Tag: Early Learning Clubs

03 Aug

Women United Grants $186,000 to Early Education Programs

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Women United

Women United is Lake County’s premier women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging. In May 2023, it was announced that Women United will distribute $186,000 through its Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support nine critical early education programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s children.

Uploaded Image

The following programs will receive funding:

$84,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC)

Gurnee, North Chicago, Round Lake & Waukegan

Funding will support a summer learning program for 135 incoming kindergarteners with little to no preschool experience. Teaches social norms and builds key skills such as shapes, letters and counting.

$26,500 – B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program

Round Lake 

Funding will support a bilingual early learning program for children, birth to three years old, with a focus on early literacy, healthy development and parent engagement.

$20,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Better Together program

Green Bay Early Childhood Center in North Chicago

This early learning program is for children birth to three years old and their caregivers. Each family receives resources and materials to learn, play and develop school readiness skills together. Funding will support 36 sessions. Each session will serve 10 – 12 families.

$15,000 – The Formative Years

Lake County

Funding will support the Family First Center of Lake County, which will provide bi-weekly sessions for parents and 46 children, birth to five years old, on basic skills and preschool enrichment activities to prepare them for school.

$15,000 – Mano a Mano

Lake County

Funding will support the Healthy Kids/Healthy Families initiative, which will expand literacy programs for families with children ages three to five years old through home visits.

$12,500 – Affirm Christian Leadership Academy

Waukegan

Funding will support the Early Literacy Leaders program that provides an academic foundation for girls; tailored to meet individual deficits and close the gap before kindergarten.

$9,000 –Mother’s Trust Foundation

Lake County

Funding will provide scholarships for children to increase access to early educational experiences and services, enrichment, and extracurricular programming including daycare and summer camp.

$8,000 – Early Learning Club Center

Waukegan Public Library

Funding will support an Early Learning Club Center, year round, designed to guide parents on being their child’s first teacher. Funding will support programs in English and Spanish.

$5,000 – HUGS Women United

Waukegan 

Funding will support a community engagement initiative of Women United where members embrace the community with the resources and care it needs to succeed. This initiative will continue to provide Early Learning Club sessions at Whispering Oaks Apartments.

Women United of Lake County is a powerful network of more than 135 women who enable each other to leverage our passions, ideas, expertise, and resources to ensure children living in Lake County are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. Women United is a critical community within United Way of Lake County.

Thinking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Women United’s philanthropy is poised to continue to grow and mobilize community-minded women through leadership and resource development in order to expand its impact on early childhood education.

To learn how you can get involved in Women United of Lake County and to know about the Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund Guidelines, please contact our Senior Manager of Women United & Donor Engagement, Jessica Ceisel, at Jessica.Ceisel@uwlakeco.org.

For more information about Women United, visit: www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/womenunited

14 Jun

Women United Allocates $1,000,000 in Eight Years to Early Education Programs

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Women United

Women United is Lake County’s premier women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging. Just this month, it was announced that Women United will distribute $186,000 through its Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support nine critical early education programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children. 2022 marks the $1,000,000 milestone in grants to education programs across Lake County, IL!

Uploaded Image

The following programs will receive funding:

$80,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC)

Gurnee, North Chicago, Round Lake & Waukegan

Funding will support an in-person summer learning program for 155 incoming kindergartners with little to no preschool experience. In addition to teaching social classroom norms, the goal is to build key foundational skills such as learning shapes, letters, counting, and name writing.

$27,000 – B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program

Round Lake 

Funding will continue to allow this Round Lake Park District program to provide 20 scholarships for children who otherwise would not have access to preschool. With this opportunity, children will be prepared for kindergarten and ready to learn.

$18,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Better Together program

Green Bay Early Childhood Center in North Chicago

This early learning program is for children birth to three years old and their caregivers. Each family receives resources and materials to learn, play and develop school readiness skills together. Funding will support 36 sessions. Each session will serve 10 – 12 families.

$15,000 – The Formative Years

Lake County

Funding will support the Family First Center of Lake County, which will provide bi-weekly sessions for parents and 46 children, birth to five years old, on basic skills and preschool enrichment activities to prepare them for school.

$15,000 – Mano a Mano

Lake County

Funding will support the Healthy Kids/Healthy Families initiative, which will expand literacy programs for families with children ages three to five years old through home visits. They aim to serve 29 families.

$10,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Early Learning Clubs

Waukegan Public Library

Early Learning Clubs provide bilingual opportunities for children to learn basic skills while their parents are empowered to be their child’s first teacher. Curbside pick-up of learning materials will connect more children to Early Learning Clubs.

$9,000 – Laundry Literacy

Waukegan and Zion

Funding will provide monthly programming in local laundromats and will include storytime, sing-alongs, early literacy skills, and parent-child interactions to connect with families where they gather. Designed to help prepare children for kindergarten, the program aims to serve 200 – 250 children annually.

$7,000 – Bright by Text

Lake County

Bright by Text is a national bilingual texting program that puts expert tips, games, and child development information in the hands of caregivers. Bright by Text partners with experts such as PBS, Sesame Street, the CDC, and others to develop content for families with children ages prenatal to eight.

$5,000 – HUGS/North Preschool Partnership

Waukegan 

HUGS (Heroines United for Giving and Support) is a community engagement initiative of Women United where members embrace a school, project, or community with the resources and care it needs to succeed. This initiative continues to provide Early Learning Clubs at Whispering Oaks Apartments in Waukegan.

Women United of Lake County is a powerful network of over 115 women who enable each other to leverage our passions, ideas, expertise, and resources to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. Women United is a critical community within United Way of Lake County.

Thinking ahead to 2023 and beyond, Women United’s philanthropy is poised to continue to grow and mobilize community-minded women through leadership and resource development in order to expand its impact on early childhood education.

To learn how you can get involved in Women United of Lake County and to know about the Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund Guidelines, please contact our Manager of Women United, Diana Nielander, at Diana.Nielander@uwlakeco.org.

For more information about Women United, visit: www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/womenunited

19 May

Women United Allocates $850,000 in Seven Years to Early Education Programs

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Women United

Women United is Lake County’s premier women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging. Just this month, it was announced that Women United will distribute $166,000 through its Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support eight critical early education programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children. Since 2014, Women United has allocated over $850,000 in grants to education programs across Lake County, IL.

Uploaded Image
Women United members. Pictured (left to right)  Back row: Karen Warrington, Karen Jones, Marilyn Mines, Sandra Bankston, Elizabeth Suerth, Patrice Maloney-Knauff. Front row: Lori Cruz and Judy Kotsiopolous.

The following programs will receive funding:

$65,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC)

Beach Park, Round Lake & Waukegan

Funding will support a virtual and hybrid summer learning program for 120 incoming kindergartners with little to no preschool experience. In addition to teaching social classroom norms, the goal is to build key foundational skills such as learning shapes, letters, counting, and name writing.

$25,000 – B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program

Round Lake 

Funding will continue to allow this Round Lake Park District program to provide 20 scholarships for children who otherwise would not have access to preschool. With this opportunity, children will be prepared for kindergarten and ready to learn.

$20,000 – One Hope United‘s Busy Bee Children’s Center

Beach Park, North Chicago, Park City, Waukegan & Zion

Funding will provide scholarships to low-income families who need full-time child care while parents work or are in school. The research-based curriculum focuses on learning through exploration and discovery to build critical thinking, early learning skills, and the confidence needed to succeed in school.

$15,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Better Together program

Green Bay Early Childhood Center in North Chicago

This early learning program is for children birth to three years old and their caregivers. Each family receives resources and materials to learn, play and develop school readiness skills together. Funding will support 36 sessions. Each session will serve 10 – 12 families.

$16,000 – Mano a Mano

Lake County

Funding will support the Healthy Kids/Healthy Families initiative, which will expand literacy programs for families with children ages three to five years old through home visits.

$12,000 – Bright by Text

Lake County

Bright by Text is a national bilingual texting program that puts expert tips, games, and child development information in the hands of caregivers. Bright by Text partners with experts such as PBS, Sesame Street, the CDC, and others to develop content for families with children ages prenatal to eight.

$8,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Early Learning Clubs

Waukegan Public Library

Early Learning Clubs provide bilingual opportunities for children to learn basic skills while their parents are empowered to be their child’s first teacher. Curbside pick-up of learning materials will connect more children to Early Learning Clubs.

$5,000 – HUGS/North Preschool Partnership

Waukegan 

HUGS (Heroines United for Giving and Support) is a community engagement initiative of Women United where members embrace a school, project, or community with the resources and care it needs to succeed. In 2019, Women United’s HUGS Committee started a new partnership with North Preschool in Waukegan to support reading in classrooms, special events, family programming, parent workshops, and other curricula to enhance learning programs for 140 students.

Women United of Lake County is a powerful network of 115 women who enable each other to leverage our passions, ideas, expertise, and resources to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. Women United is a critical community within United Way of Lake County.

Thinking ahead to 2022 and beyond, Women United’s philanthropy is poised to continue to grow and mobilize community-minded women through leadership and resource development in order to expand its impact on early childhood education.

To learn how you can get involved in Women United of Lake County and to know about the Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund Guidelines, please contact our Manager of Women United, Diana Nielander, at Diana.Nielander@uwlakeco.org.

For more information about Women United, visit: www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/womenunited

29 Apr

April 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Uploaded ImageStudent Coin Drive Raises $2K for COVID Relief

Community service projects are a great way to encourage students to think about the world around them. At St. Gilbert School in Grayslake, it is an annual tradition to raise money for an organization as a school-wide service project. This year, we are thrilled that the student council members selected our Lake County COVID Response & Recovery Fund! United Way of Lake County established the fund to ensure our neighbors left most vulnerable by the coronavirus can access critical needs, including emergency food and shelter, rent and utility assistance, health care and mental health services, and more.

To help local families who are struggling from the effects of the virus, St. Gilbert students held a coin collection fundraiser from March 1 – April 1. The students were inspired to help others less fortunate while having fun reaching their goal. Each class had a collection jar in their homeroom and classes competed in a series of different weekly challenges, including a penny challenge and a dollar bill challenge. To boost teamwork, classes had the opportunity to win prizes such as earning dress-down passes. The overall winning class with the most money raised at the end of the month earned cookies for their whole class and extra recess.

Small donations add up and can make a life-changing difference. Working together they raised a whopping $2,000! Thank you to the amazing students and families at St.Gilbert for a successful fundraiser in support of our Lake County neighbors.

Uploaded Image

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, voice 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.

As a thank you, we created videos for each of our volunteer groups. Check them out below.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

Black History Book Drive Delivers 200 Books to Kids

During the month of February, we celebrated Black History Month by hosting a virtual book drive to help put books featuring Black characters and influential Black American figures into the hands of eager young readers in our community.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the fund and helped us raise nearly $2,000! We were able to purchase 200 books that were donated to the following schools: Carman Buckner School in Waukegan, Glenwood School in Waukegan, West School in Zion, and Pleviak School in Lake Villa.

Now so many more students will have access to books that promote a positive equity message!

Uploaded Image

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Kindergarten Countdown Camp is a free summer program for children, entering kindergarten in Fall 2021, who have no preschool experience. This year, registrants can choose between hybrid learning (a mix of in-person and remote) or full virtual learning. Registration is now open for students in the Round Lake School District.

Interested? Fill out our registration form below.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

Play A-Round for Lake County Kids

Join Women United for Play A-Round for Lake County Kids on Monday, July 19 at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. This co-ed shotgun scramble golf fundraiser will support early childhood education in Lake County through Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund.

Enjoy a day of great golf, food, competition and prizes. Golf event tickets are $150 per person and include an on-course lunch and an outdoor buffet dinner. Golfers will register in twosomes or foursomes. Additional event details can be found on the registration page.

Golfers who register by May 31 will be entered into the Early Bird Raffle for a special prize.

Don’t golf? Join us for dinner! Tickets are $50.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

Women United’s Community Dialogue on Race

On April 7, Women United hosted “Community Dialogue on Race: Moving from Ideas to Action.”

Chris Kubic, Racial Equity Facilitator and Principal at New Tech High School in Zion Benton Township and Sandra Bankston, MSW, LCSW, Victim Advocate with Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, engaged in a conversation about anti-racism. They shared details about their own personal journeys with issues around race, discrimination and racial healing. Audience members were able to ask questions in the chat as they listened, learned and became better prepared to be an ally for racial equity. The event culminated in the panelists sharing actionable steps that everyone can use going forward.

This event was planned by Women United’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative which was established in mid-2020 to focus on diversifying membership, getting to know more diverse women, and providing information to members so we can learn, grow and take action in support of racial equity.

Watch the recording below.

Uploaded Image

Opportunity to Host Early Learning Clubs

Early Learning Clubs (ELCs) are community-led early childhood education workshops designed to help 3 to 5-year-old children and their parents be better prepared to start kindergarten. Children and parents receive a variety of free bilingual educational tools and instruction on how to continue using the tools at home.

If you are interested in hosting an ELC at your organization, school, library or club and serve families who reside in Beach Park, Zion, North Chicago, Round Lake or Waukegan, contact Shareny Mota, Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator, at Shareny.Mota@uwlakeco.org or 847-775-1040. For more information about Early Learning Clubs and parent resources, click below.

Uploaded Image

 

 

26 Mar

March 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Uploaded Image

Celebrating Read Across America Day

In early March, community and corporate volunteer readers gathered virtually to promote the joy of reading with students at East Elementary in Zion, North Elementary in Waukegan, and Pleviak Elementary in Lake Villa. Throughout the week, more than 725 students were introduced to these special guest readers.

Teachers love this interaction because it helps to reinforce reading goals such as increasing attention span, building vocabulary, and strengthening cognitive abilities. This wonderful interaction also allowed students to connect with other adults from the community.

Thank you to all our incredible volunteer readers for sharing their love of reading with these students! Pleviak School created a special thanks to all our wonderful volunteer readers. View that video below. You can also view photos here.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

Senator Johnson Interviews Kristi Long

Senator Adriane Johnson interviewed our President & CEO, Kristi Long, about United Way of Lake County’s work in the community and how we’re making an impact through our education programs, 211 helpline, and pandemic relief efforts. We are honored to be featured on Senator Johnson’s first episode of In the District. You can watch the interview on YouTube below or you can listen on Spotify.

Uploaded Image

Opportunity to Host Early Learning Clubs

Early Learning Clubs (ELCs) are community-led early childhood education workshops designed to help 3 to 5 year old children and their parents be better prepared to start kindergarten. Children and parents receive a variety of free bilingual educational tools and instruction on how to continue using the tools at home.

If you are interested in hosting an ELC at your organization, school, library or club and serve families who reside in Beach Park, Zion, North Chicago, Round Lake or Waukegan, contact Shareny Mota, Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator, at Shareny.Mota@uwlakeco.org or 847-775-1040. For more information about Early Learning Clubs and parent resources, click below.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

Wine & Learn About Women United, Virtually

You’re invited to join Women United virtually on Wednesday, April 28 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. to learn how this amazing group of more than 100 women is strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism. The group is flexible so women can choose their level of involvement and there is a ‘no guilt’ policy because those attracted to Women United are generally very busy people. As donors to United Way, they lead by example to ensure that Lake County’s most vulnerable children are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Now is a great time to learn more about this fabulous group and the community-minded women who are involved. To receive the event details, please RSVP to Diana Nielander at Diana.Nielander@uwlakeco.org. Learn more about the event below.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

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.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

We are grateful to the many companies, philanthropies, and more than 650 individuals who have already contributed to our Response & Recovery Fund. Thanks to them, nonprofits on the front lines of the crisis have had more support to address Lake County’s greatest needs.

Since the fund was launched on March 20, 2020, more than one million dollars has been granted swiftly back into the community to 45 nonprofits so they can continue their critical work serving our most vulnerable neighbors.

Our work is not over and there is still a lot of need in the community. You can support the fund by clicking below.

Uploaded Image

Amanda Gorman, America’s youth poet laureate who captivated so many in the recent Super Bowl and Presidential Inauguration, wrote this poem for United Way last year. Inspired by the work she saw United Way tackling during the pandemic, she titled her poem Live United, to motivate people during dark times. Her words elevate the importance of taking care of each other. She captures the promise, possibility, and potential of galvanizing the caring power of communities.

 

Uploaded Image

211 Annual Report

Since its launch in 2019, United Way of Lake County’s 211 has made more than 70,000 connections to help. In case you missed our 211 Annual Report for year one, you can view it below. 211 also regularly releases data on top needs and the populations we serve in Lake County. View all 211 reports here.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

9 Ways You Can Help Improve Gender Equity in Lake County

Challenges faced together are often easier to manage. That is true no matter your age or stage in life. Having someone who is by your side to help you face challenges is the power of mentorships! This Women’s History Month, we are celebrating the power of mentoring—in all its forms—to challenge current systems and eliminate inequity and gender bias. Click below for nine ways you can challenge gender bias through mentoring.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

Company Spotlight: United Conveyor Corporation

United Conveyor Corporation (UCC) has been a committed and thoughtful partner for two decades. Over this time, UCC employees have donated funds and their time and talent to United Way of Lake County (UWLC) efforts, and this past year was no exception. For example, last fall UWLC was honored to help UCC celebrate their 100th anniversary by hosting a school supply drive. Even with Lake County schools fully remote, school supplies were still a great need of our students. UCC raised over $2,700 and was able to provide school supplies for children in Waukegan schools.

UCC’s support of Lake County families did not stop there. Women United secured a donation of 450 gallons of hand sanitizer to distribute to Waukegan Public Schools and several local nonprofits serving those struggling with basic needs during the pandemic. Women United needed a place to store the 55-gallon drums, a space to fill personal sized containers and prepare for distribution. UCC generously provided warehouse space, expertise and equipment to aid in the effort.

UCC has been a steadfast partner in supporting our work as we address the critical needs of Lake County neighbors and families. We thank them for their dedication to our mission and the families of Lake County. We look forward to partnering for decades to come.

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.

Uploaded Image

Uploaded Image

Follow Leaders United on LinkedIn

Leaders United­—our group for young professionals that creates positive change in Lake County—now has a presence on LinkedIn. Follow their page 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.

Uploaded ImageUploaded Image

Uploaded Image

Meet the Staff: Elaine Rezotko and April Ryan

Recently, we welcomed both Elaine Rezotko and April Ryan to our United Way family! We are thrilled to have Elaine as our Resource Development Specialist and April as Executive Assistant to our President & CEO and Women United. Learn more about their roles, what they like to do in their free time, and how they connect with our programs.

 

 

23 Jul

Little Kids, Big Futures: Early Learning Clubs

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Women United
Women United members visiting Early Learning Clubs in Waukegan, IL.

Since 2014, Women United has allocated over a half a million dollars in grants through its Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund to support early literacy programs across Lake County. The fund gives members the opportunity to allocate their own money to the specific programs they believe in.

Today, we are continuing our blog series that takes a deeper dive into each of the programs receiving funding this year, thanks to Little Kids, Big Futures. Next up, Early Learning Clubs in Waukegan.

Early Learning Clubs (ELCs) are one-shot two-hour sessions designed to ignite the spark of learning that occurs naturally between parents and children. Everybody comes to an upbeat, lively session held at the Waukegan Public Library and discovers what any adult who takes care of children can do, while the kids are very young, to make sure they’ll be ready when it’s time for kindergarten. They receive creative and fun tools to teach their children things such as colors, shapes, counting, recognizing letters, and even reading skills.

A parent and his two children learning together at an Early Learning Club Site.

“If you ask me how often you should work with your child I will tell you every day. When walking outside, identify colors with your child. Together with your kids, think of words that rhyme with items while grocery shopping. At the breakfast table, help your kids find shapes, letters and colors on the cereal box. Every day is filled with simple and fun teachable moments,” said Laurie, part-time preschool teacher in Wadsworth who volunteers her time to teach an ELC in Waukegan.

Women United has a deep affinity for the Waukegan community, providing resources and funding to increase the service available for  children and families.

“Women United was excited to provide $8,000 in funding to bring Early Learning Clubs within the heart of the community, at the Waukegan Library,” said Diana Nielander, Affinity Group Manager. “It not only provides a great social environment where families naturally congregate, but it gets families connected early to books and reading.”

Women United strengthens the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging. Through this powerful network of 100 women, we leverage our ideas, expertise, resources and passions to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Interested in learning more about Women United? Join members on August 22 at 6 – 7:30 p.m., in Libertyville for a Wine & Learn event, an informal gathering for prospective members to learn more about what it means to be a member and what Women United does. Email Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org to RSVP and we will send you the exact address of the meeting location or visit our event page on Facebook.

Show Buttons
Hide Buttons