We Accept the Challenge. Will You?

We’re joining our neighbors across the state to learn how inequity and systemic racism impact our lives and communities. Join us by signing up for the free 21-week Equity Challenge today. The Challenge started this week but it’s not too late to join. You will receive one email per week between now and June 19, 2021. Each challenge activity will take approximately 15 minutes per week.

United, we can help create a stronger, more equitable Illinois economy and stronger, more inclusive Illinois communities.

Bright by Text: A New Partnership

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 click below.

Wine & Learn About Women United, Virtually

You’re invited to join Women United virtually on Thursday, January 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.

Register for Better Together’s Virtual Spring Sessions

Registration is now open for our free, virtual Better Together program. Better Together is designed for children ages 0-3 living in North Chicago or Great Lakes to develop the readiness, physical and cognitive skills crucial to their education, alongside their caregiver. The program encourages interactions, self-exploration, and guided learning through print materials and videos.

We are offering bi-weekly curbside pickup of materials. To see the schedule or to learn more, click here.

Register by contacting Shareny Mota at Shareny.Mota@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1040.

Company Spotlight: Incredible Technologies

Thank you to Incredible Technologies, a Vernon Hills-based company, for organizing a fundraiser with us in December. Due to their employees’ generosity, they were able to raise $10,000 in support of our local community. You all are INCREDIBLE!

Interested in learning about starting a United Way campaign at your workplace? Learn more below or contact Dennis Burke at Dennis.Burke@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1014.

Celebrating MLK Day with Virtual Storytelling

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) hosted their first virtual storytelling. In collaboration with West Elementary School and Zion School District, GLCU volunteers were virtually invited into classrooms to read a story about Dr. King. It was an exciting morning filled with great energy, thoughtful discussion and learning more about a man who strived to make the world a better place for all. GLCU will collect the books and donate them to the school so that teachers can add them to their classroom libraries.

We would like to thank GLCU for this incredible Day of Service and West Elementary for sharing their students with us for a little while. Every volunteer walked away with a greater depth of appreciation for teachers as they navigate new learning strategies to keep students engaged and striving towards success.

Learn more about hosting a Day of Service like this with your workplace by contacting Bobbi Selvik at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1022.

Celebrating Black History Month with February Book Drive

To celebrate Black History Month, we will be hosting a virtual book drive during the month of February. The books will be donated to local elementary schools, increasing young readers’ access to books promoting a positive equity message.
Follow us on social media to be alerted when the book drive launches and to learn how you can contribute.

Lake County’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund

We are grateful to the many companies, philanthropies, and more than 650 individuals who have already contributed to our Lake County COVID-19 Response and 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 in March 2020, more than one million dollars has been granted back into the community to 46 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.

211 Partners with EverThrive Illinois

We have partnered with EverThrive Illinois to ensure that Lake County families are tapped into a network of resources to support them before, during and after pregnancy.

Find assistance with health care, housing, nutrition, postpartum support, and more when you connect with our 211 helpline. Reach immediate, comprehensive and confidential assistance. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 now!