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.

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“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.

03 Dec

November 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

UWLC Welcomes New Board Members

United Way of Lake County recently welcomed three new members to our 2021-22 Board of Directors: Sandi Johnson, Principal of Clearview Elementary School; Tara Thomas, Academic Enrichment Coordinator at Zion Elementary School District; and Capt. Jason J. Williamson, Commanding Officer at the Great Lakes Naval Station.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest board members,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO. “Their leadership skills, talents, expertise and genuine interest in our mission make them an asset to our diverse board and the organization.”

Expanding the board has also been a key component of our DEI efforts, and we are honored to introduce our newest board members who bring a wealth of experience and offer deep connections to the communities we serve. We are proud to have such an accomplished group of leaders help steer United Way of Lake County forward and advance our commitment to building a more equitable Lake County.

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

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

Save the Date! Double Your Impact for Our Neighbors in Need

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

Watch for details next week!

United Way Ranked #1 Charitable Organization

United Way was recently ranked number one charity by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The NonProfit Times also announced that United Way has moved up to the number two spot on their revenue rankings list for FY2020, and is number one in public support.

Power of the Purse Raises Record $67K for Early Education

Nearly 200 generous women joined forces both in person and virtually on Sunday, November 7, to raise a record total $67K in support of early education programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children.

The money was raised through Women United’s signature annual fundraising event, Power of the Purse, which celebrates women, friendship and philanthropy. This year’s Power of the Purse was a first-ever hybrid event with both a sold-out champagne brunch at Royal Melbourne Country Club and an online buying and bidding shopping experience featuring dozens of trendy designer bags, silent auction purses, baskets and items. In addition, women also had the opportunity to send underserved children to Kindergarten Countdown Camp for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience, as well as buy books and toys for preschool learning centers in Lake County’s low-income communities.

“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this year’s event,” said event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos. “It’s our most successful Power of the Purse to date and the first time we have held an in-person event with an online option. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm from our members and friends who truly care about early childhood education in Lake County.”

‘Wine and Learn’ About Women United

Finish 2021 with new possibilities! You’re invited to join Women United on December 7 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Zoom for our last Wine and Learn prospective member meeting of 2021.

Whether you have been wanting to learn more or just learned about Women United, we hope you will join us to hear how WU bring together amazing women, serves the community and has so much fun making a difference.

There is so much to share about this great group and the amazing women who make it special. Please RSVP by December 3 to Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org and she will send you the details.

Alight Adds Sensory Paths to Waukegan School

Volunteers from Alight installed two sensory paths at Glen Flora Elementary in Waukegan. A sensory path is a multipurpose tool for educators. It can help an overwhelmed student refocus and redirect nervous energy, enrich math and reading skills, and can be used as a reward or even for indoor play.

The Alight volunteers spent several hours preparing the components then placing them in a fun and engaging arrangement so that students can best benefit from these wonderful spaces. Thank you, Alight, for this wonderful gift to Glen Flora Elementary!

Hispanic Heritage Books Delivered to Schools

Our Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive was a success! Funds from this drive allowed us to share more than 50 Spanish language books with East Elementary in Zion and Oakdale Elementary in Waukegan.

This drive helped to increase access to books promoting a positive equity message for young readers. Stories in a familiar language or with relatable characters only encourages the love of reading. Reading is one of the great equalizers in our society. A great book opens so many possibilities for children.

Thank you to all the donors who made these gifts possible.

211 in the News

Thank you to Comcast for shining a spotlight on United Way of Lake County’s 211! Watch Community Connection host Cindy Bravos interview Kristi Long to learn more about this vital community resource and the tremendous impact 211 has made in just two years. The segment is currently airing on Comcast OnDemand and CN100.TV.

We’re Hiring: VP, Community Impact

We are looking for an excellent leader to join our team as Vice President of Community Impact. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them.

10 Nov

October 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

211 Year Two Results and Impact

We are pleased to share our second annual report for 211 that summarizes the tremendous impact 211 continues to make, including another 50,350 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, 2020 and June 30, 2021. 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.

Last month, we celebrated the second anniversary of 211 services for Lake County with a 90-minute virtual event highlighting 211’s measurable year-two 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.

You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!

Join Women United on Sunday, November 7, for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse!

Women United has a virtual option available again—an online buying and bidding shopping experience that includes dozens of designer bags, silent auction purses, baskets and items. Get your ticket today!

100% of all proceeds and items purchased will support early education programs in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities through the Little Kids, Big Futures Fund.

Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive

Earlier this month we launched a Hispanic Heritage Book Drive to put books by Hispanic/Latinx authors, featuring Hispanic/Latinx characters and influential figures, into the hands of eager young readers in Lake County. The books will be donated to local elementary schools, increasing children’s access to books promoting a positive equity message.

If you’d like to support the book drive, you can make a gift below.

Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBTQ+ History Month is in October and each year it is marked with events celebrating the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. When the observance was started, it mainly served as a call to action for the movement and its prosperity. But over the years, LGBTQ+ History Month has evolved into a national collaborative effort to bring extraordinary figures from the LGBTQ+ community into the spotlight. At United Way of Lake County, we are celebrating by learning the history and are a sponsor of LGBTQ+ Center Lake County’s fall fundraiser.

At United Way, we celebrate unique and diverse identities and experiences. We believe that all people deserve fairness, justice and security. We create a welcoming environment in which everyone feels valued and respected. We commit to aligning our culture and business practices to advance diversity, equity and inclusion to better address our community’s needs.

We would like your opinions!

The Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University is conducting a survey to find out about awareness, usage, and opinions of a new service for Lake County individuals and families. The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete. The survey results will be used by the sponsor of the survey to help plan for the future of the service.

If your household is one of the limited number of households that is randomly selected to participate, please complete the survey. Your responses to the survey are very important to us. Your responses will be confidential. All information provided will be reported in summary form only. No information will be reported that will identify individual survey respondents.

Thank you for your participation.

Introducing Our Interns

We are excited to welcome our interns—Demetrius Nance, Humera Khaleel and Marissa Gomez!

Both Humera and Marissa are interns with our Success By 6 team. Humera’s work will be focused on Early Learning Clubs, Bright By Text, and Kindergarten Readiness Calendars. Marissa will be working with our Better Together families by providing necessary resources and assisting with kindergarten readiness. As part of our 211 team, Demetrius will be working in community engagement, focusing on Black and veteran communities.

Learn more about our new interns below.

28 Sep

September 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to LIVE UNITED.

We celebrate unique and diverse identities and experiences. We believe that all people deserve fairness, justice and security. We create a welcoming environment in which everyone feels valued and respected.

We commit to aligning our culture and business practices to advance diversity, equity and inclusion to better address our community’s needs.

View our anti-racism statement, goals and DEI Committee members below.

You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!

Join Women United on Sunday, November 7, for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.

After an online event in 2020, we expect to be in person with CDC protocols in place. Those who attend the in-person event will enjoy a champagne brunch and a fun-filled afternoon of games, prizes, and special surprises. We will also have a virtual option again this year; an online buying and bidding shopping experience that includes dozens of designer bags, silent auction purses, baskets and items.

100% of all proceeds and items purchased will support early education programs in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities through our Little Kids, Big Futures Fund. Since 2014, Women United has distributed $850K to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Whether you join us in person or online, you will have many opportunities to shop, support children’s education and have fun! Buy your ticket today!

Join Us Tomorrow to Celebrate Two Years of 211

We are proud to celebrate the second anniversary of 211 services for Lake County. Join with community leaders and stakeholders on September 23 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 two during this critical time of the pandemic. You’ll also hear stories of how 211 has made a real difference for community members, employers, agencies and local government. Marc L. Jones, Waukegan Township Supervisor, 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.

Women United Brightens a Waukegan School

Women United members recently took on an Early Learning Trail volunteer project at Clearview Elementary School in Waukegan. They painted paths marked by numbers, letters and shapes to help students at Clearview develop social, cognitive and kinesthetic skills in a playful and safe space. Thank you to all the women who braved the heat to make Clearview an even better place to learn and play!

Company Spotlight: Aon

Aon and United Way of Lake County have been working together to improve lives in Lake County for nearly a decade. We are grateful to the Aon colleagues who have volunteered their time on dozens of projects in our neighborhoods and schools—from creating and painting early learning trails at local schools to organizing school supply drives.

During this challenging year, Aon colleagues stepped up to support our School Supply Drive benefitting Waukegan Public Schools and other local school districts. Several colleague groups organized donations of school supplies and volunteered their time at a massive distribution event this past August. The participation of our partners helped us surpass our goal of 800 backpacks by almost double!

We are fortunate to have Aon’s Michelle Hansen, Senior Partner in Aon’s Wealth Solutions business, as a member of our board of directors and our Women United affinity group. Michelle’s energy and enthusiasm for our mission reflects how Aon colleagues represent the best of the firm by demonstrating a commitment to service that extends beyond their day-to-day business responsibilities.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Aon on our shared goal to enrich and improve lives in Lake County.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with your organization through United Way of Lake County, please contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Launch a Workplace Giving Campaign

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

Get Involved with Leaders United

Leaders United is a caring group of young professionals committed to generosity and volunteerism in Lake County, IL. They are on a mission to engage young leaders in creating a positive impact in Lake County through giving, advocating and volunteering. Together, they support one another, have fun and strengthen our community!

Opportunities include:

Volunteer projects
Building leadership experience
Networking with community leaders
Mentoring middle and high school students
Philanthropy

Interested in getting involved? Contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

19 Aug

August 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

School Supply Drive Exceeds Goal

This summer, we had the goal of collecting and distributing 1,000 backpacks full of school supplies to Waukegan Public School students. It took 90 volunteers more than 180 hours to organize the supplies and pack the backpacks, resulting in nearly 1,500 backpacks distributed!

We are thrilled to have such dedicated supporters who helped us every step of the way—by providing supply and monetary donations as well as volunteering to pack, sort and distribute supplies. The School Supply Drive was a huge community effort, and we couldn’t have done it without their support.

Thank you to everyone who made this very special day a great success! Now more Waukegan Public School students are prepared to start in-person learning this Fall with all the supplies they need.

We are raising funds through August 31 to continue our outreach to assist students in neighboring communities. Learn more here.

211 Lake County has reached 100,000 contacts milestone!

United Way of Lake County’s 211 has reached the 100,000 contacts milestone, demonstrating its vital role in connecting people seeking help and support in Lake County to available resources. In less than two years following its launch, the community has embraced this new service as Lake County’s one-stop shop for help, and awareness continues to grow.

211 is an easy-to-remember, three-digit number that connects people to expert, caring help, including the best local resources. The information and referral service accesses a database of more than 1,500 health and human service organizations serving our community, as well as federal, state and local aid.

211 is multilingual with English and Spanish speaking staff, as well as an interpretation service for over 150 languages. Two-way texting is available in English and Spanish. It’s always open, always confidential, and always free.

Anyone needing help in Lake County can connect to 211 by dialing 2-1-1, texting their zip code to 898211, or visiting the website at 211LakeCounty.org.

Launch a Workplace Giving Campaign

Celebrate the Second Anniversary of 211 in Lake County

United Way of Lake County is proud to celebrate the second anniversary of 211 services for Lake County. Join with community leaders and stakeholders 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 two during this critical time of the pandemic. You’ll also hear stories of how 211 has made a real difference for community members, employers, agencies and local government. Marc Jones, Waukegan Township Supervisor, 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.

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our 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. Many local libraries have these calendars available, so contact your library to see if you can pick one up.

You can also place an order to pick up calendars at our office using our online order form. They come in a box of 50. Indicate what time you would like to pick up your calendars in the “additional comments” section of the form. Pick-ups are available Mondays from 8:30-10:30am & 11:30am-1:30pm or Tuesday-Thursday by appointment only. Pick up at UWLC’s office: 330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL.

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

Step Up to Women United

We know that bringing new, vibrant members into the fold is the lifeblood of Women United. We want to connect with women who are starting or ramping up their careers or staying home with children, so we launched the Step Up Program.

Women 36 years old and under are eligible to participate in the Step Up Program by incrementally increasing their gift over a three-year period while enjoying membership benefits right away.

KCC Coordinator Spotlight: Stephanie Guadarrama

Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented and compassionate people. Today, we’d like to spotlight Stephanie Guadarrama, who has helped coordinate Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), our free summer learning program for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience. KCC prepares students for a successful start in kindergarten. Students adjust to the classroom setting, practice following directions and rules, and practice key kindergarten skills such as recognizing shapes, letters, counting, and writing their names.

Read on to learn more about KCC and why the program is so important to the children and families involved, all from Stephanie’s perspective.

Company Spotlight: Baxter

Baxter’s Northern Illinois Finance Community recently partnered with us again for a week of volunteer projects, which provided 100 hours of service back into the Lake County community!

United Way coordinated projects with several community partners and Baxter volunteers stepped up to make an incredible impact. Volunteers provided support to COOL Ministries’ Food Pantry and Northern Illinois Food Bank by helping sort and organize food for distribution, they helped beautify the grounds at Lambs Farm, and they assisted GiveNKind with a digital project where they cataloged goods that have been distributed to other area nonprofits.

A huge thank you to all the Baxter volunteers—your impact on Lake County is outstanding!

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with your organization through United Way of Lake County, please contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Intern Spotlight: Eric Jones

We are excited to welcome Eric Jones, our newest intern! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County. As part of our 211 team, Eric is helping set up a new site on Power BI so that more people can easily access data collected from 211. Learn more about Eric below.

Because Kids Don’t Come With Instructions

United Way of Lake County has partnered with Bright by Text to provide parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age 8 with information on child development plus local events and resources. We encourage you to try out this free service, and you can stop at any time.

When you sign up, you will receive text messages in English or Spanish that are specific to your child’s age and include local community resources targeted by your zip code. Bright by Text messages include research-based content on child development and learning, as well as information about valuable community services and events happening right here in Lake County.

To sign up, text “UWLC” to 274448; or by completing this simple form.

09 Aug

July 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Become a Reading Success Tutor!

Do you enjoy working with elementary-age children? Do you want to make a difference in the community where you live or work? United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success program welcomes you!

Our program serves elementary schools in Waukegan and we place volunteers in first through third-grade classrooms. No prior experience is required, only a love of children and books! We are always in need of bilingual Spanish-speaking volunteers. To be a volunteer tutor, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Pass a background check
Commit to 1 hour per week in the classroom

This year, in-person and virtual tutoring options are available. Volunteering will begin in late September or early October. Our program runs through the end of May.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Reading Success tutor, please contact Sue Baehr at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1032.

4 Ways to Beat the Summer Slide

“Summer slide” is the tendency for students, especially from low-income families, to lose some of the educational gains they achieved throughout the school year during their summer break. Preventing summer slide is a considerable factor in ensuring all Lake County children are on a pathway to future success.

We’ve put together a list of four ways to keep your child academically and physically engaged over the summer months.

United Way’s New 211 PSA Campaign

United Way Worldwide recently launched a national PSA campaign, in partnership with the Ad Council, to spotlight the many benefits of 211. The campaign emphasizes top needs requested by 211 such as food assistance, help paying bills, health care answers and mental health resources. The main message is that 211 can be the guiding light when times get dark.

We are excited to see how this new campaign will help raise awareness of 211 in Lake County, which will lead to more people getting connected to the help they deserve in their moments of need.

Check out the new 60-second English ad:

Women United’s Golf Fundraiser

On July 19, Women United hosted a sold out golf fundraiser, called Play A-Round for Lake County Kids, held at White Deer Run in Vernon Hills. The weather was beautiful and players enjoyed 18 holes, lunch and dinner, a silent auction, numerous contests, and games with an array of prizes.

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. Since 2014, Women United has raised and granted $850K.

Thank you to the event chairs, Judy Kotsiopoulos and Ali Walton, and all the golfers, volunteers, and sponsors for making this a successful event. We’ll share an update soon about the total dollars raised.

Wine & Learn About Women United

You’re invited to Women United‘s Wine & Learn on August 18 at 6 p.m. in Libertyville. You’ll learn all about what it means to be a member and how this amazing group of women is supporting early childhood education in Lake County. Women United has a flexible program structure that enables busy, successful women to engage at whatever level works best for them.

We hope to see you there!

Follow Leaders United on Social Media

Leaders United—our group for young professionals that creates positive change in Lake County—has a presence on both Facebook and LinkedIn. Follow them for invitations to fun events and volunteer opportunities, updates on their work in the community, and much more. Click below to view their social media profiles.

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