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.
