United Way of Lake County and HACES (Hispanic American Community Education and Services) are proud to announce a partnership and collaboration to deliver an expanded Parent Mentor program that puts parents in the classroom to mentor Waukegan students, kindergarten through fifth grade.
Parents are trained as mentors and volunteer in a classroom four times a week for a minimum of 100 hours per semester. Parent Mentors provide direct support to students to improve their math and literacy skills and to provide additional social emotional support. The Parent Mentors also have weekly training on financial literacy, computer skills, leadership, and more. They help to fill the equity gap by volunteering in schools and creating positive change through parent engagement. The program has English and Spanish-speaking mentors with the goal of serving more than 600 students this school year in five Waukegan elementary schools.
“After a successful first year, it became clear that there was a need for even more parental involvement,” said Maria-Elena Jonas, Founder and Executive Director of HACES. “The support United Way provides will allow us to serve many more students, helping us make an even bigger impact in the community.”
Recruitment is underway for parents to serve in the classroom for two hours per day in their child’s school. The program is open to all parents who are looking to learn valuable life skills and make a positive impact on their child’s school and community. Parent Mentors work one-on-one or in small groups with students who need extra support in the classroom. They are provided the necessary training, offered weekly workshops on professional development skills in academic instruction and leadership, and compensated with a modest stipend.
Women United Hosts Back to School Fair
Earlier this month, Women United hosted a Back to School Fair at Whispering Oaks Apartments in Waukegan. Families who attended the fair enjoyed free haircuts for children, face painting, ice cream, and other fun activities. Women United members also distributed more than 100 backpacks full of school supplies so the children would have the tools they need for school, as well as books, lunch boxes, and dental hygiene kits.
Thank you to the more than 50 women who donated, volunteered or coordinated the event, and thank you to our partners for joining us to brighten the lives of the families who attended. This event was a shining example of the power of giving back. It was filled with community spirit and able to come to life through the generosity of the kind-hearted individuals who make up Women United and the local businesses who believe in investing in our communities!
Launch a Workplace Giving Campaign
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.
Learn About Women United on Your Lunch Break
Are you looking for ways to connect to amazing women in our community, opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or ways to make a measurable difference for children in Lake County? Please join Women United on Wednesday, September 20 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Zoom for a prospective member Lunch & Learn.
Women United mobilizes more than 135 amazing women to help ensure that all children living in Lake County have an equal opportunity to start school 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.
Company Spotlight: Derse
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Derse—a full-service trade show and event agency—partnered with United Ways throughout the country to lead food drives supporting local communities. Here in Lake County, Derse partnered with UWLC to give hundreds of goods to local residents including diapers, cereal boxes, juices, and much more. Derse donated their collections to Cool Ministries Food Pantry in Waukegan and Avon Township Food Pantry in Round Lake.
“Derse is a fantastic employer with a great culture that takes care of each and every employee. I believe where much is given much is expected. Here in Derse Northbrook, we are all blessed with the ability to give even if it was a little. It is only fitting that we share with those who are in need of a helping hand. All employees were very generous with their donations. I am thankful we were able to contribute as a group.”
–Leonard Munson, Portables Director at Derse Northbrook
Welcome, Sophia Cotton and Marissa Gomez!
We recently welcomed two people to our United Way family; Sophia Cotton has joined us as 211 Manager, and Marissa Gomez has transitioned from Success By 6 Intern to our Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator!
Learn more about Sophia and Marissa’s roles, how they connect with our programs, and what they enjoy in their free time by clicking on their names below.
Volunteers Build New Playground at Oakdale Elementary
After three days of hard work and with the help of more than 90 volunteers, Oakdale Elementary School in Waukegan now has a magnificent new playground! We are amazed by the dedication of our volunteers and excited for the students to enjoy this new space.
“It was a great pleasure to have United Way of Lake County join forces with so many volunteers to build our new playground,” said Catalina Quiñones-Nelson, Principal at Oakdale Elementary School. “United Way recruited volunteers from the Chicago Bears, ITW, Trustmark and the Waukegan High School football team to get their hands dirty and assist with the playground build, working alongside Oakdale teachers and families. Playgrounds provide an opportunity for students to improve cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being skills. Students collaborate with each other as they develop decision-making skills and use their imagination to play creatively. We are very grateful for United Way’s partnership and look forward to our continued collaboration.”
In addition to the playground, community volunteers came together to honor the memory of a teacher by planting beautiful flowers in the courtyard space outside of her classroom. This gesture of remembrance and respect reflects our strong bond with our educators and their lasting impact on our lives.
We appreciate the selflessness and compassion demonstrated by these amazing volunteers. Their hard work and commitment have made a significant difference in our community, and we are immensely grateful.
Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars
Our 2023-2024 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. Pickups are available by appointment, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at our office (330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL).
There’s still time to participate in Stuff the Bus! Help us ensure more students start school this fall with the necessary supplies. You’ll be helping prepare them for their academic studies, build their self-esteem and set them up for success. Through August 15, you can donate school supplies, make an online donation or help spread the word.
We are very grateful to the many individuals, companies and organizations that have already donated and volunteered to create hundreds of backpacks for local students.
Women of Color: United in Leadership
Women United is proud to build a strong professional network of women of color through our leadership program, Women of Color: United in Leadership. This program helps professionals to develop their authentic voice and unleash their full potential while connecting with a diverse community of like-minded women who share aspirations, experiences and commitment to community service. Through expert guidance, we dive deep into leadership strategies, effective communication, and personal growth and development.
If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our next cohort beginning this fall, let us know by emailing Jessica.Ceisel@uwlakeco.org.
Watch the video below to learn more about the program from women who participated in our first cohort.
211 is Here to Help in Times of Crisis, Disaster and Every Day
United Way of Lake County’s 211 helpline is a critical service available for all 714,000 Lake County community members in times of crisis, disaster and every day. CBS Chicago recently aired a 30-minute special about last year’s shooting in Highland Park and how the community has shown its strength and resilience to help survivors move forward. United Way of Lake County was highlighted as an important partner and our 211 helpline has been integral in connecting survivors with information and resources.
Watch the segment below featuring an interview with Gale Graves, our Vice President of Community Impact, speaking with news anchor Irika Sargent.
Introducing Sophia Cotton, 211 Manager
Please welcome Sophia Cotton, our new 211 Manager! Sophia brings a background of both direct service delivery and program management in nonprofits and is familiar with the health and human service landscape within Lake County. Over the next few weeks, Sophia will be concentrating on building a foundation of understanding of how 211 works, program goals and measurement, community needs and gaps in resources, and of course, digging into our comprehensive data. She has already started meeting with key partners and volunteers.
Our priorities continue to be on increasing awareness and utilization of 211 while expanding the many health and human service providers and resources within the database. We are currently focused on identifying key 2023 initiatives.
In Loving Memory of Stacy Boison
It is with great sadness and condolences to her family that United Way of Lake County mourns the passing of Stacy Boison.
Stacy was a beloved and irreplaceable member of our United Way family since she joined in 2019 as Finance Manager. She brought so much light and joy to those around her. Stacy will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
