July 2021 e-Newsletter
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Tag: Reading Success
May 2021 e-Newsletter
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December 2020 e-Newsletter
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Brighten Countless Lives in Lake CountyThrough 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.
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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.
Ending Poverty with Education
United Way of Lake County is preparing our children to succeed in a changing world by focusing on education and building safe and stable families. When kids fall behind in school, they become frustrated and check out before they drop out. We are targeting the root causes of school failure through active educational programs from birth to graduation. We believe the most valuable investment we can make is in our children’s education. When we give children the skills to succeed in school, we provide them with a foundation for lifelong success.
Like the rest of the world, we’ve had to adapt due to COVID-19; this includes making several programs and offerings available virtually. Now more than ever, education is critical to helping students in Lake County regain their footing and prepare to succeed in a post-pandemic world.
Our Education Programming
By investing in programs that prepare children to succeed in school, we’re investing in a brighter future, not just for our kids but for our community. United Way of Lake County facilitates three primary programs to help children: Success By 6, Reading Success, and Stay In School.
- Success By 6 promotes healthy early childhood development through 6 key initiatives: Home Visiting, Kindergarten Readiness, Better Together, Early Learning Clubs, Early Learning Trails, and Kindergarten Readiness Calendars. Over 22,470 children benefited from Success By 6 programs in 2019 alone.
- Reading Success helps build literacy skills to ensure children can read at grade level by the end of third grade and improving future academic success. We achieve this through Classroom Tutors, Early Reading Success, and Science Speakers. First-grade students who received Reading Success tutoring had reading improvement rates over 2x higher than their classmates that did not participate.
- Stay In School helps youth and their families overcome barriers to graduation. We do this through three initiatives: College and Career Field Trips, Career Speakers, and Preparing for College and Career. Last year, 503 students learned about potential careers, visited workplaces and colleges, and prepared for their future.
We at United Way of Lake County believe that education changes everything.
Reading Success: 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. 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. Now more than ever, it is important to connect with those students who need extra help.
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.
80%+ of children from low-income families are not proficient readers by the end of third grade. (Campaign For Grade Level Reading)
First-grade students who received Reading Success tutoring had reading improvement rates over 2x HIGHER than their classmates who didn’t participate.
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.
November 2020 e-Newsletter
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Double Your Impact to Improve and Save Lives in Lake CountyNow 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.
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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
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.
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:
October 2020 e-Newsletter
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Reserve Your Spot: 211 One Year LaterUnited Way of Lake County is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of 211 services for Lake County via webinar on Tuesday, October 27. Join with community leaders and stakeholders to learn how 211 has transformed the way individuals and families from across the county are connecting with essential health and human services. You’ll hear about 211’s measurable impact, data on community-specific needs, and the results we have seen in year one, including the increased needs arising from the pandemic. You will also hear stories of how 211 has made a real difference in Lake County for community members, employers, agencies, and local government. Marc Jones, Director of Waukegan Township’s Eddie Washington Center, will moderate a panel of local leaders discussing how 211 more efficiently connects people in need to a wide range of available resources to improve and save 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 our community, and celebrate the year one results we’ve achieved together.
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You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!
Please join us on Sunday, November 8, for Women United’s signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. Instead of our traditional in-person event, we will be hosting our first-ever online buying and bidding shopping experience that includes 50+ trendy designer bags and 20+ silent auction purses, baskets and items. You can also help send underserved children to a Summer BOOST Learning Program and donate books and toys to preschool learning centers in Lake County’s low-income communities.
You will find a variety of purse styles such as satchels, shoulder bags, and totes from well-known designers including Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, Karl Lagerfeld and more. Maybe you are more interested in jewelry from Kendra Scott or artist David Parker, wine, spirits, chocolate, baby items or sports paraphernalia. There is something for everyone! Retail therapy is even more fun when 100% of all items purchased support early learning programs in Waukegan, North Chicago, Round Lake and Zion.
Buy your ticket today! Click below to learn more.
UWLC Welcomes New Board Members
United Way of Lake County recently welcomed four new members to our 2020-21 Board of Directors: Michelle Hansen, Senior Partner with Aon; Thomas Hudson, Senior Vice President R&D and Chief Scientific Officer of AbbVie; John Idleburg, the Lake County Sheriff; and Kevin Slawin, President & CEO of Trustmark Companies.
“We are thrilled to welcome our newest board members,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO. “Their leadership skills, talents, expertise and genuine interest in our mission make them an asset to our diverse board and the organization.”
The four new members bring unique backgrounds and experiences to UWLC and we are pleased to have them serve on our board.
What’s New with Leaders United?
United Way of Lake County’s young professionals group, Leaders United, has continued to expand their outreach in the community. Recently some members and their families spent a couple of Saturdays volunteering at Cool Food Pantry in Waukegan. The group assisted with organizing the warehouse and sorting food that will go to feed families in need.
Leaders United will also be hosting their first virtual Financial Aid workshop in partnership with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and Waukegan Public Schools on Friday, October 23, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Leaders United members and community volunteers will be available to assist high school seniors, current college students and their families navigate the FAFSA or state aid forms. This workshop is available to all Lake County students. Space is limited. Sign up by emailing Ms. Fulton at efulton@wps60.org.
View the post on Facebook, here.
Meet Our New Intern: Sophie Hyde
We are excited to welcome Sophie Hyde, our newest Success By 6 intern! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County.
As part of our Success By 6 team, Sophie will work to provide parents with resources to help children receive a strong education and aid their overall development. She will also be assisting with the launch of a new program for UWLC called “Bright by Text.” Sophie focuses on embracing a multicultural perspective and promoting inclusivity. Learn more about Sophie below.
Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars
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.
Domestic violence was already an epidemic before the pandemic hit, but the health crisis has caused a tremendous spike in incidents of abuse. Even as lockdown restrictions are lifted, the abuse will not simply end. It remains a critical time for survivors, and greater awareness, education, and bystander intervention are desperately needed.
This October, join us in spreading the word that resources are available right here in our community to help those who are experiencing violence. Anyone living in Lake County can call our 211 helpline, 24/7, to speak with a real person who will guide you to local resources. Call 211, text your zip code to 898211 or visit 211LakeCounty.org. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency or fear for your safety, call 911.
Your Voice. Your Vote.
Voting is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, duties we as citizens hold. Let’s exercise our right to be educated, informed voters this year.
Early voting is underway now thru November 2. To find a convenient location, click here. Registered voters can confirm their Election Day voting location here. For more information on voting options, click here.
September 2020 e-Newsletter
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Launch a Workplace Campaign with United WayChange doesn’t happen alone. Your organization, large or small, can help us create a stronger Lake County through a United Way workplace campaign. United Way’s workplace campaigns are about bringing your coworkers and staff together through the workplace to inspire change and strengthen your local communities. Campaigns make it easy for your company, agency or group to make impacts on their communities by giving. Not only do workplace campaigns make giving easier by allowing for small increments to build into larger gifts, but it also educates your community about local issues while connecting them with resources or opportunities to help those in need right here in Lake County. 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. Check out the Campaign Toolkit on our website for available resources below.
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Save the Date! Help Celebrate the One-Year Anniversary of 211
United Way of Lake County and our partners are celebrating the one-year anniversary of 211 services for Lake County!
We are planning a virtual event on October 27 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. with community leaders and stakeholders to share how 211 has transformed the way individuals and families from all across the county are connecting with essential health and human services. You’ll hear about 211’s measurable impact, data on community-specific needs, and the results we have seen in year one, including the increased needs arising from the pandemic. You’ll also hear stories of how 211 has made a real difference in Lake County for community members, employers, agencies, and local government. 
Marc Jones, Director of Waukegan Township’s Eddie Washington Center, will moderate a panel of local leaders discussing how 211 more efficiently connects people in need to a wide range of available resources to improve and save lives, including a more in-depth discussion on the top need(s) 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 our community, and celebrate the year one results we’ve achieved together.
More information and a registration link will follow next week.
Watch an Update About Our Efforts Amid COVID
Our President and CEO, Kristi Long, recently had the opportunity to sit down with State Representative Mary Edly-Allen. They discussed how United Way of Lake County is helping our local community during COVID-19 by providing education, implementing the 211 helpline, and organizing response and recovery efforts.
Register for Better Together, Now Virtual
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 pick-up of material. To see the schedule for material pick-up or to learn more, click here.
Shop Kendra Scott and Support Local Literacy Programs
Women United is partnering with Kendra Scott to host both an online and in-store event. 20% of your purchase will go to Women United’s philanthropy fund. All funds raised by Women United will support early literacy programs in Lake County.
The in-store event will be on October 8 at the Kendra Scott store in Deer Park (20530 N Rand Rd Suite 300). Anyone can shop between 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. There is a six-customer limit inside, but there will also be an open-air tent and waiting-area outside. Make sure to mention Women United. If you bring in a children’s book, you will get 15% off your purchase.
To participate online, visit KendraScott.com on October 8 or 9, do your online shopping, and at check-out, make sure to use the code GIVEBACK8920.
In-Store Event
Online Event
Computer Lottery for Waukegan Families
Waukegan families with a K-5th grade student in their household and that do not own a computer are eligible to apply to receive a computer.
Go to compudopt.org/chicago, choose the “Far North Suburbs Lottery” button, and complete the registration. If chosen in the random lottery, Comp-U-Dopt will send you a text and provide information regarding how to pick up the computer.
August 2020 e-Newsletter
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Reading Success Is Going Virtual
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Scholastic and United Way Help Kids Stay Connected to Books
Baxter Gives Back
Volunteer in Lake County
