21 Feb

February 2025 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

211 Day Celebrated Across Lake County

In special recognition of United Way of Lake County’s 211 helpline, the Lake County Board, as well as the Villages of Antioch, Fox Lake, Gurnee and Mundelein, and Cities of Highland Park, North Chicago, Waukegan and 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 more than 375,000 connections to essential health and human services in Lake County.

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

Dine & Donate on March 4 – 6

Enjoy a meal and raise funds to create lasting change in Lake County!

On March 4 – 6, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, when you dine in or take out at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar in Vernon Hills, mention United Way of Lake County; 15% of your bill will be donated to support our work to build a stronger community.

Happy Hour for Young Professionals

Join Leaders United for a happy hour and networking event on Thursday, March 6, at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar in Vernon Hills.

Leaders United is a group of caring, committed professionals, ages 21-50, on a mission to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism among their peers and help students succeed.

Make connections while enjoying food and drinks and learn how to get involved in United Way’s community impact efforts!

There is no entry fee; you only pay for your own food and drinks. Please RSVP by emailing leadersunited@uwlakeco.org. All are welcome, ages 21+. We hope to see you there!

Honoring Black History

This Black History Month, we honor the incredible contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and change-makers who have shaped our history and continue to inspire a brighter future for us all.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Register for Better Together

Better Together is our free program for children ages 0-3 and their caregivers where they learn, play, and develop school readiness skills together. Sessions are available in North Chicago, Great Lakes, and Fox Lake. To register, contact Marissa Gomez at (847) 775-1058 or Marissa.Gomez@uwlakeco.org.

Check out our new Better Together videos in English and Spanish to learn about the program from attending parents and program leaders.

Planned Giving: Create Your Legacy

Donors from all walks of life at all income levels can make an investment in securing the future of our community. The process is simple, and the impact will last for generations.

There are many ways to make a charitable gift, such as donating stock or securities, using your IRA or donor-advised fund, and including us in your will or living trust. Learn about the many ways to give by clicking below.

17 Dec

December 2024 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

You helped us accomplish so much this year! Thank you for supporting our mission to mobilize our community so all can thrive. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity. We wish you health and happiness this holiday season!

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Spreading Holiday Joy to Local Families

This holiday season, our incredible corporate partners and community members came together to spread joy and warmth to Lake County families. Thanks to their generosity, 75 families have received warm winter clothing, educational toys, non-perishable groceries, and extra toys to brighten their celebrations.

A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing donors!

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Our annual Holiday Guide is now available! It includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County, agency wish lists, and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.

A helping hand can make someone’s day or even change their life. Let’s give back this holiday season and shape a brighter tomorrow for our community.

United is the Way to a Thriving Community

True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way of Lake County is there. With deep local roots in Lake County, we see how our community’s greatest challenges are connected – and how we can bring people and resources together to address them. Can we count on your support of our vital work this holiday season?

Your gift to United Way of Lake County will:

Prepare children who missed out on preschool for kindergarten.
Provide students with critical support and resources to succeed in school and life.
Help youth stay on track to graduate and prepare them for college and career.
Connect our neighbors to urgent resources like food, mental health, and jobs.

We’re working towards a future where all our community members can reach their full potential. Through December 31, your gift will be matched up to $10K!

Join Women of Color: United in Leadership

Women United is thrilled to announce the upcoming cohort of Women of Color: United in Leadership, our transformative 9-month program designed to connect, elevate, and strengthen women leaders in our community. With fellow participants from leading organizations like AbbVie, Medline, Aon, and Great Lakes Credit Union, this program is a space where powerful ideas and meaningful relationships take root and leadership potential is developed.

This unique program offers an opportunity to connect with a network of driven and like-minded women leaders while building skills and insights to advance your career and make a meaningful impact in the community. Participants will strengthen relationships with influential community stakeholders and engage directly in impactful projects and leadership roles. Additionally, the program provides access to leadership seminars, small group mentorship, and executive coaching from seasoned professionals, offering invaluable support and guidance for personal and professional growth.

If you are interested in participating please contact Jessica Ceisel.

Parent Mentor Program Receives Award

The Parent Mentor program, delivered in partnership through HACES, United Way of Lake County, Lake County Workforce Development, and Waukegan Public Schools, recently received the Workforce Solutions Award from the Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP). IWP advocates for the creation of a skilled workforce for our state’s continued competitiveness and growth, connecting businesses and individuals to a wide array of resources utilizing our public workforce system.

The Parent Mentor program trains parents to be mentors who volunteer in a classroom four days a week. Mentors receive training on literacy, computer skills, leadership, and more.

Earlier this year, through the partnership with Lake County Workforce Development, an expanded component of the program was piloted with nine parent mentors. Lake County Workforce Development supported the parents as they worked in the school district and provided additional wrap around services.

Two of the internship goals are to address the professional educator shortage and the increasing need for bilingual support within the district. The internships provided a direct pipeline for parents to test out being dedicated to a school on a full-time basis. Ivette Martinez who manages the Parent Mentor program, explains, “Without the internship, parents might not feel qualified or know where to start.” During the most recent cohort, nine parents became interns and two moved on to be hired directly by the Waukegan School District as paraprofessionals.

Kristi Long Awarded for Outstanding Achievement

Our inspiring leader Kristi Long, was presented with the Staben House “Home for the Holidays” Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing her decades of outstanding dedication to the success and well-being of families in Waukegan Township and throughout Lake County.

Thank you Waukegan Township Staben House for this special recognition, and for all you do to uplift women and their children experiencing homelessness.

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, or other health and human services—call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected to available resources.

Learn more at 211LakeCounty.org.

Attend the Lake County Joy Summit

United Way of Lake County is a proud sponsor of the Lake County Joy Summit, which focuses on inspiring joy while providing critical resources on health and wellness for the community. It will be a transformative day filled with renowned and inspiring speakers, a wellness expo, and the opportunity to connect and network with other local professionals.

27 Sep

September 2024 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

‘Stuff the Bus’ Exceeds Expectations

We are thrilled to share we exceeded our goal for this year’s annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we prepared and distributed 3,775 backpacks full of supplies to local school districts, agencies and back-to-school fairs across Lake County! We also distributed 300 teacher kits.

We are so proud that many more students will have the supplies they need to succeed during this new school year! Thank you to the 100+ companies and donors who supported this drive and the 130+ volunteers who donated their time to pack, sort and stuff each backpack.

Maria Colunga, Community Outreach Specialist at Round Lake Area School District 116, shared, “Families are grateful because they are getting the help they need. Through this campaign, we help families focus on what’s important—getting kids ready for school.”

View the long list of organizations that helped make Stuff the Bus a huge success below.

Results and Reflection: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

This summer, our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) program saw great success. 142 incoming kindergarten students attended KCC across six school districts; Antioch, Beach Park, LEARN John and Kathy Schreiber Campus, Round Lake, Waukegan, and Zion.

Before camp, only 45% of students averaged at least “in progress” or better across the eight skills assessed (shapes, colors, letters, name writing, counting, book familiarity, rhyming and fine motor skills). After camp, we saw that average increase to 75% “in progress or better” in those same eight skills. That’s a 67% increase!

“It’s incredible how a few weeks can make such a difference!,” said Ms. Celia Montes de Oca, a KCC teacher in Waukegan.

Each KCC student received a three-year Kohl Children’s Museum membership, snack packs, and backpacks full of supplies to start the school year confident and ready to succeed.

You’re Invited: 5th Anniversary of 211 in Lake County

Join us on October 24 at Independence Grove to celebrate this milestone anniversary of 211 services for Lake County!

Lake County’s 211 has made more than 300,000 connections to help since its launch. The measurable impact of 211 will be presented, including data on community-specific needs and valuable results. We will share stories of how 211 has made a real difference for community members, employers, agencies, and local government.

The program will feature a panel discussion with civic leaders talking in-depth about top community needs and how the service has improved and saved lives. Attendees will network, enjoy a delicious breakfast, connect with local leaders and receive 211 materials.

Join Us For Power of the Purse

Join Women United on Sunday, November 3 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.

Come away for a fun-filled afternoon celebrating women, friendship, and philanthropy. We’ll enjoy a delicious brunch, bubbly, prizes, and special surprises. There will be designer bags, silent auction items, and raffle baskets to win. All proceeds will support early learning and care programs in Lake County.

Become a Mentor, Become a Leader

We are seeking volunteers to help make a positive difference in the lives of Waukegan’s youth. Join Leaders United in our before-school program, Breakfast Club, to inspire and guide middle school students as they prepare for high school. Discuss academics, mindfulness, self-care, and more to prepare for the future and fulfill their goals!

Supporter Spotlight: Derse

Derse—a full-service trade show and event agency—partnered with United Ways throughout the country to lead diaper drives. Here in Lake County, Derse’s Waukegan and Northbrook locations collected more than 900 diapers and 1,900 baby wipes, which will be distributed to families attending our Better Together program. An additional $1,116 was raised through monetary donations and will go towards purchasing additional diapers, baby wipes, and supplementary items to support Better Together families.

Derse also created and donated 36 new stencils for us to use when we are installing or refreshing our Early Learning Trails across Lake County.

Thank you, Derse, for your wonderful generosity and support!

Planned Giving: Create Your Legacy

Donors from all walks of life at all income levels can make an investment in securing the future of our community. The process is simple, and the impact will last for generations.

Kindergarten Readiness Calendars 2024-2025

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

You can place an order using our online order form. Pickups are available by appointment, Monday through Thursday, 9 AM – 4 PM, at our office (330 S Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL).

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

Board Member Update

We are thrilled to welcome three new members to our Board of Directors:

Janis Quinn, DNP, ARPN, CPNP-AC – Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Kristin Bartolucci – Vice President, Controller Research and Development, AbbVie
Mike Foley – Vice President, R&D Operations, AbbVie

Janis and Mike will both serve on the Community Impact Council and Kristin will serve on the Finance Committee.

A special thank you to outgoing board members, Tom Hudson and Bill Gould, for their dedicated service.

26 Jul

July 2024 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our 2024-2025 bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are now available! They are free, a great resource for families, designed for preschool-age children, and filled with tips and 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. Pickups are available by appointment, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, at our office (330 S Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL).

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

Donate School Supplies to Local Students

For families struggling to meet basic needs like food and shelter, school supplies become extras, not essentials. Without access to these supplies, children start the school year at a disadvantage. But together, we can make a difference!

Join our Stuff the Bus supply drive! You can donate school supplies, or make a monetary donation, to help ensure every student goes back to school with the supplies they need. Now through August 15, you can contribute as an individual or your organization can team up to make a difference!

Barnett Capital and SBB Research Group Join Stuff the Bus

The generous people at Barnett Capital and SBB Research Group purchased and packed supplies for 131 backpacks, which will be distributed to children at Whispering Oaks Apartments in Waukegan during Women United’s Back to School Fair. Barnett Capital also made a generous donation to Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund, helping to support early childhood learning and care in Lake County. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for local students.

Thank you to Women United member Sonia Munoz, who inspired her company to take on this impactful project.

“We are pleased to support the work Women United and United Way does to help children learn the skills and receive the resources needed to enter school ready to succeed!”
– Sonia Munoz, Operations Manager, Barnett Real Estate Investment Finance

211: A Critical Community Resource

United Way of Lake County has been working diligently to spread the word about 211—our free, confidential helpline that connects our community members to local health and human services. This multilingual helpline has English and Spanish-speaking navigators and interpretation to more than 150 languages.

211 has already made a tremendous impact on our community. Since launching in 2019, 211 has made 300,000+ connections to essential services.

We need the community’s help to share about this important resource. Visit our 211 Toolkit to find downloadable and printed materials that you can share with your network.

We can also provide 211 training for your organization. If interested, please contact 211LakeCounty@uwlakeco.org.

Preparing Children for Kindergarten

This summer, we were pleased to offer Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) in 6 Lake County school districts. The 140 participating students are now better prepared to succeed in school this fall after practicing key kindergarten skills, following directions and adjusting to the classroom setting.

Women United has continued to show incredible support for KCC over the years. In addition to providing substantial funding for KCC, Women United enjoys getting involved in the program. Women United members recently visited several KCC classrooms, where they read to the students and lead them in a craft project. Thank you, Women United, for sharing your love of learning with our KCC students and for all the ways you support this impactful program!

Bright by Text Expands Age Range

Bright by Text has expanded age-based content up to age 11!

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, available in English and Spanish, include topics like brain development, health and wellness, STEM, safety and more.

To sign up, text “UWLC” to 274-448. Then you’ll receive messages timed to your child’s exact age and information about local events and resources, including information about our very own early education programs.

Snap-On Credit at Glen Flora Elementary

Snap-on Credit’s amazing team of creative and enthusiastic volunteers recently joined us to retouch and expand our Early Learning Trail at Glen Flora Elementary in Waukegan.

Early Learning Trails are publicly accessible outdoor learning games designed to develop children’s academic readiness and encourage active movement and play.

The volunteers brought vibrant colors and life to the school, making it a more fun and engaging place for the kids. Thank you, Snap-on Credit volunteers, for your support of Lake County youth and families!

Silly Snack Packs with Trustmark

Trustmark recently joined us to create 144 Snack Packs! The group of volunteers adorned each bag with playful decorations and included a handwritten joke card.

The snack packs are being distributed to the families participating in our summer early learning programming and are sure to brighten their day.

Thank you, Trustmark volunteers, for putting smiles on the faces of so many local children and families!

28 Jun

June 2024 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Premier Leaders Event Raises $264K for Our Education Programs and 211

On June 4, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our 11th annual Premier Leaders Event at the charming Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest. 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 netted $264K for our education programs and 211! We are grateful for the generous support we received from so 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.

Donate School Supplies to Local Students

Lake County students are now out of school and enjoying their summer break. Even so, stores will soon be advertising back-to-school supplies for the fall. For families struggling to meet basic needs like food and shelter, school supplies become extras, not essentials. Without access to these supplies, children start the school year at a disadvantage.

But together, we can make a difference!

Volunteer with United Way This Summer

We have a variety of in-person and remote volunteer opportunities that individuals and organizations would find fun and fulfilling. We hope you’ll get involved! Check out the opportunities on our website.

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom

Juneteenth is a day of reflection, celebration, and action. We honor the struggles and triumphs of the past while recognizing the work that still lies ahead. At United Way, we are dedicated to promoting equity, justice, and community empowerment.

Celebrating Pride in Lake County

Pride Month is not just a celebration; it is a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and acceptance for all. At United Way, we believe in creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

On June 8, we had the pleasure of sponsoring and participating in the LGBTQ+ Center’s PrideFest in Round Lake Beach, alongside many of our community partners.

Annual Meeting and Board Member Update

We were proud to hold our Annual Meeting at the National Museum of the American Sailor, where we highlighted our fiscal year 2024 impact, welcomed new board members, and thanked outgoing board members for their service. We’re grateful to Capt. Steve Yargosz, Commanding Officer at Naval Station Great Lakes, for hosting us and sharing the fascinating history of the base and what it means to serve.

We welcomed the following new members to our Board of Directors:

Jeff Babinski, American Place Casino
Maggie Dudzinska, Dickson
Antonio Garcia, Lake County Workforce Development
Jamie Epstein, Community Volunteer
Michael Karner, PhD, Regional Office of Education
Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Women United’s Global Leadership Council
Yeshwant Sanzgiri, AbbVie – Retired
Oscar Zepeda, Puro Fútbol News

A special thank you to outgoing board members, Clarence Berry, Steve Carlson, Dru Garcia, Demar Harris, Sandi Johnson, Mark Schweitzer, and Carl Skoog, for their dedicated service.

Read Our 2023 Annual Report

United Way of Lake County is pleased to share our fiscal year 2023 Annual Report. Flip through to see the collective impact you help make possible.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every donor, volunteer, corporate and community partner who helps us build a stronger Lake County community!

Now Hiring: Women United Coordinator

The Women United Coordinator develops and enhances relationships with donors, deepens donor relationships by supporting volunteer events, meetings and activities, partners with donors to raise funds, and provides value to Women United’s community impact initiatives.

26 Apr

April 2024 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, volunteers!

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 open for students in the Antioch, Beach Park, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion school districts.

Antioch: June 5 – 27
Beach Park: July 29 – August 14
Round Lake: June 3 – 27
Waukegan: June 3 – July 1
Zion: June 3 – July 11

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

Lunch & Learn About Women United

Are you looking for new ways to make a measurable difference for children and families in Lake County or new opportunities to volunteer and socialize? You can do all of that and more with Women United! Learn about becoming a member by joining us virtually on Wednesday, May 1 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Women United mobilizes more than 145 amazing women to help ensure that all children living in Lake County have an equal opportunity to start school ready to succeed. Women United also has a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.

Please RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org and she will share the Zoom link.

Lattes with Leaders United

Join Leaders United, our group of young professionals focused on making a difference in Lake County, for a fun networking event! You will have the opportunity to speak with Leaders United members, hear about their work, and get a coffee siphon brewing demonstration from Drip and Culture’s owner Adam Carson.

When: May 8 | 5:00-6:00 PM
Where: Drip and Culture | 2015 Grand Ave, Waukegan

UWLC on the Radio and Día del Niño Celebration

Thank you to Alpha Media’s Union Latina radio show and host José Rodriquez for inviting United Way to share about our Kindergarten Countdown Camp. Watch the interview on Facebook here.

We will also be participating in Alpha Media’s Día del Niño celebration at Gurnee Mills Mall (Entrance G) on Saturday April 27 from 2:00-4:00 PM. Visit our table to learn about United Way’s free early learning programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, and our 211 helpline that connects people to local resources and support.

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.

Hiring: Kindergarten Readiness Coordinator

We are hiring for a part-time summer position that will assist in the implementation of our Kindergarten Countdown Camp program. Learn more about the role and apply on Indeed below.

19 Dec

December 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy 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 health and happiness this holiday season!

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Spreading Holiday Joy to Local Families

This holiday season, our incredible corporate partners and community members came together to spread joy and warmth to 76 Lake County families. Thanks to their generosity, each family will receive warm winter clothing, educational toys, non-perishable groceries, and extra toys to brighten their celebrations.

In addition to fulfilling family wish lists, we had several warm winter clothing drives bring in hundreds of pieces of clothing to help keep even more of our Lake County families safe and warm this winter season.

A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing donors! Your compassion is awe-inspiring!

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Check out our annual Holiday Guide! It includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County, 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.

Be a Community Hero for Children and Families in Lake County

We are on a mission to build a stronger Lake County community where everyone can thrive. Together, we can create a community where heroes abound. Can we count on your support this holiday season?

By supporting education initiatives like Success By 6 and Youth Success, you become a hero for local children, ensuring they have the tools and skills for a successful future. Our 211 helpline, a beacon for those in need, has guided over 250,000 people to essential services—a lifeline made possible by heroes like you.

Through December 19, you can double your impact! Our sponsor 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 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected to available resources.

Learn more at 211LakeCounty.org.

Women United Leadership

We are thrilled to introduce Marisa Livingston, Senior Clinical Supplies Manager at Catalent Pharma Solutions, as our incoming Women United Board Chair! Starting in January 2024, Marisa, a dedicated Women United member and leader of their DIBI (Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative) Committee, will bring a fresh perspective and valuable experience to lead us forward. Her thoughtful approach and inspiring presence will uphold Women United’s legacy while fostering growth, inclusivity, and shared success.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Lori Miller who has served as Women United’s Board Chair these past few years. Lori’s dedication and outstanding contributions have been instrumental in advancing Women United’s mission to invest in early childhood education in Lake County. Thank you, Lori, for your leadership and the positive impact you’ve made on our organization and on the children and families we serve.

We’re Hiring: 211 Community Engagement Coordinator

We are looking for an innovative individual enthusiastic about serving others to help ensure that 211 Lake County excels in delivering referral services and information to people of Lake County. The 211 Community Engagement Coordinator is a key team member responsible for ensuring that 211 Lake County helps provide a positive experience and value to Lake County community members and stakeholders.

07 Nov

October 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

211 Year Four Results and Impact

We are pleased to share our fourth annual report for 211 that summarizes the tremendous impact 211 continues to make, including another 79,088 connections to critical services and help!

The report provides a snapshot of the demographic data and top needs requested from 211 between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. 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.

Creating Foundations, Building Futures

Women United recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity and joined other women volunteers in Lake County to start building two new homes in a Waukegan neighborhood being redeveloped. Our members left with full hearts knowing they helped build a brighter future for two women-led families in our community who will now have safe, affordable homeownership.

These efforts are an investment in our young children. Having a safe, stable place to call home is foundational to wellbeing and critical to children’s development. Children with a secure and nurturing home environment have a greater chance to thrive. For example, graduation rates are 19% higher for children of homeowners than for renters. And adults who own their own homes are more likely to pursue their own continued education.

We hope to continue to uplift these families on their educational journey.

View photos and video clips from the project by clicking below.

SUCCESS STORY
Writing Major

Meet Major. He is 5 years old. This summer, Major took part in our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) to learn key skills and prepare for kindergarten.

One key skill children need for kindergarten is being able to write the letters of their name. At KCC, students begin learning to write their name by tracing the letters over dotted lines.

Like many students attending KCC, Major found it difficult to hold a marker the correct way in order to write. Major’s KCC teachers worked each day to help Major enhance his hand-eye coordination and gain control over his marker. Every morning at KCC, Major would begin class by practicing with his classmates. After weeks of practice, Major learned how to hold his marker correctly. By the end of KCC, he was able to write his name successfully.

Through KCC, Major was able to build a key skill that is essential for successful learning in kindergarten.

Almost Sold Out: Power of the Purse!

Only a few tickets remain! Get your tickets by Friday, October 27.

Join Women United on Sunday, November 5 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.

Come away for a fun-filled afternoon with the special women in our lives. We’ll enjoy brunch, bubbly, games and special surprises. There will be more than 40 designer bags, plus silent auction items and raffle baskets to win. All proceeds will support critical early education programs in Lake County.

Place Your Order Today: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our free, bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are a great resource for families and educators. The calendars are designed for preschool-age children and filled with activities and information to help families get ready for their child’s first day of kindergarten.

Place an order to pick up calendars using our online order form.

Start a Workplace Giving Campaign

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.

11 Aug

July 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Volunteers Build New Playground at Oakdale Elementary

After three days of hard work and with the help of more than 90 volunteers, Oakdale Elementary School in Waukegan now has a magnificent new playground! We are amazed by the dedication of our volunteers and excited for the students to enjoy this new space.

“It was a great pleasure to have United Way of Lake County join forces with so many volunteers to build our new playground,” said Catalina Quiñones-Nelson, Principal at Oakdale Elementary School. “United Way recruited volunteers from the Chicago Bears, ITW, Trustmark and the Waukegan High School football team to get their hands dirty and assist with the playground build, working alongside Oakdale teachers and families. Playgrounds provide an opportunity for students to improve cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being skills. Students collaborate with each other as they develop decision-making skills and use their imagination to play creatively. We are very grateful for United Way’s partnership and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

In addition to the playground, community volunteers came together to honor the memory of a teacher by planting beautiful flowers in the courtyard space outside of her classroom. This gesture of remembrance and respect reflects our strong bond with our educators and their lasting impact on our lives.

We appreciate the selflessness and compassion demonstrated by these amazing volunteers. Their hard work and commitment have made a significant difference in our community, and we are immensely grateful.

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our 2023-2024 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. Pickups are available by appointment, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at our office (330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL).

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

Don’t Miss Your Chance to “Stuff the Bus”

There’s still time to participate in Stuff the Bus! Help us ensure more students start school this fall with the necessary supplies. You’ll be helping prepare them for their academic studies, build their self-esteem and set them up for success. Through August 15, you can donate school supplies, make an online donation or help spread the word.

We are very grateful to the many individuals, companies and organizations that have already donated and volunteered to create hundreds of backpacks for local students.

Women of Color: United in Leadership

Women United is proud to build a strong professional network of women of color through our leadership program, Women of Color: United in Leadership. This program helps professionals to develop their authentic voice and unleash their full potential while connecting with a diverse community of like-minded women who share aspirations, experiences and commitment to community service. Through expert guidance, we dive deep into leadership strategies, effective communication, and personal growth and development.

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our next cohort beginning this fall, let us know by emailing Jessica.Ceisel@uwlakeco.org.

Watch the video below to learn more about the program from women who participated in our first cohort.

211 is Here to Help in Times of Crisis, Disaster and Every Day

United Way of Lake County’s 211 helpline is a critical service available for all 714,000 Lake County community members in times of crisis, disaster and every day. CBS Chicago recently aired a 30-minute special about last year’s shooting in Highland Park and how the community has shown its strength and resilience to help survivors move forward. United Way of Lake County was highlighted as an important partner and our 211 helpline has been integral in connecting survivors with information and resources.

Watch the segment below featuring an interview with Gale Graves, our Vice President of Community Impact, speaking with news anchor Irika Sargent.

Introducing Sophia Cotton, 211 Manager

Please welcome Sophia Cotton, our new 211 Manager! Sophia brings a background of both direct service delivery and program management in nonprofits and is familiar with the health and human service landscape within Lake County. Over the next few weeks, Sophia will be concentrating on building a foundation of understanding of how 211 works, program goals and measurement, community needs and gaps in resources, and of course, digging into our comprehensive data. She has already started meeting with key partners and volunteers.

Our priorities continue to be on increasing awareness and utilization of 211 while expanding the many health and human service providers and resources within the database. We are currently focused on identifying key 2023 initiatives.

In Loving Memory of Stacy Boison

It is with great sadness and condolences to her family that United Way of Lake County mourns the passing of Stacy Boison.

Stacy was a beloved and irreplaceable member of our United Way family since she joined in 2019 as Finance Manager. She brought so much light and joy to those around her. Stacy will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

02 Jun

May 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Premier Leaders Event Raises $251K for Our Education Programs and 211

On May 24, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our 10th annual Premier Leaders Event at College of Lake County’s impressive new Student Center in Waukegan. 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 netted $251K for our education programs and 211! We are grateful for the generous support we received from so 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 supplies needed to succeed in school. The price for essential supplies is increasing and many families struggle to afford everything on their child’s school supply list.

But together, we can make a difference!

Join our Stuff the Bus community school supply 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 August 15, 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.

Women United Grants $186K to Local Early Education

Women United announced that they will distribute $186K this year through their Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support nine critical early education programs. Since 2014, Women United has raised and granted more than 1.2 million in grants to early education in Lake County!

We are so proud of the work Women United does to help ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures of Lake County’s young learners.

Learn more about the grantees below.

Volunteer with UWLC this Summer

GLCU Donates Hundreds of Books to Local Schools

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), an incredible community partner, for yet another remarkable accomplishment. Over the past few months, GLCU has been actively collecting brand-new books for local schools as part of their Read Across America initiative. As a result of their efforts, more than 360 books were distributed to schools in Lake County and Chicagoland. This generous donation will provide invaluable resources to students and help instill a love for reading in our youth. Once again, thank you GLCU for your unwavering support and dedication to our community!

211 Illinois Receives State Grant

We are thrilled to share the exciting news from this most recent Illinois legislative session. The 211 Illinois board has secured a $3 million grant for fiscal 2023-2024 to support 211 services and expand coverage to uncovered counties. The funding announcement is a huge victory and will allow 211 Illinois to plan for and strengthen the future of our statewide 211 network.

The challenging and tireless work to expand 211 coverage for all Illinoisans has been led by 211 Illinois Board Chair, Kristi Long, who also serves as President & CEO of United Way of Lake County. Thanks also to Steve Carlson and Glenda Abbott who continue to champion Lake County’s 211 and serve on the Illinois 211 Board, as well as Kelly Cotter and Michelle Crombie who provided the tremendous support on the grant application and submittal process.

United Way of Lake County is proud to help lead the way to bring 211 services to all Illinois communities and be a model program. 211 has now expanded to more than 90% of the state, up from 36% just a year ago. As of right now, 7 million more Illinoisans have access to 211!

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.

Newer posts

Older posts

Tag: 211

211 Illinois Receives State Grant

United Way of Lake County Announces Next CEO

February 2025 e-Newsletter

January 2025 e-Newsletter

Tag: 211

211 Day Celebrated Across Lake County

Dine & Donate on March 4 – 6

Happy Hour for Young Professionals

Honoring Black History

Register for Better Together

Planned Giving: Create Your Legacy

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

Spreading Holiday Joy to Local Families

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

United is the Way to a Thriving Community

Join Women of Color: United in Leadership

Parent Mentor Program Receives Award

Kristi Long Awarded for Outstanding Achievement

211 is Here for You

Attend the Lake County Joy Summit

‘Stuff the Bus’ Exceeds Expectations

Results and Reflection: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

You’re Invited: 5th Anniversary of 211 in Lake County

Join Us For Power of the Purse

Become a Mentor, Become a Leader

Supporter Spotlight: Derse

Planned Giving: Create Your Legacy

Kindergarten Readiness Calendars 2024-2025

Board Member Update

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Donate School Supplies to Local Students

Barnett Capital and SBB Research Group Join Stuff the Bus

211: A Critical Community Resource

Preparing Children for Kindergarten

Bright by Text Expands Age Range

Snap-On Credit at Glen Flora Elementary

Silly Snack Packs with Trustmark

Premier Leaders Event Raises $264K for Our Education Programs and 211

Donate School Supplies to Local Students

Volunteer with United Way This Summer

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom

Celebrating Pride in Lake County

Annual Meeting and Board Member Update

Read Our 2023 Annual Report

Now Hiring: Women United Coordinator

We Love Our Volunteers!

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Lunch & Learn About Women United

Lattes with Leaders United

UWLC on the Radio and Día del Niño Celebration

Every Child Deserves a Safe Childhood

Hiring: Kindergarten Readiness Coordinator

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

Spreading Holiday Joy to Local Families

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Be a Community Hero for Children and Families in Lake County

211 is Here for You

Women United Leadership

We’re Hiring: 211 Community Engagement Coordinator

211 Year Four Results and Impact

Creating Foundations, Building Futures

SUCCESS STORY Writing Major

Almost Sold Out: Power of the Purse!

Place Your Order Today: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Start a Workplace Giving Campaign

Volunteers Build New Playground at Oakdale Elementary

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Don’t Miss Your Chance to “Stuff the Bus”

Women of Color: United in Leadership

211 is Here to Help in Times of Crisis, Disaster and Every Day

Introducing Sophia Cotton, 211 Manager

In Loving Memory of Stacy Boison

Premier Leaders Event Raises $251K for Our Education Programs and 211

Help Us Stuff the Bus!

Women United Grants $186K to Local Early Education

Volunteer with UWLC this Summer

GLCU Donates Hundreds of Books to Local Schools

211 Illinois Receives State Grant

We’re Hiring: 211 Manager

SUCCESS STORY
Writing Major