When tragedy hit the Highland Park community on July 4, our 211 team quickly mobilized to bring the best practices in crisis response from experienced 211s across the nation. More than 5,000 community members were directly impacted by the mass parade shooting and our 211 helpline has been instrumental in centralizing and verifying emerging resources, and compassionately guiding community members, victims and their families to appropriate mental health services, grief counseling, financial assistance, verified fundraisers and other resources. 211 is an integral part of the transition to a long-term recovery plan.
If you or someone you know needs support, 211 is here to help. Simply dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 to talk with a caring, expert navigator who will connect you to local resources. 211 is free, confidential and available 24/7, with English and Spanish-speaking staff and interpretation to more than 150 other languages. For those affected by the Highland Park shooting, you can also find counseling and mental health resources at 211LakeCounty.org under “Hot Topics”.
Every day United Way of Lake County works to make our community stronger. Together we are building a community where everyone can recover and thrive.
Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars
Our new bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are now available! They are free, a great resource for families, designed for preschool-age children and filled with activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.
You can place an order to pick up calendars at our office using our online order form. Indicate what time you would like to pick up your calendars in the “additional comments” section of the form. Pick-ups are available by appointment only, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at 330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL.
We have already received a lot of great support for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive. If you would like to participate, there is still time. We are continuing to collect supplies and online donations through August 15.
Thank you to our long time supporter, Costco Lake Zurich, who went above and beyond for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive by donating 768 backpacks with supplies inside, with another backpack donation expected later this summer. We are blown away by their generosity and support. Thank you for ensuring that many more local children will have the supplies they need to succeed this fall!
Women United’s Golf Fundraiser
On July 11, Women United hosted their golf fundraiser, Play A-Round for Lake County Kids, held at White Deer Run in Vernon Hills. The players enjoyed 18 holes, lunch and dinner, a silent auction, numerous contests, and games with an array of prizes. Nearly $20K was raised, thanks to our supporters and sponsors.
The event raised funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund, which makes grants to early childhood education programs in Waukegan, Round Lake, Zion, and North Chicago. This year, Women United is celebrating their one million milestone of total monies raised and granted through their fund.
Thank you to the event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos, and all the golfers, volunteers, and sponsors for making this a successful event!
We’re Hiring
We’re searching for the right person to join our team as Success By 6’s Initiative Coordinator. This position is responsible for coordinating and implementing several of our Success By 6 initiatives and projects. We are looking for someone who can speak English and Spanish.
We are also looking to hire a 211 intern. This intern will work with our Community Impact team to participate in planning activities and implementation of the 211 program within the Lake County community, including data collection, visiting locally owned businesses, attending community events, and developing related materials.
Wine and Learn About Women United
Are you looking for new ways to connect to amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for those underserved in Lake County? Please join Women United on August 18 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Harbor Kitchen + Tap in Libertyville for a prospective member Wine & Learn.
Women United mobilizes more than 130 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County’s challenged communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, we have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.
Board Member Update
We are thrilled to welcome a new member to our 2022-23 Board of Directors: Lupe Rodriguez, Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of Community Care at Rosalind Franklin University. “Lupe’s leadership skills, knowledge of the communities we serve and genuine interest in our mission makes her an asset to our diverse board
and United Way of Lake County,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO.
Andrew Warrington, CEO of UCC Environmental, rejoins our Board of Directors and will also serve as Chair of the Finance & Administration Committee. We are delighted to have him back on the board!
A special thank you to outgoing board members, Kate Collins, Max Nemmers, Jesus Ruiz, Donnovan Young, and Carla Zuniga, for their dedicated service. Thank you to Donnovan Young who will remain on the 211 Advisory Council and continue to serve on our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee along with Kate Collins.
Women United Celebrates $1 Million Raised for Early Education
Women United announced that they will distribute $186,000 this year through their Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support nine critical early education programs. That means that Women United has also surpassed the $1 million milestone of money raised for 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 our community’s most vulnerable children.
Learn more about the 2022 Little Kids, Big Futures fund grantees:
Help Us Stuff the Bus!
Each year, kids across Lake County go back to school lacking the necessary supplies needed to thrive in school. The price for essential supplies is increasing and many low-income families struggle to afford everything on their child’s school supply list.
But together, we can make a difference!
Join our Stuff the Bus donation drive! By providing students with new school supplies, you’ll be helping prepare them for their academic studies, build their self-esteem and set them up for success. This is a cause worth getting involved in and we hope you’ll take part!
Now through July 7, you can contribute as an individual or your company can team up to make a difference! You can donate school supplies, make an online donation, or help us spread the word.
Play A-Round for Lake County Kids
Join Women United for their co-ed golf fundraiser “Play A-Round for Lake County Kids” on Monday, July 11 at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. This shotgun scramble golf fundraiser will support early childhood education in Lake County through Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund.
Last year’s golf outing was such a success, we can’t wait to welcome back our steadfast supporters and meet new friends for another fun day of great golf, food, competition and prizes at one of Lake County’s favorite courses.
Golf event tickets are $175 per person and include an on-course lunch and a buffet dinner. Golfers will register in twosomes or foursomes. Additional event details can be found on the registration page. Don’t golf? Join us for dinner! Tickets are $50.
Thank you, Monica!
UWLC Board Member, Monica Burmeister, has served as Chair of the Finance & Administration Committee since 2010. As chair, she worked with the committee to develop a Finance Committee Charter and recruited high-level volunteers with expertise in finance, accounting, and overall business management. Under her leadership, United Way has strengthened its financial position and has been in exceptional financial health earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
Thank you for your extraordinary work and leadership, Monica!
Flip Through Our 2021 Annual Report
United Way of Lake County is excited to share our 2021 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!
Partner Spotlight: College of Lake County
This month we’re shining a spotlight on College of Lake County (CLC). CLC is a public community college whose primary campus is located in Grayslake and other two campuses are in Vernon Hills and Waukegan.
UWLC has been partnering with CLC since 1994. We currently have two CLC leaders on our Board, Dr. Lori Suddick, CLC President, and Jesus Ruiz, Dean of the Lakeshore Campus. CLC staff have supported UWLC through giving campaigns, participated in volunteer events, such as creating hygiene kits for students experiencing home displacement, and they’ve also been a great partner in spreading the word about 211 through staff training and ongoing promotion to students.
We asked longtime supporter, Sue Fay, Executive Director of Human Resources at CLC, why she has chosen to support UWLC. “I am pleased to support United Way of Lake County through its partnership with College of Lake County. We share a focus on providing holistic support to the communities that we serve. Through United Way’s 211 helpline, the 24/7 access to information and referral services has and will continue to have a transformative impact on our students, employees and their families.”
Thank you, CLC, for your loyal support and for being an important part of the work we do to transform lives right here in Lake County.
Lake County’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund
We recently announced that $84,345 has been awarded in the ninth and final round of Lake County COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund grants to eight local nonprofits. This grant cycle focused on summer programs for children up to age thirteen that address learning loss through academics or enrichment programming and include activities or services that address children’s social-emotional needs due to the impact of the pandemic.
Since the fund was launched on March 20, 2020, a total of $1,201,662 has been raised and granted back into the community to 51 nonprofits so they could continue their work serving individuals and families most impacted by the pandemic. This ninth and final distribution leaves the fund at a zero balance,
ending the funding process.
Thank you to the hundreds of individuals and organizations who donated to the fund! United Way of Lake County remains committed to uniting leadership and resources to build a stronger, equitable community where everyone can thrive.
Celebrating Pride in Lake County
On June 4, we had the pleasure of sponsoring and participating in the LGBTQ+ Center’s PrideFest in Waukegan, alongside many of our community partners. That same day, we also had the opportunity to join in Waukegan’s Pride Drive, hosted by Waukegan Friends.
While celebrating progress, we understand how far we still have to go. Across the country, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face challenges, inequities and discrimination. If you are someone whom an LGBTQ+ person trusts with their whole selves, your encouragement matters and your love makes a difference.
UWLC Commemorates Juneteenth
United Way of Lake County gathered with the community on Saturday at the Juneteenth Festival of Lake County. Our staff and Board members participated in the Black Expo to share education opportunities and a wide range of health resources, financial assistance, employment services and more available through 211.
In celebration of Juneteenth, we honor the present and reflect on our shared history and tradition. Together, we are building a brighter, equitable future for all our children and families to thrive.
Introducing New Team Members
We recently welcomed two new people to our United Way family; Katie Martinez joined as our Donor Relations Specialist and Taylor Bellson joined as an Account Manager.
Learn more about Katie and Taylor’s roles, what they like to do in their free time, and how they connect with our programs by clicking their names below.
Premier Leaders Event Raises $275K for Our Education Programs and 211
On May 19, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our 9th annual Premier Leaders Event at The Shanty in Wadsworth. Attendees mingled while enjoying food and cocktails, learned about our work and plans to increase programming, and then raised their paddles in support of our programs.
We are thrilled to share that we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised $275K for our education programs and 211! We are so grateful for the generous support we received from many individuals as well as our sponsors. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Premier Leaders Event a great success!
View photos from the event below.
Help Us Stuff the Bus!
Each year, kids across Lake County go back to school lacking the necessary supplies needed to thrive in school. The price for essential supplies is increasing and many low-income families struggle to afford everything on their child’s school supply list.
But together, we can make a difference!
Join our Stuff the Bus donation drive! By providing students with new school supplies, you’ll be helping prepare them for their academic studies, build their self-esteem and set them up for success. This is a cause worth getting involved in and we hope you’ll take part!
Now through July 7, you can contribute as an individual or your company can team up to make a difference! You can donate school supplies, make an online donation, or help us spread the word.
AbbVie Awarded for Vaccine Efforts
AbbVie was recently awarded by the PR News’ Social Impact Awards for their temporary vaccination clinic. When vaccines were first approved in the U.S., AbbVie launched this drive-thru clinic for local, underserved seniors in Lake County. We were proud to collaborate with AbbVie and our 211 partners to promote the clinic. The awareness building campaign resulted in more than 6,000 people in Lake County getting their vaccines safely, conveniently, and at no charge. Thank you, AbbVie, for making a remarkable impact on the lives of people right here in our community.
Attend an Upcoming Event with Leaders United
Leaders United—our group of young professionals who give, advocate and volunteer in Lake County—are hosting two upcoming events.
On June 1, from 6-7 p.m., Leaders United will be hosting a virtual conversation with Ruth Rosales, owner of Coffee Break and Lunch in Waukegan. Participants will learn how this female and minority-owned business is creating change in Lake County. To attend, please contact Michelle.Sanchez@uwlakeco.org and she will send you a link.
On June 16, from 6-8 p.m., join Leaders United for their Summer Social networking event at Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake. This will be a great opportunity to meet other young people who are passionate about giving back and making a difference in their community.
Learn more about the events by clicking below.
Play A-Round for Lake County Kids
Join Women United for their co-ed golf fundraiser “Play A-Round for Lake County Kids” on Monday, July 11 at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. This shotgun scramble golf fundraiser will support early childhood education in Lake County through Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund.
Last year’s golf outing was such a success, we can’t wait to welcome back our steadfast supporters and new friends for another fun day of great golf, food, competition and prizes at one of Lake County’s favorite courses.
Golf event tickets are $175 per person and include an on-course lunch and a buffet dinner. Golfers will register in twosomes or foursomes. Additional event details can be found on the registration page.
Golfers who register by June 13 will be entered into the Early Bird Raffle for a special prize. Don’t golf? Join us for dinner! Tickets are $50.
Women United Hosts Early Learning Clubs
Women United has partnered with Whispering Oaks Apartments in Waukegan to provide five monthly Early Learning Club (ELC) sessions for resident families in the onsite community room. This program supports foundational skill development for preschoolers and helps parents become their children’s first and best teachers. In addition to fun and learning, Women United provides a hot dinner and dessert, a new book for every child, and access to everyday items like household cleaners, paper goods and personal hygiene products.
All sessions are run by Women United volunteers who have been trained in United Way of Lake County’s ELC curricula. We are proud to offer a program that brings families together and will help ensure these kids are ready to start school strong!
Do you enjoy working with elementary-age children? Do you want to make a difference in the community where you live or work? United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success program welcomes you!
Our program serves elementary schools in Waukegan and we place volunteers in first through third-grade classrooms. No prior experience is required, only a love of children and books! We are always in need of bilingual Spanish-speaking volunteers. To be a volunteer tutor, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Pass a background check
Commit to 1 hour per week in the classroom
This year, in-person and virtual tutoring options are available. Volunteering will begin in late September or early October. Our program runs through the end of May.
If you are interested in volunteering as a Reading Success tutor, please contact Sue Baehr at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1032.
4 Ways to Beat the Summer Slide
“Summer slide” is the tendency for students, especially from low-income families, to lose some of the educational gains they achieved throughout the school year during their summer break. Preventing summer slide is a considerable factor in ensuring all Lake County children are on a pathway to future success.
We’ve put together a list of four ways to keep your child academically and physically engaged over the summer months.
United Way’s New 211 PSA Campaign
United Way Worldwide recently launched a national PSA campaign, in partnership with the Ad Council, to spotlight the many benefits of 211. The campaign emphasizes top needs requested by 211 such as food assistance, help paying bills, health care answers and mental health resources. The main message is that 211 can be the guiding light when times get dark.
We are excited to see how this new campaign will help raise awareness of 211 in Lake County, which will lead to more people getting connected to the help they deserve in their moments of need.
Check out the new 60-second English ad:
Women United’s Golf Fundraiser
On July 19, Women United hosted a sold out golf fundraiser, called Play A-Round for Lake County Kids, held at White Deer Run in Vernon Hills. The weather was beautiful and players enjoyed 18 holes, lunch and dinner, a silent auction, numerous contests, and games with an array of prizes.
The event raised funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund, which makes grants to early childhood education programs in Waukegan, Round Lake, Zion, and North Chicago. Since 2014, Women United has raised and granted $850K.
Thank you to the event chairs, Judy Kotsiopoulos and Ali Walton, and all the golfers, volunteers, and sponsors for making this a successful event. We’ll share an update soon about the total dollars raised.
Wine & Learn About Women United
You’re invited to Women United‘s Wine & Learn on August 18 at 6 p.m. in Libertyville. You’ll learn all about what it means to be a member and how this amazing group of women is supporting early childhood education in Lake County. Women United has a flexible program structure that enables busy, successful women to engage at whatever level works best for them.
We hope to see you there!
Follow Leaders United on Social Media
Leaders United—our group for young professionals that creates positive change in Lake County—has a presence on both Facebook and LinkedIn. Follow them for invitations to fun events and volunteer opportunities, updates on their work in the community, and much more. Click below to view their social media profiles.
