In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we partnered with McCall Elementary in Waukegan to host our annual reading event—Voices United: A Celebration of MLK. Black community leaders from across Lake County were invited to read to the students. Each book provided a unique opportunity for meaningful discussions focused on and around the work of MLK.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who came out to participate in this event. The students were very engaged! Your presence and service were felt throughout the school. We are also grateful to McCall Elementary for working with us to host this joyous celebration. Through meaningful partnerships like this, we strive to create positive impacts throughout Lake County.
Year-End Campaign Raises $165K!
At the end of 2023, we raised funds for our education programs and 211 helpline. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and foundations, we raised more than $165K! That amount includes a $10K matching gift from our sponsor, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County.
Thank you to our supporters for making it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community. Now more local children will be prepared to succeed in school and more of our neighbors will get connected to critical resources and life changing support.
Learn About Leaders United
Calling all young professionals, ages 21-50, who are passionate about making a meaningful, lasting impact on their community. Come learn how you can support youth and families in Lake County and connect with peers when you join Leaders United!
Leaders United will be delving into our impact, our program, and how you can get involved. Plus, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a door prize provided by Timberjaxe Axe Lounge!
Feel free to bring a friend. Refreshments provided.
When: February 22, 2024 | Stop by between 5pm – 8pm
Where: BCU Headquarters | 340 N Milwaukee Avenue, Vernon Hills, IL
Bright by Text is a great free resource for anyone looking to receive activities, child development information and other tools to assist in their parenting journey. This national texting program’s messages include topics like brain development, health and wellness, STEM, safety and more. The content comes from trusted partners like PBS and Sesame Street and is available in English and Spanish.
It’s easy to sign up. Simply text “UWLC” to 274-448. You’ll receive information tailored to your child’s age and about local events and resources.
Lunch & Learn About Women United
Looking for ways to connect with 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 Thursday, February 8 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Zoom for a prospective member Lunch & Learn.
Women United mobilizes more than 145 amazing women to help ensure that all children living in Lake County have an equal opportunity to start school ready to succeed. Women United also has a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.
Our young professionals leadership group, Leaders United, partnered with Wingstop to host a fundraiser in support of our before-school mentorship program, Breakfast Club, which provides a safe, supportive space for middle schoolers to learn the skills needed to be successful in high school and beyond.
Leaders United raised more than $1,100! Thank you to everyone who participated and to Wingstop for helping support our efforts in the community!
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.
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we partnered with McCall Elementary in Waukegan to host a new reading event—Voices United: A Celebration of MLK. Black community leaders from across Lake County were invited to read to the students. Each book provided a unique opportunity for meaningful discussions focused on and around the work of Dr. King.
Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who came out to participate in this event. The students were very engaged! Whether in person or virtual, your presence and service were felt throughout the school. Also, we are so grateful to McCall School for working with us to host this joyous event. Through meaningful partnerships like this, we strive to continue to create positive impacts throughout Lake County.
Year-End Campaign Raises $173K!
At the end of 2022, we raised funds for our education programs and 211 helpline. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and foundations, we raised $173K! That amount includes a $10K matching gift from our sponsor, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County. Thank you to our supporters for making it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community. Now more local children will be prepared to succeed in school and more of our neighbors will get connected to critical resources.
Women United’s New Manager: Jessica Ceisel
We are pleased to announce that Jessica Ceisel is the new Manager of our Women United affinity group!
Jessica has spent the last year at United Way as a Community Engagement Coordinator working closely with community partners, both corporate and social service agencies, to create meaningful community engagement experiences. Her background is in education, and she’s taught in the very Lake County communities Women United is serving. She’s also personally involved with medical advocacy at the legislative level through the Wisconsin Hospital Association and patient advocacy through Harmony 4 Hope, Children’s Wisconsin, and the Children’s Miracle Network.
We know Jessica will lead Women United toward their goals of strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging for all members. Women United is a critical community within our organization and their work supports our mission by focusing on early education.
To learn more about Jessica and her role, click below.
Learn About Women United on Your Lunch Break
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 Tuesday, February 21 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Zoom for a prospective member Lunch & Learn.
Women United mobilizes more than 130 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: Amcor
This month we are spotlighting our partner, Amcor, a global packaging company. Amcor’s North American headquarters is based in Deerfield, IL. Since 2019, Amcor employees have generously donated both their time and money to support our community. For example, in October 2022, Amcor employees created snack packs for students in the Diamond Lake School District after school program. The volunteers also created cards with jokes and drawings to include in each pack in hopes of spreading joy and laughter to the students.
We asked Amcor why they choose to partner with us and this is what they said:
“As a proud supporter of United Way for many years, I believe their impact on our communities has improved the lives of many people through its funding of local agencies, programs and services. Together, we at Amcor can help all of our communities become more healthy, safe and thriving for everyone.”
–Fred Stephen, President, Amcor Flexibles North America
Thank you, Amcor, for partnering with us to strengthen our Lake County community for all who live and work here.
If you’re interested in joining Amcor and other companies to create a successful workplace campaign or volunteer opportunity, please reach out.
