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’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 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
In early March, community and corporate volunteer readers gathered in person and virtually to share the joy of reading with elementary school students at Pleviak in Lake Villa, Little Fort in Waukegan and East in Zion. Throughout the week, 62 volunteers read to more than 1,050 pre-K to third-grade students.
Teachers love this interaction because it helps to provide a model of reading fluency, introduces new vocabulary, and helps to increase attention spans in our young learners. Our readers also help children see themselves in books, feel validated and confident, and have pride in their experiences and cultures.
Thank you to all our incredible volunteer readers for sharing their love of reading with these students! We created a video slideshow with photos from all three locations. Check it out below.
Thank you to Internet Essentials for sponsoring this event!
UWLC Receives Community Service Award
The Waukegan Park District recently presented United Way of Lake County with a Community Service Award for our support of their Before & After School Experience (B.A.S.E.) Program for elementary school students. Our funding helped keep the cost of the program affordable for local families.
Thank you, Waukegan Park District! We appreciate your wonderful partnership and recognition of our impact on children in the Waukegan community.
Watch the award presentation in the video below.
Read Across America Book Drive
In February, we partnered with the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, the Lake County Bar Association and the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County (AWALC) to conduct a book drive that aimed to increase local elementary school children’s access to books promoting a positive equity message.
Many community members contributed to our online fund and both the Lake County Bar Association and the AWALC presented us with $1,000 checks. We are proud to announce that we were able to raise $3,117!
A huge thank you to our partners and everyone who contributed! Now more children will have access to books by diverse authors and that feature diverse characters. We will soon be dropping off 856 books in English and Spanish for grades K-5 at North Elementary in Waukegan. Keep an eye on our social media pages because we plan to share photos from the drop-off soon.
Breakfast Club Sessions Back In Person
Leaders United members have returned to Robert Abbott Middle School to start up their Breakfast Club sessions with a select group of 8th-grade students. This program offers before-school mentorship and tutoring. Through bi-monthly engagement, RAMS Scholars are provided support to help them prepare for the transition from middle school to high school and build skills that will lead to lifelong, healthy habits.
Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp
Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) is our free summer learning program for children entering kindergarten this fall who have little to no preschool experience. Children who attend KCC will adjust to the classroom setting, practice following directions and rules, and practice key kindergarten skills. KCC is a great opportunity to get your child prepared to succeed in kindergarten.
Registration is now open for students in the Gurnee, North Chicago, Round Lake and Waukegan school districts. KCC in Gurnee runs from June 13–July 8, 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.
Company Spotlight: Medline
Medline, based in Northfield, Illinois, has supported and partnered with United Way of Lake County for many years. Most recently, Medline provided its annual donation to UWLC, which helps support vital programs right here in our community. Medline employees also volunteer their time, providing additional and personal support for these programs.
Medline volunteers support many UWLC initiatives, including community events, collection drives and our Leaders United group. During this past fall, Medline volunteers collected over four pallets of essentials for A Safe Place, including diapers, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste. During the winter, over 20 Medline employees fulfilled community wish lists by donating items such as winter clothing, books and toys.
Medline sponsors young leaders in their organization to participate in our Leaders United group, which enables long-term growth and professional development. Adding three new members in 2022, the eight Medline mentors will assist in developing young leaders in the community. They do this through the following Leaders United initiatives:
Waukegan to College events: Medline leaders support first-generation high school students from Waukegan, helping them to uncover and showcase their leadership skills.
Breakfast Club: Medline leaders support this mentoring program in partnership with Robert Abbott Middle School in Waukegan.
Read Across America: Medline leaders read virtually to students at East Elementary School in Zion.
“Volunteering is one of the greatest ways we have been able to support United Way of Lake County as their programs and initiatives continue to provide essential and emergency resources needed by the community,” said Karen Frey, philanthropy manager at Medline.
We are grateful for our partnership with Medline and look forward to many more years of collaboration. Thank you for helping us build a stronger Lake County for everyone who lives and works here!
Follow Leaders United on Instagram
Leaders United has joined Instagram to further connect with new members and keep the community up-to-date on their great work in the community. Check out their profile below!
In special recognition of our 211 helpline, the Lake County Board proclaimed February 11 as “211 Day” in Lake County, Illinois. We are grateful to Lake County government for their partnership and generous support of our 211 service, as well as the many 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 125,000 connections to essential health and human services. 211 Day is a wonderful opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this vital service to improve and save lives here in Lake County.
Watch below as Deanna Olmem, Manager of 211, shares remarks about 211 in Lake County, followed by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart reading the special recognition of 211.
Commemorating MLK with Virtual Reading Event
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) partnered with United Way of Lake County (UWLC) to host a reading event with West Elementary in Zion. Approximately 300 children from third through fifth grades took part in the readings. Both English and Spanish-speaking volunteers read books to the students that highlighted MLK’s work on equity, diversity and civil rights.
“We understand that during this difficult time not all students have easy access to books at home,” said Abraham Santiago, Senior Manager of Community and Financial Education programs at GLCU. “Through our partnership with UWLC, we were excited to not only read to the children virtually in the classroom, but to also send them home with a book they can read with their families so they can continue to learn and grow.”
By partnering with UWLC, GLCU safely served the community and provided literacy support to young students despite the pandemic. We are thankful for GLCU’s partnership as we continue to make an impact on the lives of so many children in our community.
Interested in partnering with us to host a volunteer project with your organization? Contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.
Read Across America Book Drive
During the month of February, we have partnered with the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, the Lake County Bar Association and the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County to conduct a book drive that aims to increase local elementary school children’s access to books promoting a positive equity message. Join us in helping put books by diverse authors featuring diverse characters into the hands of eager, young readers in our community.
One way you can get involved is by purchasing new books from our wish list and dropping them off at any of the four designated locations, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Alternatively, you can make an online gift and we will purchase books on your behalf.
Abbott Spreads Some Love with Valentine Project
Earlier this month, we coordinated a project with Abbott where volunteers created beautiful Valentine’s Day cards to share with seniors living in long-term care facilities in Lake County. Thank you Abbott volunteers for taking the time to create so many cheerful, encouraging cards that will certainly bring joy during these cold, wintery days.
Interested in partnering with us to host a volunteer project with your organization? Contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.
A Conversation with Community-Minded Business Owners
Join Leaders United virtually on February 23 for a conversation with the owners of Drip & Culture in Waukegan, Adam Carson and Nydia Gonzalez, to learn how this socially minded and minority-owned business is creating change in the Lake County community.
We are looking to fill our Donor Relations Specialist position. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit, please share this opportunity with them.
Brief description: The Donor Relations Specialist provides support to Resource Development staff and their efforts to maintain and build relationships with donors to meet the organizational goal of deepened donor relationships.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
To celebrate Black History Month, we are hosting a virtual book drive during the month of February. Help us put books featuring Black characters and influential Black American figures into the hands of eager young readers in our community. We will use the funds to purchase the books and donate them to local elementary schools, increasing access to books promoting a positive equity message.
Lake County Recognizes February 11 as 211 Day
In special recognition of our 211 helpline, the Lake County Board proclaimed February 11 as “211 Day” in Lake County, Illinois. We are grateful to Lake County government for their partnership and generous support of our 211 service, as well as the many 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 70,000 connections to essential health and human services. 211 Day is a wonderful opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this vital service to improve and save lives here in Lake County.
Watch as Lake County Board Member Linda Pedersen reads the special recognition of 211, followed by remarks from Deanna Olmem and Quinton Snodgrass from United Way of Lake County, as well as Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart.
Save the Date: March 18
From corporations to communities, in offices and in homes, people are eager to better understand the issues that divide and unite us based on culture and race. Within our own Lake County community, residents want to take action to break down barriers, bridge differences, and bring people together. Despite all that we see on the news, social media, and within our inner circles, many of us still don’t know what first steps to take. This community dialogue aims to change that. The purpose of this county-wide conversation is to listen, learn and then lead.
Women United of Lake County will be hosting this “Lake County Community Dialogue on Race” on Thursday, March 18 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Registration information will be shared soon. Mark your calendars today.
Company Spotlight: Amcor Technologies
This month, we would like to highlight Amcor Technologies and its employees at the Buffalo Grove and Mundelein locations. Amcor hosted a variety of raffles and awareness events in support of their annual employee giving campaign that raised nearly $20k for United Way of Lake County’s programs. Thank you so much, Amcor!
Interested in learning more about starting a United Way campaign at your workplace? Learn more below or contact Dennis Burke at (847) 775-1014 or dennis.burke@uwlakeco.org.
Sign Up for Bright by Text
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 the age of your child 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 clicking below.
We Accepted the Challenge. Will You?
We’ve joined our neighbors across the state to learn how inequity and systemic racism impact our lives and communities. Join the more than 1,000 people from Lake County who have already signed up for the free 21-week Equity Challenge. The Challenge started on January 18 but it’s not too late to join, as it runs through June 19, 2021. You will receive one email per week.
United, we can help create a stronger, more equitable Illinois economy and stronger, more inclusive Illinois communities.
Meet Our New Intern: David Astudillo
We are excited to welcome our newest intern, David Astudillo! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County.
As part of our 211 team, David is capturing 211 caller stories for our newsletters and collecting monthly report data. He is also assisting the marketing team by gathering social media analytics, offering ideas to enhance UWLC’s presence on social media, and more.
