30 Nov

November 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

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.

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 close gaps and open opportunities, building a stronger 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! Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K!

Watch our NEW VIDEO where a group of enthusiastic neighborhood kids join forces to support United Way of Lake County!

Power of the Purse Raises Funds for Early Education

On November 5, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. A sold-out crowd of more than 200 women joined forces to celebrate women, friendship and philanthropy. They enjoyed an afternoon of brunch, bubbly, purses, raffles and more. This year’s event raised nearly $70K!

Power of the Purse was a resounding success, thanks to the generous support of our members, attendees, including many first-timers as well as valued returning guests, and sponsors. The room buzzed with energy as attendees engaged in meaningful conversations and raised their hands in support of early childhood education. The event showcased the incredible impact that can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for positive change.

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund, which supports critical, local early education programs that focus on building the foundation for strong and successful academic futures.

Hispanic Heritage Month Books Distributed Throughout Community

Thank you to our Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive donors! You helped us distribute 135 books to Greenwood Elementary, Clearview Elementary and Warren-Newport Library. Now more local children will have access to stories that promote cultural awareness, celebrate diversity, and honor Latinx and Hispanic culture.

Six Flags Student Leadership Summit

Six Flags Great America invited our Breakfast Club students to participate in their first-ever Student Leadership Summit. The more than 30 eighth graders got a behind-the-scenes tour and learned about Six Flags’ business operations. The students also immersed themselves in an exclusive day of learning with workshops on topics such as time management, personal finance and mindfulness.

Thank you to Six Flags Great America for sponsoring this incredible event! We can’t wait to see where these skills take our students.

“Six Flags had the wonderful opportunity of hosting United Way of Lake County’s Breakfast Club students at the park for a day full of enriching leadership workshops,” said Rachel Kendziora, Communications Specialist at Six Flags. “We were thrilled to have hosted such a positive event that enhanced the students’ growth and leadership.”

Leaders Have Wings

Our young professionals leadership group, Leaders United, has partnered with Wingstop to host a fundraiser in support of our before-school mentorship program, Breakfast Club, which provides a safe, supportive space for middle schoolers to learn the skills needed to be successful in high school and beyond.

Join us in supporting local students on December 14, between 5:00–8:00 p.m. at the Gurnee or Waukegan Wingstop locations and show them the flyer linked below. 30% of in-store sales will be donated to Leaders United!

“Wine & Learn” About Women United

If you are looking for new ways to connect with amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for children and families in Lake County, please join Women United for a prospective member Wine & Learn on November 28 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at a member’s home in Libertyville. RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org.

Women United mobilizes more than 135 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, they have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Goals

At United Way of Lake County, we are committed to aligning our culture and business practices to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to better address our community’s needs. We recently finalized our DEI goals for fiscal year 2024 and are pleased to share them.

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.

13 Dec

November 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Celebrating 100 Years of Caring for Lake County

We’ve been responding to our community’s most pressing needs for a full century and are proud of the difference we’ve made and continue to make in the lives of our friends and neighbors. While the support we’ve provided has changed with the needs of Lake County, the one thing that has remained constant is our dedication to building a better community for all.

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.

Double Your Impact for Children and Families in Lake County

Through December 20, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors in need.

With your support, United Way can continue to provide local children, youth, and families with tools to build a path to education and lifelong success, and connect people with life-changing resources. Together, we can make real, lasting change.

Your gift goes further to strengthen our community thanks to Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, which is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K.

Hispanic Heritage Month Books Distributed Throughout Community

We celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by raising funds to purchase children’s books filled with the rich stories, bright colors, and time-honored traditions of the Hispanic culture. We are proud to share that the book drive was a great success and more than 1,100 books, in English and Spanish, were distributed to 15 schools and community organizations.
We are so excited for our young learners to pick up a book and immerse themselves in the beauty of Hispanic culture! Thank you to all the donors who made these gifts possible!

Power of the Purse Raises Record $70K for Early Education

On November 6, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse, at the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. A sold-out crowd of more than 200 women joined forces to celebrate women, friendship and philanthropy. They enjoyed an afternoon of champagne brunch, games, purses, jewelry and more. This year’s event raised a record $70K!

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund, which supports critical early education programs that focus on building the foundation for strong and successful academic futures.

“Wine & Learn” About Women United

If you are looking for new ways to connect with amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for children and families in Lake County, please join Women United for a prospective member Wine & Learn on December 7 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Anam Cara Cafe in Libertyville. RSVP by emailing Katie.Martinez@uwlakeco.org.

Women United mobilizes more than 120 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County’s most challenged communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, they have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.

Breakfast Club Alumni Interview

Check out our new video interview below with Breakfast Club alumni, Katherine Rivas, who shares her experience as a mentee and how participating in the program guided her toward success in high school and beyond.

Breakfast Club is a before-school mentorship program that provides 8th graders with mentoring in academics, helps build their confidence and self-esteem, and they learn skills to be successful in their transition to high school. This program is hosted by Leaders United and is in partnership with Robert Abbott Middle School in Waukegan.

Would you like to be part of this powerful mentoring experience? Contact Michelle at michelle.sanchez@uwlakeco.org to learn more about becoming a Leaders United member.

17 Dec

December 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Brighten Countless Lives in Lake County

Through December 24, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.

Your gift will make it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community to improve and save lives. Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County is matching all new or increased gifts up to $7,500.

The tough work that is needed to help Lake County recover, rebuild and thrive is the work United Way of Lake County does every day. We create lasting change to break the cycle of poverty through education, by empowering families to become and remain self-sufficient, and connecting people to life-changing support.

Together, we can achieve long-lasting results for our community, neighbors and children.

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Despite the many challenges and changes this year, you helped us accomplish so much! Thank you for supporting our mission to create lasting change in the Lake County community. We are grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

P.S. View our holiday card video below.

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people, especially this year. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with mental health services, food, shelter, transportation, or other health and human services—call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected.

Winter Break Boxes for Local Students

Women United funded, decorated, and assembled Winter Break Boxes for students in our Reading Success program and their families. Each box contains a grade-appropriate book and a winter break packet containing winter-themed activities in reading, writing, and math that will keep kids on track during the break. It also includes healthy snacks, a Walmart gift card for parents, a pack of 5 reusable face masks, a 211 card, and a handwritten note of encouragement and good wishes.

All boxes will be delivered in time for winter break and are guaranteed to make the season a little brighter!

Register for Your COVID-19 Vaccine

A COVID-19 vaccine is coming soon and the Lake County Health Department’s AllVax Portal is now open. Register to be notified when it is time to make your appointment for the vaccine. It is free, easy and secure.

An Interview with Leaders United

Leaders United is a group of young professionals within United Way of Lake County who strive to make a difference in our community through philanthropy and volunteerism. Learn more about Leaders United and what makes the group special by watching this new interview with co-chairs, Alecia Hollen and Anton Mathews.

Follow Leaders United on Facebook for invitations to future events and updates on the meaningful work they’re doing in the community. Interested in joining? Contact Bobbi Selvik via email at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Check Out Our Holiday Guide

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.

30 Nov

November 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Double Your Impact to Improve and Save Lives in Lake County

Now through December 24, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.

Together, we can achieve long-lasting results for our community, neighbors and children.

Lake County Celebrates Measurable Results of 211 Helpline

United Way of Lake County marked the first anniversary of 211 services for Lake County on Oct. 27 with a 90-minute virtual event targeted to key stakeholders, partners and community leaders.

The event highlighted 211’s measurable year-one results and impact, including how the system has transformed the way individuals and families in Lake County are connecting to essential health and human services. A panel of Lake County human services experts discussed how 211 more efficiently connects people in need to a wide range of available resources to improve and save lives.

The free, confidential, multi-lingual, 24-hour information and referral helpline was launched Sept. 24, 2019, by United Way of Lake County in collaboration with the county and many community partners. Through 2019, more than 95% of the U.S., but less than 30% of Illinois, had access to 211. Lake County is the largest county in Illinois to have implemented 211.

In its first year of service, 211 has made a combined total of 56,423 connections, including 6,760 calls and texts to the 211 contact center and 49,663 visits to the 211LakeCounty.org website.

Power of the Purse Raises $62k for Early Literacy Programs

On November 8, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. Instead of their traditional in-person event, they hosted their first-ever virtual fundraiser in the form of an online buying and bidding shopping experience. More than 165 generous women joined forces virtually to raise $62k!

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support critical early literacy programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County children. Since 2014, Women United has granted nearly $700k to worthy early literacy programs. Power of the Purse ensures that more children receive the support they need to be prepared for kindergarten and are ready to succeed.

“We are thrilled about the success of this year’s Power of the Purse event which surpassed our fundraising goals,” said event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos. “While we were not able to be together in person due to the pandemic, we worked hard to transform this year’s event into a fun online experience knowing that our local children have never needed us more. We are extremely grateful for the generous support of Women United members and their friends who make this event possible every year.”

Check Out Our Holiday Guide

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

Reading Success: The Pivot to Virtual Tutoring

Due to the pandemic, United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success program has transitioned to a virtual format in order to ensure that students who need reading tutoring can continue to connect to our volunteer tutors.

Reading Success volunteers meet weekly with their students using the Google Classroom platform. Each volunteer and student pairing reads stories and answers story-related questions together. The readings largely come from Learning A-Z and Raz-Kids, which provide leveled reading resources and deliver interactive computer-based books and quizzes at 29 reading levels. In addition, volunteers have opportunities to share their own favorite stories with their students.

The goal of Reading Success remains the same: to help ensure the students chosen for the program achieve at or near grade level reading by the end of 3rd grade.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, the teachers who have welcomed the volunteers, and the Waukegan Public School District staff who have assisted us in launching virtual Reading Success. It truly takes a community!

For more information on Reading Success, please contact Sue Baehr at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org.

High School Student Supports Pandemic Relief Efforts

We are excited to introduce our bilingual 2020-2021 Kindergarten Readiness school year calendars! These calendars are free to you and a great resource for families. The Kindergarten Readiness Calendar (KRC) is designed for preschool-age children and is filled with activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.

KRCs are available to anyone in Lake County and come in a box of 50. If you would like to request calendars, please fill out our form by clicking the button below.

Please indicate at what time you would like to pick up your calendars in the “additional comments” section of the online order form.

Pick-ups will only be available on Mondays from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. at United Way of Lake County’s office: 330 South Greenleaf Street, Gurnee, Illinois 60031.

Live Well Lake County

Everyone has times when they need emotional support. Even if you can handle what you are going through alone, you don’t have to.

United Way of Lake County has partnered with the Health Department’s new Live Well Lake County initiative to offer easy ways to get help, such as grief support, options for safe telehealth visits and harm reduction training. To learn more, please visit LiveWellLC.org/TakeCare.

To connect with local resources, please call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our bilingual 2020-2021 Kindergarten Readiness school year calendar is free and a great resource for Lake County families. The calendar is designed for preschool-age children and is filled with activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.

If you would like to request calendars, please fill out an order form below and indicate at what time you would like to pick up your calendars in the “additional comments” section. Pick-ups are only available on Mondays from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at United Way of Lake County’s office (330 South Greenleaf Street, Gurnee, IL 60031).

United Way of Lake County is Hiring

Want to join our team? We have two open positions:

25 Nov

November 2019 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Sold-Out Power of the Purse Raises $66k for Early Literacy Programs

On November 3, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse, at the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. Over 200 women joined for an afternoon filled with a champagne brunch, an assortment of games to win purses, jewelry and much more. This year’s event raised a record $66,000!

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support six critical early literacy programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County children. Since 2014, Women United has granted over half a million dollars to worthy early literacy programs. Power of the Purse ensures that more children receive the support they need to be prepared for kindergarten and are ready to succeed.

“We are so excited to have another successful Power of the Purse event and raise even more than in 2018. We work hard to create an exciting and memorable event that builds enthusiasm and increases dollars year over year. The generosity and support from Women United members truly makes this event possible.”

-Judy Kotsiopoulos, POP Event Chair

To view photos from this year’s Power of the Purse event, click the button below.

Double Your Impact to Help Improve and Save Lives this GivingTuesday

All of the funds raised this GivingTuesday, between November 26 – December 10, will help us sustain our new 211 program in Lake County, IL.

211 is a powerful information and referral service that helps people in need connect to a wide range of available community resources to improve and save lives. 211 provides access to critical services like shelter and affordable housing options, utility assistance, supplemental food programs, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, employment and education support, health care and mental health, and more!

Thanks to the support of many local partners and individuals, United Way of Lake County is proud to have launched 211 for everyone in Lake County on September 24, 2019!

But our work is not over! We need your help to provide this vital service for many years to come so that all 703,000 Lake County residents have access to critical information and resources. Together, we can ensure that Lake County’s 211 system transforms the way our residents find help.

The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County will be matching 100% of all new or increased GivingTuesday donations up to $5,000.

Please consider making a gift between November 26 and December 10 to help improve and save lives in Lake County, IL.

Be sure to check if your company will match your donation to TRIPLE your impact.

Click below to learn more about our GivingTuesday campaign.

Check Out Our Holiday Opportunities

Looking for giving and volunteer opportunities this holiday season? View our Holiday Opportunities Guide! It’s an easy-to-use guide filled with holiday volunteering and giving opportunities throughout the Lake County community.

Donate as an individual or unite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to spread the holiday cheer with children and families in need and deserving of our help. Click the button below to view this year’s guide.

Sign Up for our TAKE ACTION! Advocacy Email

At United Way of Lake County, we believe advocating for good public policy is critical to our mission to improve the lives of children and families in Lake County. United Way engages in public policy advocacy because we recognize our experience, knowledge, partnerships and influence can help inform policymakers’ decisions regarding the policies affecting our community.

Our new, periodic TAKE ACTION! advocacy email will provide a nonpartisan platform for people to take meaningful action that will make a difference.

Sign up for our TAKE ACTION! advocacy email by clicking below.

You’re Invited to Women United’s Wine & Learn

Women United of Lake County invites you to attend their Wine & Learn on December 4 at 6 p.m. in Libertyville to learn more about membership with Women United and how we mobilize our efforts to support early childhood literacy.

Together we strengthen Lake County through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism with a flexible program structure that enables busy, successful women to engage at whatever level works best for them. Become a part of something bigger!

Want to attend? Please RSVP to Janice at Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org by Sunday, December 1.

Learn more about the event on Facebook by clicking the button below.

Sip, Chat and Learn with Leaders United

Join Leaders United on Thursday, December 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Bosacki’s Brewery (610 East Hawley Street, Mundelein) to sample some tasty brews and learn from current members how this group creates positive change in Lake County.

Leaders United is a group of volunteer, young professionals who strive to help local students achieve success and become the future leaders of tomorrow.

Volunteer Opportunity: The Real Deal

You’re invited to be a part of a wonderful opportunity to help educate, support, and enrich the lives of Waukegan high school students. Waukegan High School (Brookside Campus), in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, is hosting an event on December 6 called “The Real Deal.”

The Real Deal is essentially The Game of Life in an interactive form. Students assume the life of a 25-year-old and learn the value and challenges of financial responsibility, how choices such as smoking, teen pregnancy, and drinking/drug use can dramatically impact their future, and the benefits of education on their career goals and life satisfaction through visiting a variety of different “hands on” stations. They receive real life advice on setting goals and avoiding high-risk behaviors from community members and learn about available resources.

There are two sessions; one in the AM and one in the PM. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Bobbi Selvik at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1022.

UWLC Wins Award for Bringing 211 to Lake County

On November 13, Reflejos, the local bilingual Latino publication, honored United Way of Lake County (UWLC) at their Reflecting Excellence Awards. We were recognized in their “Making a Community Difference” category for our work in bringing 211 to Lake County. United Way staff members, Karla Medina Alamar and Susan Mendoza, attended the event and accepted the award on UWLC’s behalf.

We are honored to be recognized and grateful to Reflejos for helping spread the word about 211 in Lake County!

30 Oct

October 2019 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

211 Helpline Now Live in Lake County

211 has officially launched in Lake County!

Anyone in Lake County can now call 211 or text their zip code to 898211 for free, confidential, 24/7 information and referrals to essential services. 211 is Lake County’s one-stop shop for help!

Thank you to everyone who attended the 211 launch event. Nearly 250 community members came out to support and learn more about this critical service, including people from across the county representing business, government and nonprofit sectors. We are grateful to our panelists and speakers who shared from their perspective how 211 will benefit our community including real-life stories and the impact 211 is already making. View photos from the event by clicking here.

Visit the official 211 Lake County website: 211LakeCounty.org.

View our 211 funding partners here and task force members here whose support made 211 possible.

Watch our 211 video (available in English and Spanish) by clicking below.

Women United’s Successful No Small Matter Screening

Women United of Lake County‘s screening of the documentary film No Small Matter was a huge success! More than 200 community leaders, educators and volunteers gathered at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest to rally around the importance of early childhood development.

No Small Matter is the first feature documentary to explore the most overlooked, underestimated, and powerful force for good in America today: early childhood education. Through poignant stories, the film lays out the overwhelming evidence for the importance of education in the first five years, and reveals how our failure to act on that evidence has resulted in an everyday crisis for American families, and a slow-motion catastrophe for the country.

Thank you to everyone who came out to see the film, to the amazing panel of experts who spoke about the importance of quality early care and education, and to the wonderful team of Women United members who were instrumental in bringing this film to Lake County!

Check Out Our Holiday Opportunities

Save the Date: Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global holiday dedicated to giving back to your local community and takes place annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Join this global movement by supporting United Way.

This year, your Giving Tuesday gift to United Way of Lake County will help sustain our new 211 program! 211 is a powerful information and referral service that helps people in need connect to a wide range of community resources to improve and save lives. Thanks to the support of many local partners and individuals, United Way of Lake County is proud to have launched 211 for everyone in Lake County on September 24, 2019!

But our work is not over! We need your help to provide this vital service for many years to come so that all 703,000 Lake County residents have access to critical information and resources. Together, we can ensure that Lake County’s 211 system transforms the way our residents find help.

Why Give on Giving Tuesday?

Our matching gift sponsor, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, will be matching 100% of Giving Tuesday donations up to $5,000. A matching gift means that our impact will double when it comes to improving and saving lives in Lake County.

Please consider making a gift between November 26 and December 10, 2019. Click below to learn how to get involved with Giving Tuesday this year.

Leaders United Join Facebook

Recently, we introduced a new affinity group for young professionals within UWLC called Leaders United. Their mission is to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism among their peers and their goal is to impact issues that affect students and families across Lake County. This is an outstanding opportunity for those who are seeking to build leadership experiences.

Leaders United has launched their Facebook page. Check it out by clicking here. Learn more about the group and membership by clicking here.

Tag: Holiday Guide

Brighten Countless Lives in Lake County

Double Your Impact to Improve and Save Lives in Lake County

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