In special recognition of United Way of Lake County’s 211, the Lake County Board, as well as the Villages of Antioch, Gurnee and Mundelein, and Cities of North Chicago, Waukegan and Zion, have all proclaimedFebruary 11, 2024 as “211 Day”! We are grateful to our local government partners for their generous support of our 211 service, as well as the many other partners and individuals who have contributed to help make 211 a reality for our community.
211 has already made a tremendous impact, making more than 250,000 connections to essential health and human services in Lake County. 211 Day is a wonderful opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this vital service to improve and save lives in our community.
We invite you to help us spread the word about 211. Check out our social media channels for posts to share and visit 211LakeCounty.org for more information and promotional materials.
Black History Month Reading Day in Waukegan
In honor of Black History Month, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) partnered with us again to coordinate a special reading day at North Elementary in Waukegan. This event brought GLCU readers into classrooms to share stories celebrating Black culture and traditions. GLCU sponsored all the books, which were given to the school after the event.
Thank you, GLCU, for being a wonderful partner! Together, we are not just celebrating Black history; we’re actively building a brighter, equitable future.
Create Your Legacy
Donors from all walks of life at all income levels can make an investment in securing the future of our community. The process is simple, and the impact will last for generations.
There are many ways to make a charitable gift, such as donating stock or securities, using your IRA or donor-advised fund, and including us in your will or living trust. Learn about the many ways to give by clicking below.
Young Professionals Group Makes a Difference
Leaders United members returned to COOL Food Pantry in Waukegan to help organize items and assemble 60 bags of essentials that will be distributed to local veterans.
Know a young professional interested in making a difference in their community? Leaders United provides opportunities such as mentoring local students, volunteer projects, building leadership experience, networking with community leaders, and more.
SUCCESS STORY
Destiny’s Progress
United Way of Lake County’s Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) is a free summer learning program for incoming kindergarten students who have little to no preschool experience. Students enrolled are assessed on skills that are essential for successful learning such as recognizing shapes, letters, counting and writing their names.
When Destiny entered KCC, she had difficulty writing her name. When assessed, she scored a “1” indicating she had not yet begun learning this skill.
KCC teachers worked to help Destiny learn how to write her name. She began by tracing the letters of her name over dotted lines, then graduated to writing her name independently on blank lines while looking at her name. By the end of KCC, she scored a “3” on this skill indicating she was in progress, on her way to proficiency.
Destiny’s mom shared that KCC helped her daughter be better prepared for kindergarten. “She learned how to take the school bus, she learned how to engage with other students and make more friends. She learned how to write her name and she learned her numbers.”
The progress and growth Destiny made in KCC has prepared her for successful learning in kindergarten!
Board Member Update
We are thrilled to welcome Marisa Livingston to our Board of Directors for a two-year term. Marisa is Senior Clinical Supplies Manager at Catalent Pharma Solutions and Chairs our Women United affinity group.
A special thank you to outgoing board members Julie Gordon, J. Ramon Rivera and Lupe Rodriguez for their dedicated service.
Manager, 211 Lake County
We seek an innovative individual passionate about serving others to develop and lead a team in ensuring that 211 Lake County excels in the delivery of referral services and information to the people of Lake County, IL.
We are thrilled to share that we exceeded our goal for this year’s annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we prepared and distributed 3,072 backpacksfull of supplies to students across Lake County!
We are so proud that many more children will have the supplies they need to succeed during this new school year! Thank you to the dozens of companies and donors who supported this drive and the volunteers who donated their time to pack, sort and stuff each backpack.
View the long list of organizations that helped make Stuff the Bus a huge success below.
Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive
Through October 15, you can join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing the joy of reading with local children and being a part of their storytelling adventure! Your support will enrich elementary school libraries by promoting cultural awareness, celebrating diversity, and honoring Latinx and Hispanic culture.
Reading is one of the great equalizers in our society.
A great book opens so many possibilities for children.
Results and Reflection: Kindergarten Countdown Camp
We are pleased to share the results of Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), our free summer learning program for incoming kindergarten students with limited preschool experience
This year, in addition to returning to Round Lake and Waukegan, we expanded KCC to Antioch, Beach Park and Zion.
Before camp, only 46% of students averaged at least “in progress” or better across the eight skills assessed (shapes, colors, letters, name writing, counting, book familiarity, rhyming and fine motor skills). After camp, we saw that average increase to 69% “in progress or better” in those same eight skills. That’s a 50% increase!
We are also pleased by the feedback we received from the school districts. “Every year, we have an opening parent night for our families,” said Aron Borowiak, Antioch District 34 Superintendent. “The room that was best attended and had the most energy was for KCC. The parents were really excited for their kids to have this opportunity. We saw growth and success for the students who attended. We appreciate how KCC is organized. It made it easy for us to put into place. The program coordinators did a tremendous job of helping and supporting our teacher. We plan to open up KCC to more classrooms next year.”
Connections Magazine recently published an article about KCC’s expansion to Antioch. Check it out below!
SUCCESS STORY
Alan: Becoming a Model Student
Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) was not easy for Alan. The pandemic delayed his early social development, and KCC was the first place where Alan interacted with peers in a structured classroom setting. During the first few weeks of KCC, Alan often felt frustrated. Learning new skills such as raising his hand, walking in a line, taking bathroom breaks, following a schedule, and group play were challenging. Alan’s behavior required constant redirection from his KCC teachers. Each time he was redirected, Alan would apologize. He wanted to learn how to do better. Despite the challenges, Alan showed up to KCC each day with a smile.
A couple weeks after KCC ended, Alan started kindergarten in Beach Park. Alan’s kindergarten teacher shared that Alan is an exemplary student! “Alan is the ONLY kindergartner in my classroom that is raising his hand to speak. He can walk in a line in the halls, he understands the classroom schedule and he engages in patient turn-taking during group play.” Alan’s teacher shared that his confidence is through the roof. “His beaming smile is all the evidence I need to see how proud he is of himself.” Through KCC, Alan was able to prepare for the classroom expectations and environment. And now, Alan’s teacher looks to Alan as a model student to guide other kindergartners.
To view the full story on our website, click below.
You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!
Join Women United on Sunday, November 5 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.
Come away for a fun-filled afternoon with the special women in our lives. We’ll enjoy brunch, bubbly, games and special surprises. There will be more than 40 designer bags, plus silent auction items and raffle baskets to win. All proceeds will support critical early education programs in Lake County.
Place Your Order: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars
Our free, bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are a great resource for families and educations. The calendars are designed for preschool-age children and filled with activities and information to help families get ready for their child’s first day of kindergarten.
Place an order to pick up calendars at our office using our online order form.
Board Member Update
We are thrilled to welcome four new members to our 2023-2024 Board of Directors: Bill Gould, President & COO at Trustmark, Matthew Rizzie, Executive Director at Great Lakes Credit Union’s Foundation for Financial Empowerment, Samer Saleh, Divisional Vice President at Abbott, and Captain Steve Yargosz, Prospective Commanding Officer at Naval Station Great Lakes.
Bill Gould will serve on the Community Impact Council, Matthew Rizzie will serve on the 211 Advisory Council, and Samer Saleh will serve on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.
“Our new members’ leadership skills, knowledge of the communities we serve and genuine interest in our mission make them an asset to our diverse board and United Way of Lake County,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO.
A special thank you to outgoing board member Kevin Slawin for his dedicated service.
United Way of Lake County Ambassador Program
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have excellent communication skills and a desire to engage with local businesses for a worthy cause?
If so, consider becoming a United Way Ambassador! This volunteer role is essential to the success of our fundraising campaigns, as you will be the bridge connecting our mission to local businesses in your assigned geography. By joining our team of dedicated UWLC Ambassadors, you’ll play a pivotal role in helping United Way create lasting change in your community. View all the details below.
If you’re interested in becoming a UWLC Ambassador, please email our VP of Resource Development, Quinton Snodgrass at quinton.snodgrass@uwlakeco.org.
On June 10, we had the pleasure of sponsoring and participating in the LGBTQ+ Center’s PrideFest in Round Lake Beach, alongside many of our community partners. On June 17, 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.
Celebrating Freedom on 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 everyone in our community to thrive.
Painting a Brighter Future
Volunteers from Great Lakes Credit Union and Snap-on Credit joined us this month to paint and revitalize the Early Learning Trails at two elementary schools in Waukegan.
Early Learning Trails are publicly accessible outdoor learning games designed to develop children’s academic readiness and encourage active movement and play. The brightly painted trails marked by numbers, letters and shapes help children develop social, cognitive, and kinesthetic skills in a fun and safe space.
Thanks to our wonderful volunteers and generous partners, children in Lake County have access to dozens of these trails. View our list of Early Learning Trail and Sensory Path locations around Lake County by clicking below.
Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp in Zion
Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) is our free summer learning program for students entering kindergarten this fall who have limited preschool experience. There are a few spots available for students in the Zion School District. KCC in Zion runs from July 10–20 (Monday–Thursday), 8:00 a.m.–Noon, and is located at Elmwood Elementary School.
Students who attend KCC will adjust to the classroom setting, practice following directions and rules, and practice key kindergarten skills. KCC is a great opportunity to get your child prepared to succeed in kindergarten.
This month we are spotlighting FedEx, a great partner of United Way of Lake County. Since 2017, FedEx employees have generously donated both their time and money to support our community. For example, just this month, an amazing group from FedEx sponsored and installed a new Sensory Path at Oak Crest School in Beach Park.
Sensory Paths are colorful and engaging pathways used by children to explore a variety of sensory experiences. These indoor paths are a great tool to help children develop motor skills, self-regulation, balance, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness in a playful, safe space.
The group went above and beyond by bringing in the fantastic vendor, School Specialty, who generously donated another Sensory Path at Kenneth Murphy School in Beach Park, which FedEx installed this month as well. This collaboration has genuinely touched our hearts and will have a lasting impact on the students there.
Thank you, FedEx, for partnering with us to strengthen our Lake County community for all who live and work here. If you want to join FedEx and other companies to create a successful workplace campaign or volunteer opportunity, please reach out.
Help Us Stuff the Bus!
Each year, kids across Lake County go back to school lacking the supplies needed to succeed in school. The price for essential supplies is increasing and many families struggle to afford everything on their child’s school supply list.
But together, we can make a difference!
Join our Stuff the Bus community school supply 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 August 15, 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.
UW Board Member and Women United Leader Selected for the WU Global Leadership Council
Patrice Maloney-Knauff, a long-time devoted board member for United Way Lake County and founding member and leader of Women United Lake County, has been elected to the Women United Global Leadership Council.
We are so appreciative and proud of Patrice for her committed service. She will serve as one of 14 members of the Council from across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on mobilizing the power of Women United to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our local communities. Duties include providing strategic recommendations to United Way Worldwide and sharing effective practices throughout Women United.
Patrice’s initial term is for three years, which includes monthly meetings including two in person annually. She and our Manager of Donor Engagement and Women United, Jessica Ceisel, attended the first in-person session in Houston just last month. Congratulations and thank you, Patrice!
Announcing United Way of Lake County’s Core Values
As United Way of Lake County continues to grow, evolve and transform to best serve the changing environment and needs of our Lake County community, we recognize it’s important to redefine our organization’s core values and the commitments that help create our desired culture and guide our decision-making and actions.
UWLC’s core values represent our identity and reflect who we are and how we want to be recognized both internally and externally. They are the foundation upon which our culture continues to thrive and will help us achieve long-term success.
These core values define what’s important to us at UWLC:
IMPACT. We deliver measurable programs to build a strong, equitable community where everyone can thrive.
RESPECT. We lead with integrity and foster an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone feels appreciated, safe and heard.
COLLABORATION. We leverage the expertise and experience of our staff, volunteers and partners to achieve shared goals and multiply our impact.
INNOVATION. We cultivate an environment that encourages thoughtful, creative and inspirational actions that lead to effective solutions.
OPTIMISM. We are enthusiastic and positive about our work and celebrate our successes.
Our process for getting here was based on input from the entire organization, including board members, management team and staff, to not only articulate a set of core values but also any operational changes needed. We are so proud of what we do to help unite and strengthen our Lake County community and are incorporating these values into our daily lives to truly live by them.
This month we introduced our new Board Chair,
Joe Garnett, and thanked our previous Board Chair, Mark Schweitzer, for his leadership. We also welcomed J. Kevin Hunter, Lake County Board Member, to our Board of Directors, and Jesus Ruiz, Dean of Lakeshore Campus, College of Lake County, who has rejoined our board and we are delighted to have him back!
A special thank you to outgoing board members, Nancy Coolley, Monica Burmeister, Patrice Maloney-Knauff (pictured on the right), and Capt. Jason J. Williamson, for their dedicated service.
Flip Through Our 2022 Annual Report
United Way of Lake County is pleased to share our 2022 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!
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15. Join us in celebrating and honoring Latinx and Hispanic literature, experience and storytelling by giving the gift of reading to local children!
The books in our collection are by Hispanic/Latinx authors featuring Hispanic/Latinx characters and influential figures. The books will be donated to local elementary schools, increasing children’s access to literature that promotes a positive equity message.
Stuff the Bus Comes to a Close
We are thrilled to share that we have continued to receive even more support for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive. A whopping 3,900 backpacks, supplemental bags and teacher kits have been created using the school supplies and funds donated to our supply drive. These supplies were distributed throughout Lake County for students and teachers to use during the new school year.
We are blown away by the amount of support we received this year and are so grateful to everyone who contributed—thank you!
You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!
Join Women United on Sunday, November 6 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.
Come away for a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate the special women in our lives. We’ll enjoy a champagne brunch, games, prizes and special surprises. There will be 50+ designer bags, silent auction purses and baskets to bid on in person. 100% of the proceeds will support critical early education programs in Lake County.
Buy tickets by Friday, October 14 to be entered to win a Tiffany & Co. bracelet!
Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars
Our bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars 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.
Join Us to Celebrate Three Years of 211
We are proud to celebrate the third anniversary of 211 services for Lake County. Join with community leaders and stakeholders on October 17 to learn how 211 has grown to become a lifeline for people across the county seeking help meeting basic needs.
You’ll hear about 211’s measurable impact, data on community-specific needs and the results we have seen in year three. You’ll also hear stories of how 211 has made a real difference for community members, employers, agencies and local government. Megan McKenna, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, will moderate a panel of local leaders discussing how 211 more efficiently guides people to resources to help improve lives, including a more in-depth discussion on the top needs and solutions to address them.
Help us recognize the incredible support and collaboration of so many individuals, employers, community leaders and partners who have joined with us to bring this vital service to Lake County, and celebrate the results we’ve achieved together.
Launch a Workplace Giving Campaign
Change doesn’t happen alone. Your organization, large or small, can help us create a stronger Lake County through a United Way workplace campaign. Whether your campaign is virtual or in-person, we’ll provide you with the tools you need to plan, coordinate and implement a successful fundraising campaign.
Is your organization ready to LIVE UNITED? We’ll help you get started.
Board Member Update
We are thrilled to welcome two new member to our 2022-23 Board of Directors: Clarence Berry (pictured below), Area Superintendent for Waukegan Public Schools, and Derrick Harden (pictured right), VP of Strategy, Planning & Support and Chief of Staff with College of Lake County.
“Our new members’ leadership skills, knowledge of the communities we serve and genuine interest in our mission make them an asset to our diverse board and United Way of Lake County,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO.
A special thank you to outgoing board member, Dr. Lori Suddick, for her dedicated service.
We are looking to hire an intern to participate in planning activities and implementation of our 211 program within the Lake County community. 211 is Lake County’s free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral helpline connecting people to available health and human services.
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 and attending community events. This internship requires reliable transportation and good written and verbal communication skills.
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
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.
Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Families
Volunteers from Snap-On Credit and ITW came out to spread holiday cheer through the Catholic Charities Christmas gift program by distributing gifts, toys and necessities to families who might otherwise not be able to celebrate the holiday season. This volunteer event is an annual favorite and everyone was so happy to participate again after taking a year off.
Thank you to all our “elves” who came out to help distribute gifts and for making the holidays so special for these families! With donor and corporate support, Catholic Charities was able to grant holiday wishes to more than 8,000 children and families this year.
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 rent and utility assistance, food, mental health services, or other health and human services—call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to available resources.
A Gift to Support Children and Families in Lake County
Now through December 23, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.
A gift to United Way of Lake County will make it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community to improve and save lives. This year, your gift goes further thanks to Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County who is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K through December 23.
The tough work that is needed to help Lake County recover and rebuild is the work we do every day. We’re equipping local children, youth and families with tools to build a path to education and lifelong success, and we’re connecting people with life-changing support. When we put it all together, we’re reimagining a more equitable, resilient Lake County where everyone can thrive.
Company Spotlight: Buehler
United Way of Lake County is proud to highlight our partner, Buehler, and all that their colleagues have been doing to help improve lives in Lake County.
Despite a challenging year, Buehler colleagues found ways to get involved and make a difference. Recently, Buehler partnered with us and Family Focus to spread holiday cheer by collecting gifts to fulfill local families’ wish lists.
Earlier this year, Buehler held an employee giving campaign in support of United Way of Lake County. Buehler’s HR Generalist, Stephane Antonopoulos and her team did an incredible job creating unique and exciting ways to engage their colleagues. They had a Food Truck onsite on kick-off day, balloon dart games, and even cooked their own bacon outside to sell fresh BLTs. Together, these unique events raised over $5,900 for United Way of Lake County’s programs, which will be generously matched by the ITW Foundation.
We are grateful for our partnership with Buehler and their ongoing commitment to support United Way of Lake County. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of many children and families in Lake County.
Introducing New Team Members
We recently welcomed three new women to our United Way family; Michelle Sanchez joined us as our Donor Relations Account Manager, Alina Mozo is Executive Assistant to our President and CEO, and Jessica Ceisel joined as our Community Engagement Coordinator.
Learn more about their roles, what they like to do in their free time, and how they connect with our programs by clicking each of their names below.
