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.
