmates to build key kindergarten readiness skills like writing her name, counting 10 objects and learning her ABCs. Dayana’s skills improved from “beginning” to “in progress” by the end of the summer.

Through KCC, Dayana gained the skills she needed to be on track with her peers and ready to succeed (and sing!) when she entered her first day of kindergarten.

Company Spotlight: Nexus Pharmaceuticals

Nexus Pharmaceuticals is a family-owned and minority-owned company located in Lake County. While Nexus is a newer supporter of United Way of Lake County, it is already becoming one of our most generous corporate partners. We are thrilled to spotlight their incredible commitment to giving back and the impact they are making right here in our community.

Nexus has generously supported our education programs and 211 helpline through sponsorship of our annual Premier Leaders Event. Nexus employees have also been very generous with their time and have partnered with us to complete a variety of community service projects, including painting the Midwest Veterans Closet and installing Sensory Paths and Early Learning Trails at local schools and libraries.
We asked Nexus why they choose to partner with us, and this is what they said:

“We are proud to support United Way of Lake County’s vast initiatives that benefit the lives of so many in Lake County. With our own families and employees living and working in this community, we value and seek to be stewards of service and support to the families that benefit from United Way. Giving back and having a purpose-driven mission mirrors both United Way’s mission as well as our own company mission at Nexus Pharmaceuticals. We seek to be an active partner in the community for various philanthropic initiatives and echo United Way’s efforts in furthering education and investing in the positive development of our community’s youth.”

Thank you, Nexus, for partnering with us to address critical community needs and build a stronger, equitable Lake County!

If you’re interested in joining Nexus and other companies to create a successful workplace campaign or volunteer opportunity, please reach out.

03 Oct

September 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive

Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15. Join us in celebrating and honoring Latinx and Hispanic literature, experience and storytelling by giving the gift of reading to local children!

The books in our collection are by Hispanic/Latinx authors featuring Hispanic/Latinx characters and influential figures. The books will be donated to local elementary schools, increasing children’s access to literature that promotes a positive equity message.

Stuff the Bus Comes to a Close

We are thrilled to share that we have continued to receive even more support for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive. A whopping 3,900 backpacks, supplemental bags and teacher kits have been created using the school supplies and funds donated to our supply drive. These supplies were distributed throughout Lake County for students and teachers to use during the new school year.

We are blown away by the amount of support we received this year and are so grateful to everyone who contributed—thank you!

You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!

Join Women United on Sunday, November 6 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.
Come away for a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate the special women in our lives. We’ll enjoy a champagne brunch, games, prizes and special surprises. There will be 50+ designer bags, silent auction purses and baskets to bid on in person. 100% of the proceeds will support critical early education programs in Lake County.

Buy tickets by Friday, October 14 to be entered to win a Tiffany & Co. bracelet!

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are free, a great resource for families, designed for preschool-age children and filled with activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.

You can place an order to pick up calendars at our office using our online order form. Indicate what time you would like to pick up your calendars in the “additional comments” section of the form. Pick ups are available by appointment only, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at 330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL.

Join Us to Celebrate Three Years of 211

We are proud to celebrate the third anniversary of 211 services for Lake County. Join with community leaders and stakeholders on October 17 to learn how 211 has grown to become a lifeline for people across the county seeking help meeting basic needs.

You’ll hear about 211’s measurable impact, data on community-specific needs and the results we have seen in year three. You’ll also hear stories of how 211 has made a real difference for community members, employers, agencies and local government. Megan McKenna, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, will moderate a panel of local leaders discussing how 211 more efficiently guides people to resources to help improve lives, including a more in-depth discussion on the top needs and solutions to address them.

Help us recognize the incredible support and collaboration of so many individuals, employers, community leaders and partners who have joined with us to bring this vital service to Lake County, and celebrate the results we’ve achieved together.

Launch a Workplace Giving Campaign

Change doesn’t happen alone. Your organization, large or small, can help us create a stronger Lake County through a United Way workplace campaign. Whether your campaign is virtual or in-person, we’ll provide you with the tools you need to plan, coordinate and implement a successful fundraising campaign.

Is your organization ready to LIVE UNITED? We’ll help you get started.

Board Member Update

We are thrilled to welcome two new member to our 2022-23 Board of Directors: Clarence Berry (pictured below), Area Superintendent for Waukegan Public Schools, and Derrick Harden (pictured right), VP of Strategy, Planning & Support and Chief of Staff with College of Lake County.

Uploaded Image

“Our new members’ leadership skills, knowledge of the communities we serve and genuine interest in our mission make them an asset to our diverse board and United Way of Lake County,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO.

A special thank you to outgoing board member, Dr. Lori Suddick, for her dedicated service.

View our full list of board members.

Internship Opportunity with 211

We are looking to hire an intern to participate in planning activities and implementation of our 211 program within the Lake County community. 211 is Lake County’s free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral helpline connecting people to available health and human services.

Work with our Community Impact team to participate in planning activities and implementation of the 211 program within the Lake County community, including data collection, visiting locally-owned businesses and attending community events. This internship requires reliable transportation and good written and verbal communication skills.

29 Jul

July 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Healing After the Highland Park Tragedy

When tragedy hit the Highland Park community on July 4, our 211 team quickly mobilized to bring the best practices in crisis response from experienced 211s across the nation. More than 5,000 community members were directly impacted by the mass parade shooting and our 211 helpline has been instrumental in centralizing and verifying emerging resources, and compassionately guiding community members, victims and their families to appropriate mental health services, grief counseling, financial assistance, verified fundraisers and other resources. 211 is an integral part of the transition to a long-term recovery plan.

If you or someone you know needs support, 211 is here to help. Simply dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 to talk with a caring, expert navigator who will connect you to local resources. 211 is free, confidential and available 24/7, with English and Spanish-speaking staff and interpretation to more than 150 other languages. For those affected by the Highland Park shooting, you can also find counseling and mental health resources at 211LakeCounty.org under “Hot Topics”.

Every day United Way of Lake County works to make our community stronger. Together we are building a community where everyone can recover and thrive.

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our new bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are now available! They are free, a great resource for families, designed for preschool-age children and filled with activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.

You can place an order to pick up calendars at our office using our online order form. Indicate what time you would like to pick up your calendars in the “additional comments” section of the form. Pick-ups are available by appointment only, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at 330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL.

You can also view and print the monthly pages and activities on our website.

Stuff the Bus Ends August 15

We have already received a lot of great support for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive. If you would like to participate, there is still time. We are continuing to collect supplies and online donations through August 15.

Thank you to our long time supporter, Costco Lake Zurich, who went above and beyond for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive by donating 768 backpacks with supplies inside, with another backpack donation expected later this summer. We are blown away by their generosity and support. Thank you for ensuring that many more local children will have the supplies they need to succeed this fall!

Women United’s Golf Fundraiser

On July 11, Women United hosted their golf fundraiser, Play A-Round for Lake County Kids, held at White Deer Run in Vernon Hills. The players enjoyed 18 holes, lunch and dinner, a silent auction, numerous contests, and games with an array of prizes. Nearly $20K was raised, thanks to our supporters and sponsors.

The event raised funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund, which makes grants to early childhood education programs in Waukegan, Round Lake, Zion, and North Chicago. This year, Women United is celebrating their one million milestone of total monies raised and granted through their fund.

Thank you to the event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos, and all the golfers, volunteers, and sponsors for making this a successful event!

We’re Hiring

We’re searching for the right person to join our team as Success By 6’s Initiative Coordinator. This position is responsible for coordinating and implementing several of our Success By 6 initiatives and projects. We are looking for someone who can speak English and Spanish.

We are also looking to hire a 211 intern. This intern will work with our Community Impact team to participate in planning activities and implementation of the 211 program within the Lake County community, including data collection, visiting locally owned businesses, attending community events, and developing related materials.

Wine and Learn About Women United

Are you looking for new ways to connect to amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for those underserved in Lake County? Please join Women United on August 18 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Harbor Kitchen + Tap in Libertyville for a prospective member Wine & Learn.

Women United mobilizes more than 130 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County’s challenged communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, we have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.

Board Member Update

We are thrilled to welcome a new member to our 2022-23 Board of Directors: Lupe Rodriguez, Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of Community Care at Rosalind Franklin University. “Lupe’s leadership skills, knowledge of the communities we serve and genuine interest in our mission makes her an asset to our diverse board

and United Way of Lake County,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO.

Andrew Warrington, CEO of UCC Environmental, rejoins our Board of Directors and will also serve as Chair of the Finance & Administration Committee. We are delighted to have him back on the board!

A special thank you to outgoing board members, Kate Collins, Max Nemmers, Jesus Ruiz, Donnovan Young, and Carla Zuniga, for their dedicated service. Thank you to Donnovan Young who will remain on the 211 Advisory Council and continue to serve on our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee along with Kate Collins.

View our full list of board members.

01 Jun

May 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Premier Leaders Event Raises $275K for Our Education Programs and 211

On May 19, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our 9th annual Premier Leaders Event at The Shanty in Wadsworth. Attendees mingled while enjoying food and cocktails, learned about our work and plans to increase programming, and then raised their paddles in support of our programs.
We are thrilled to share that we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised $275K for our education programs and 211! We are so grateful for the generous support we received from many individuals as well as our sponsors. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Premier Leaders Event a great success!

View photos from the event below.

Help Us Stuff the Bus!

Each year, kids across Lake County go back to school lacking the necessary supplies needed to thrive in school. The price for essential supplies is increasing and many low-income families struggle to afford everything on their child’s school supply list.

But together, we can make a difference!

Join our Stuff the Bus donation drive! By providing students with new school supplies, you’ll be helping prepare them for their academic studies, build their self-esteem and set them up for success. This is a cause worth getting involved in and we hope you’ll take part!

Now through July 7, you can contribute as an individual or your company can team up to make a difference! You can donate school supplies, make an online donation, or help us spread the word.

AbbVie Awarded for Vaccine Efforts

AbbVie was recently awarded by the PR News’ Social Impact Awards for their temporary vaccination clinic. When vaccines were first approved in the U.S., AbbVie launched this drive-thru clinic for local, underserved seniors in Lake County. We were proud to collaborate with AbbVie and our 211 partners to promote the clinic. The awareness building campaign resulted in more than 6,000 people in Lake County getting their vaccines safely, conveniently, and at no charge. Thank you, AbbVie, for making a remarkable impact on the lives of people right here in our community.

Attend an Upcoming Event with Leaders United

Leaders United—our group of young professionals who give, advocate and volunteer in Lake County—are hosting two upcoming events.

On June 1, from 6-7 p.m., Leaders United will be hosting a virtual conversation with Ruth Rosales, owner of Coffee Break and Lunch in Waukegan. Participants will learn how this female and minority-owned business is creating change in Lake County. To attend, please contact Michelle.Sanchez@uwlakeco.org and she will send you a link.

On June 16, from 6-8 p.m., join Leaders United for their Summer Social networking event at Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake. This will be a great opportunity to meet other young people who are passionate about giving back and making a difference in their community.

Learn more about the events by clicking below.

Play A-Round for Lake County Kids

Join Women United for their co-ed golf fundraiser “Play A-Round for Lake County Kids” on Monday, July 11 at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. This shotgun scramble golf fundraiser will support early childhood education in Lake County through Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund.

Last year’s golf outing was such a success, we can’t wait to welcome back our steadfast supporters and new friends for another fun day of great golf, food, competition and prizes at one of Lake County’s favorite courses.

Golf event tickets are $175 per person and include an on-course lunch and a buffet dinner. Golfers will register in twosomes or foursomes. Additional event details can be found on the registration page.

Golfers who register by June 13 will be entered into the Early Bird Raffle for a special prize. Don’t golf? Join us for dinner! Tickets are $50.

Women United Hosts Early Learning Clubs

Women United has partnered with Whispering Oaks Apartments in Waukegan to provide five monthly Early Learning Club (ELC) sessions for resident families in the onsite community room. This program supports foundational skill development for preschoolers and helps parents become their children’s first and best teachers. In addition to fun and learning, Women United provides a hot dinner and dessert, a new book for every child, and access to everyday items like household cleaners, paper goods and personal hygiene products.

All sessions are run by Women United volunteers who have been trained in United Way of Lake County’s ELC curricula. We are proud to offer a program that brings families together and will help ensure these kids are ready to start school strong!

01 Jun

April 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Thank You, Volunteers!

This week is National Volunteer Week and we’d like to take this time to recognize all of the selfless individuals who lend their time, talent, and support to serve our community. As an organization that relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its mission, this annual week of celebration is near and dear to our hearts. Day in and day out, our volunteers help enrich the lives of those in need and build a stronger, more equitable community. Without volunteers, our work is simply not possible.

211 to Expand Beyond Lake County

We are excited to share that the Illinois 2023 Legislative Budget has included a grant to begin expanding 211 services to all counties in Illinois! Our Lake County 211 team is ecstatic to be a part of this incredible journey to better support our neighbors all across Illinois. To view the full story, as published in the Daily Herald, click below.

If you’d like to receive monthly email updates about Lake County’s 211 helpline, click here.

Introducing Gale Graves!

We are pleased to introduce our new Vice President of Community Impact, Gale Graves! In her role, Gale will develop community solutions through collaboration and strong diverse partnerships to deliver measurable, purposeful programs and initiatives. Learn more about Gale, including what made her want to join our team, by clicking below.

UWLC Donates 800 Diverse Books for Local Students

We were proud to present more than 800 books in English and Spanish for grades K-5 at North Elementary School in Waukegan. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our Read Across America Book Drive and to our partners—the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, the Lake County Bar Association, and the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County! Now more children will have access to culturally diverse books.

“I am constantly impressed with United Way of Lake County’s community efforts and contributions. My students have benefited greatly over the years due to the Reading Success Program. Not only are they getting quality reading support but they also get the opportunity to interact with a community member in an engaging way. This recent book donation with an emphasis on equity is just another example of United Way’s commitment to education for all.” – Jenny Chang-West, M.Ed., First Grade Teacher, North Elementary School

Company Spotlight: CF Industries

This month we’re shining a spotlight on CF Industries, a leading global manufacturer of hydrogen and nitrogen products. The company, headquartered in Deerfield, has as its mission to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably.

CF Industries has a long history of corporate philanthropy and a culture that prides itself on giving back. For more than 25 years, CF Industries has partnered with United Way of Lake County through its workplace giving campaign to unite employees in support of our local community. Since 1996, employees have invested more than $400K to help us create positive change and build a stronger Lake County. Additionally, the company has matched these funds by investing more than $165K!

“The work that the United Way of Lake County does is one of the reasons we are proud to call Lake County the home of CF Industries. We are pleased to continue to support United Way’s efforts, and look forward to celebrating the lasting change achieved in the years ahead.” – Sue Menzel, Senior Vice President, Human Resources at CF Industries

Thank you, CF Industries, for your loyal support and for fueling the important work we do to transform lives right here in Lake County.

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) is our free summer learning program for children entering kindergarten this fall who have little to no preschool experience. Children who attend KCC will adjust to the classroom setting, practice following directions and rules, and practice key kindergarten skills. KCC is a great opportunity to get your child prepared to succeed in kindergarten.

Registration is still open for students in the North Chicago, Round Lake and Waukegan school districts. KCC in North Chicago runs from June 21–July 28, Round Lake runs from June 7–June 30, and Waukegan runs from June 6–June 30.

Interested? Fill out the registration form for your school district at the link below.

Lunch and Learn About Women United

If you are looking for new ways to connect to amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for those underserved in Lake County, please join Women United on May 5 from Noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom for a prospective member Lunch and Learn.

Women United mobilizes more than 120 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County’s challenged communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, we have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.

We’re Hiring!

We are also looking to hire a Kindergarten Readiness Coordinator to assist with this summer’s Kindergarten Countdown Camps. This is a full-time, temporary position from May to August, 2022.

Women United’s Corporate Future Leaders of Color

Corporate Future Leaders of Color (CFLoC), a project of Women United’s Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Initiative, is a year-long cohort-based program that provides networking, community service, leadership, social and mentorship opportunities by engaging and developing Lake County’s women leaders of color who demonstrate leadership potential.

Our inaugural CFLoC cohort will begin this month and is made up of 11 women who are passionate about making a difference in Lake County. These women have been hand-picked from Sysmex, AbbVie, Great Lakes Credit Union, Libertyville School District 128, AON, Waukegan Public Schools, and Alight Solutions.

“We can’t wait to welcome these leaders into the group, and we especially look forward to learning from and with them as we keep working toward our mission of a Lake County where all children start out with what they need to succeed in school.” – Lori Miller, Chair of Women United

22 Dec

December 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Despite the many challenges and changes this year, you helped us accomplish so much! Thank you for supporting our mission to create lasting change in the Lake County community. We are grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Each holiday season, we publish our Holiday Guide that includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County. The guide also includes agency wish lists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Families

Volunteers from Snap-On Credit and ITW came out to spread holiday cheer through the Catholic Charities Christmas gift program by distributing gifts, toys and necessities to families who might otherwise not be able to celebrate the holiday season. This volunteer event is an annual favorite and everyone was so happy to participate again after taking a year off.

Thank you to all our “elves” who came out to help distribute gifts and for making the holidays so special for these families! With donor and corporate support, Catholic Charities was able to grant holiday wishes to more than 8,000 children and families this year.

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people, especially this year. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with rent and utility assistance, food, mental health services, or other health and human services—call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to available resources.

A Gift to Support Children and Families in Lake County

Now through December 23, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.

A gift to United Way of Lake County will make it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community to improve and save lives. This year, your gift goes further thanks to Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County who is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K through December 23.

The tough work that is needed to help Lake County recover and rebuild is the work we do every day. We’re equipping local children, youth and families with tools to build a path to education and lifelong success, and we’re connecting people with life-changing support. When we put it all together, we’re reimagining a more equitable, resilient Lake County where everyone can thrive.

Company Spotlight: Buehler

United Way of Lake County is proud to highlight our partner, Buehler, and all that their colleagues have been doing to help improve lives in Lake County.

Despite a challenging year, Buehler colleagues found ways to get involved and make a difference. Recently, Buehler partnered with us and Family Focus to spread holiday cheer by collecting gifts to fulfill local families’ wish lists.

Earlier this year, Buehler held an employee giving campaign in support of United Way of Lake County. Buehler’s HR Generalist, Stephane Antonopoulos and her team did an incredible job creating unique and exciting ways to engage their colleagues. They had a Food Truck onsite on kick-off day, balloon dart games, and even cooked their own bacon outside to sell fresh BLTs. Together, these unique events raised over $5,900 for United Way of Lake County’s programs, which will be generously matched by the ITW Foundation.

We are grateful for our partnership with Buehler and their ongoing commitment to support United Way of Lake County. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of many children and families in Lake County.

Introducing New Team Members

We recently welcomed three new women to our United Way family; Michelle Sanchez joined us as our Donor Relations Account Manager, Alina Mozo is Executive Assistant to our President and CEO, and Jessica Ceisel joined as our Community Engagement Coordinator.

Learn more about their roles, what they like to do in their free time, and how they connect with our programs by clicking each of their names below.

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Tag: 211

We Love Our Volunteers!

Exploring Science on Earth Day

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

“Wine & Learn” About Women United

Bond with Your Baby Using “Bright by Text”

Every Child Deserves a Safe Childhood

We’re Hiring: 211 Manager

Celebrating Read Across America

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Another Successful Year of Mentoring Middle Schoolers

Women United’s Corporate Future Leaders of Color Closes Inaugural Year On a High Note

Help Us Win $15K!

Black History Month Reading Day in Waukegan

Aon Serving the Community

Honoring Gale Graves’ Impact

We’re Hiring: 211 Manager

Lake County Celebrates 211 Day!

Help Create and Revitalize Our Early Learning Trails

Because Kids Don’t Come With Instructions

Young Professionals Who Make a Difference

STORY: David Prepares to Succeed in School

Welcome, Angela Ramirez!

Wishing You a Warm and Bright Holiday Season!

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

‘Tis the Season of Giving Back

Double Your Impact for Children and Families in Lake County

211 is Here for You

Thank you, North Shore Gas!

Welcome, Jessica Gomez!

211 Year Three Results and Impact

UWLC Receives Grant from Highland Park Community Foundation

Little Kids, Big Feelings Event

Don’t Miss Out on Power of the Purse!

SUCCESS STORY: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Company Spotlight: Nexus Pharmaceuticals

Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive

Stuff the Bus Comes to a Close

You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Join Us to Celebrate Three Years of 211

Launch a Workplace Giving Campaign

Board Member Update

Internship Opportunity with 211

Healing After the Highland Park Tragedy

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Stuff the Bus Ends August 15

Women United’s Golf Fundraiser

We’re Hiring

Wine and Learn About Women United

Board Member Update

Premier Leaders Event Raises $275K for Our Education Programs and 211

Help Us Stuff the Bus!

AbbVie Awarded for Vaccine Efforts

Attend an Upcoming Event with Leaders United

Play A-Round for Lake County Kids

Women United Hosts Early Learning Clubs

Thank You, Volunteers!

211 to Expand Beyond Lake County

Introducing Gale Graves!

UWLC Donates 800 Diverse Books for Local Students

Company Spotlight: CF Industries

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Lunch and Learn About Women United

We’re Hiring!

Women United’s Corporate Future Leaders of Color

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Families

211 is Here for You

A Gift to Support Children and Families in Lake County

Company Spotlight: Buehler

Introducing New Team Members