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
