26 Apr

April 2024 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

We Love Our Volunteers!

It’s National Volunteer Month and we’d like to take this time to recognize all of the selfless individuals who lend their time, talent, and support to serve our community. As an organization that relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its mission, this annual celebration is near and dear to our hearts. Day in and day out, our volunteers help enrich the lives of those in need and help build a strong, equitable Lake County where everyone can thrive. Without volunteers, our work is simply not possible.

Thank you, volunteers!

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) is our free summer learning program for children entering kindergarten this fall who have little to no preschool experience. Children 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.

Registration is now open for students in the Antioch, Beach Park, Round Lake and Zion school districts. Waukegan is coming soon.

Antioch: June 5 – 27
Beach Park: July 29 – August 14
Round Lake: June 3 – 27
Zion: June 3 – July 11

Interested? Fill out the form for your school district at the link below.

Lunch & Learn About Women United

Are you looking for new ways to make a measurable difference for children and families in Lake County or new opportunities to volunteer and socialize? You can do all of that and more with Women United! Learn about becoming a member by joining us virtually on Wednesday, May 1 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

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.

Please RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org and she will share the Zoom link.

Lattes with Leaders United

Join Leaders United, our group of young professionals focused on making a difference in Lake County, for a fun networking event! You will have the opportunity to speak with Leaders United members, hear about their work, and get a coffee siphon brewing demonstration from Drip and Culture’s owner Adam Carson.

When: May 8 | 5:00-6:00 PM
Where: Drip and Culture | 2015 Grand Ave, Waukegan

UWLC on the Radio and Día del Niño Celebration

Thank you to Alpha Media’s Union Latina radio show and host José Rodriquez for inviting United Way to share about our Kindergarten Countdown Camp. Watch the interview on Facebook here.

We will also be participating in Alpha Media’s Día del Niño celebration at Gurnee Mills Mall (Entrance G) on Saturday April 27 from 2:00-4:00 PM. Visit our table to learn about United Way’s free early learning programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, and our 211 helpline that connects people to local resources and support.

Every Child Deserves a Safe Childhood

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and we have partnered with the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (LCCAC) to help keep every child safe. LCCAC’s Blue Kids Program creates awareness about child abuse in Lake County and encourages parents, teachers, and members of the community to engage youth and encourage education on the topic.

LCCAC has resources for youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, business and more. We encourage you to visit LCCAC’s website.

Hiring: Kindergarten Readiness Coordinator

We are hiring for a part-time summer position that will assist in the implementation of our Kindergarten Countdown Camp program. Learn more about the role and apply on Indeed below.

29 Feb

February 2024 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

211 Day Celebrated Across Lake County

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 proclaimed February 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.

05 Feb

January 2024 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Voices United:
A Celebration of MLK Jr.

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

Please sign up for the event at the link below.
Questions? Email Michelle.Sanchez@uwlakeco.org.

Because Kids Don’t Come With Instructions

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.

Please RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org and she will share the Zoom link.

Leaders Have Wings

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

19 Dec

December 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

You helped us accomplish so much this year! Thank you for supporting our mission to build an equitable Lake County community where everyone can thrive. We are so grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you health and happiness this holiday season!

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Spreading Holiday Joy to Local Families

This holiday season, our incredible corporate partners and community members came together to spread joy and warmth to 76 Lake County families. Thanks to their generosity, each family will receive warm winter clothing, educational toys, non-perishable groceries, and extra toys to brighten their celebrations.

In addition to fulfilling family wish lists, we had several warm winter clothing drives bring in hundreds of pieces of clothing to help keep even more of our Lake County families safe and warm this winter season.

A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing donors! Your compassion is awe-inspiring!

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Check out our annual Holiday Guide! It includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County, 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.

Be a Community Hero for Children and Families in Lake County

We are on a mission to build a stronger Lake County community where everyone can thrive. Together, we can create a community where heroes abound. Can we count on your support this holiday season?

By supporting education initiatives like Success By 6 and Youth Success, you become a hero for local children, ensuring they have the tools and skills for a successful future. Our 211 helpline, a beacon for those in need, has guided over 250,000 people to essential services—a lifeline made possible by heroes like you.

Through December 19, you can double your impact! Our sponsor is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K!

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people. 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 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected to available resources.

Learn more at 211LakeCounty.org.

Women United Leadership

We are thrilled to introduce Marisa Livingston, Senior Clinical Supplies Manager at Catalent Pharma Solutions, as our incoming Women United Board Chair! Starting in January 2024, Marisa, a dedicated Women United member and leader of their DIBI (Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative) Committee, will bring a fresh perspective and valuable experience to lead us forward. Her thoughtful approach and inspiring presence will uphold Women United’s legacy while fostering growth, inclusivity, and shared success.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Lori Miller who has served as Women United’s Board Chair these past few years. Lori’s dedication and outstanding contributions have been instrumental in advancing Women United’s mission to invest in early childhood education in Lake County. Thank you, Lori, for your leadership and the positive impact you’ve made on our organization and on the children and families we serve.

We’re Hiring: 211 Community Engagement Coordinator

We are looking for an innovative individual enthusiastic about serving others to help ensure that 211 Lake County excels in delivering referral services and information to people of Lake County. The 211 Community Engagement Coordinator is a key team member responsible for ensuring that 211 Lake County helps provide a positive experience and value to Lake County community members and stakeholders.

30 Nov

November 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Our annual Holiday Guide is now available! It includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County, 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.

Be a Community Hero for Children and Families in Lake County

We are on a mission to close gaps and open opportunities, building a stronger community where everyone can thrive. Together, we can create a community where heroes abound. Can we count on your support this holiday season?

Through December 19, you can double your impact! Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K!

Watch our NEW VIDEO where a group of enthusiastic neighborhood kids join forces to support United Way of Lake County!

Power of the Purse Raises Funds for Early Education

On November 5, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. A sold-out crowd of more than 200 women joined forces to celebrate women, friendship and philanthropy. They enjoyed an afternoon of brunch, bubbly, purses, raffles and more. This year’s event raised nearly $70K!

Power of the Purse was a resounding success, thanks to the generous support of our members, attendees, including many first-timers as well as valued returning guests, and sponsors. The room buzzed with energy as attendees engaged in meaningful conversations and raised their hands in support of early childhood education. The event showcased the incredible impact that can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for positive change.

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund, which supports critical, local early education programs that focus on building the foundation for strong and successful academic futures.

Hispanic Heritage Month Books Distributed Throughout Community

Thank you to our Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive donors! You helped us distribute 135 books to Greenwood Elementary, Clearview Elementary and Warren-Newport Library. Now more local children will have access to stories that promote cultural awareness, celebrate diversity, and honor Latinx and Hispanic culture.

Six Flags Student Leadership Summit

Six Flags Great America invited our Breakfast Club students to participate in their first-ever Student Leadership Summit. The more than 30 eighth graders got a behind-the-scenes tour and learned about Six Flags’ business operations. The students also immersed themselves in an exclusive day of learning with workshops on topics such as time management, personal finance and mindfulness.

Thank you to Six Flags Great America for sponsoring this incredible event! We can’t wait to see where these skills take our students.

“Six Flags had the wonderful opportunity of hosting United Way of Lake County’s Breakfast Club students at the park for a day full of enriching leadership workshops,” said Rachel Kendziora, Communications Specialist at Six Flags. “We were thrilled to have hosted such a positive event that enhanced the students’ growth and leadership.”

Leaders Have Wings

Our young professionals leadership group, Leaders United, has 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.

Join us in supporting local students on December 14, between 5:00–8:00 p.m. at the Gurnee or Waukegan Wingstop locations and show them the flyer linked below. 30% of in-store sales will be donated to Leaders United!

“Wine & Learn” About Women United

If you are looking for new ways to connect with amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for children and families in Lake County, please join Women United for a prospective member Wine & Learn on November 28 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at a member’s home in Libertyville. RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org.

Women United mobilizes more than 135 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, they have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Goals

At United Way of Lake County, we are committed to aligning our culture and business practices to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to better address our community’s needs. We recently finalized our DEI goals for fiscal year 2024 and are pleased to share them.

We’re Hiring: 211 Community Engagement Coordinator

02 Jun

May 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Premier Leaders Event Raises $251K for Our Education Programs and 211

On May 24, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our 10th annual Premier Leaders Event at College of Lake County’s impressive new Student Center in Waukegan. Attendees mingled while enjoying food and cocktails, learned about our work and plans to increase programming, and then raised their paddles in support of our programs.

We are thrilled to share that we surpassed our fundraising goal and netted $251K for our education programs and 211! We are grateful for the generous support we received from so many individuals as well as our sponsors. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Premier Leaders Event a great success!

View photos from the event below.

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.

Women United Grants $186K to Local Early Education

Women United announced that they will distribute $186K this year through their Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support nine critical early education programs. Since 2014, Women United has raised and granted more than 1.2 million in grants to early education in Lake County!

We are so proud of the work Women United does to help ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures of Lake County’s young learners.

Learn more about the grantees below.

Volunteer with UWLC this Summer

We have a variety of in-person and remote volunteer opportunities that individuals and organizations would find fun and fulfilling. We hope you’ll get involved! Check out the opportunities on our website.

GLCU Donates Hundreds of Books to Local Schools

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), an incredible community partner, for yet another remarkable accomplishment. Over the past few months, GLCU has been actively collecting brand-new books for local schools as part of their Read Across America initiative. As a result of their efforts, more than 360 books were distributed to schools in Lake County and Chicagoland. This generous donation will provide invaluable resources to students and help instill a love for reading in our youth. Once again, thank you GLCU for your unwavering support and dedication to our community!

211 Illinois Receives State Grant

We are thrilled to share the exciting news from this most recent Illinois legislative session. The 211 Illinois board has secured a $3 million grant for fiscal 2023-2024 to support 211 services and expand coverage to uncovered counties. The funding announcement is a huge victory and will allow 211 Illinois to plan for and strengthen the future of our statewide 211 network.

The challenging and tireless work to expand 211 coverage for all Illinoisans has been led by 211 Illinois Board Chair, Kristi Long, who also serves as President & CEO of United Way of Lake County. Thanks also to Steve Carlson and Glenda Abbott who continue to champion Lake County’s 211 and serve on the Illinois 211 Board, as well as Kelly Cotter and Michelle Crombie who provided the tremendous support on the grant application and submittal process.

United Way of Lake County is proud to help lead the way to bring 211 services to all Illinois communities and be a model program. 211 has now expanded to more than 90% of the state, up from 36% just a year ago. As of right now, 7 million more Illinoisans have access to 211!

We’re Hiring: 211 Manager

We are seeking 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 residents of Lake County. The 211 Manager will be responsible for ensuring that 211 Lake County provides a positive experience for individuals, non-profit organizations and government agencies and is a valued partner to stakeholders throughout the county.

11 May

April 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

We Love Our Volunteers!

Exploring Science on Earth Day

United Way of Lake County’s Science Speaker initiative brings scientists from local companies to speak with Waukegan students about the field of science and present unique, engaging and interactive learning experiences.

In honor of Earth Day, Science Speakers returned to Glenwood Elementary. A wonderful group of AbbVie scientists helped 5th-grade students dive into the captivating world of chromatography, which is a process for separating components of a mixture. By understanding more about chromatography, we can better appreciate the importance of keeping our environment clean and healthy.

The scientists showed students how to explore the hidden colors in markers and learn how nature creates breathtaking hues by combining different components. Students conducted a hands-on experiment, uncovering the secrets of chromatography and discovering the amazing physics behind how trees and plants drink water.

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Registration is now open for students in the Beach Park, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion school districts. KCC in Beach Park runs from June 5 – 22, Round Lake runs from June 5 – 29, and Waukegan runs from June 5 – 29 and Zion runs July 10 – 20.

Interested? Fill out the form for your school district at the link below.

“Wine & Learn” About Women United

Looking for new ways to connect with amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for children and families in Lake County?

Join Women United for a prospective member Wine & Learn on May 4 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Corked Wine Bar in Long Grove. RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org.

Women United mobilizes more than 130 women to ensure children living in Lake County are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, they have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.

Bond with Your Baby Using “Bright by Text”

Bright by Text has a new program to support new parents in their journey. Parents and caregivers of children ages 0-1 can text the word BOND to 274-448 for free text messages, in English and Spanish, with tips for bonding with their baby and taking care of themselves. Weekly messages share tips for helping new parents bond with their baby and keep both parent and child happy and healthy.

Every Child Deserves a Safe Childhood

LCCAC has resources for youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, business and more. We encourage you to visit LCCAC’s website.

We’re Hiring: 211 Manager

31 Mar

March 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Celebrating Read Across America

In early March, community and corporate volunteers gathered to share the joy of reading with students at Howe Elementary in Beach Park and at Pleviak Elementary in Lake Villa.

The volunteers read stories that amplified this year’s theme, Bringing Communities Together, in both English and Spanish. Each reader shared about their jobs and roles in the community. Then all the books were given to the teachers so that they could continue to grow their classroom libraries.

Teachers love this interaction because it helps to provide a model of reading fluency, introduces new vocabulary, and helps to increase attention spans in our young learners. Our readers also help children see themselves in books, feel validated and confident, and have pride in their experiences and cultures.

Thank you to all our incredible volunteer readers for sharing their love of reading with these students! View photos from both events below.

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Registration is now open for students in the Beach Park, Round Lake and Waukegan school districts. KCC in Beach Park runs from June 5 – 22, Round Lake runs from June 5 – 29, and Waukegan runs from June 5 – 29.

Interested? Fill out the form for your school district at the link below.

Another Successful Year of Mentoring Middle Schoolers

Leaders United, our affinity group of young professionals, recently wrapped up another successful year of their mentoring program called Breakfast Club with the 8th graders at Robert Abbott Middle School in Waukegan.

The students were eager to participate in each session and the conversations were meaningful. They engaged in discussions around topics to support mental wellness and social-emotional learning. We are proud that these students are leaving middle school with more of the tools they need to successfully overcome obstacles as they transition into high school.

To celebrate the students and prepare them for their next steps, each student was gifted with Waukegan High School spirit wear. Each student was also given a journal to keep track of their journey and earbuds to use for their assessments and testing. We are wishing these students much success in high school and beyond!

Thank you to Medline for your support of this program!

Women United’s Corporate Future Leaders of Color Closes Inaugural Year On a High Note

The eleven strong women who took the risk to join the first-ever cohort of Women United’s Corporate Future Leaders of Color program celebrated the end of a wonderful year with their mentors and other United Way supporters on March 14.

The program offered networking, community service, leadership, social, and mentorship opportunities to these women whose companies sponsored their $1,000 investment in Women United. Through a community service project sponsored by AbbVie, one-on-one personalized mentoring meetings, and a series of unique Success Seminars focused on strengths, these leaders grew in their confidence to step into their own leadership professionally and in the community.

Everyone involved enjoyed and learned so much from the program, and Women United is proud to announce they’ll launch a second cohort this coming fall. If you’d like to be a cohort member, mentor, or if you’re a business leader who wishes to invest in one of your up-and-coming women of color, please reach out to Jessica Ceisel at Jessica.Ceisel@uwlakeco.org.

Help Us Win $15K!

Help us win up to $15K from Old National Bank! Old National is donating $500K to community nonprofits in Illinois, Iowa, Northwest Indiana and select areas of Southeast Wisconsin. Use the link below to vote for United Way of Lake County once a day thru March 31!

Black History Month Reading Day in Waukegan

In honor of Black History Month, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) partnered with us to coordinate a special reading day at North Elementary in Waukegan. This event brought GLCU readers into classrooms to share stories that celebrated Black characters, culture and traditions. GLCU sponsored all the books, which were given to the school after the event. Each student also received a copy of the book “Nigel and the Moon” to take home to build their at-home book collection and encourage reading outside of school.

Thank you, GLCU, for being such a strong supporter of Black History Month and our Lake County community!

Aon Serving the Community

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Aon volunteers spent time at Keeping Families Covered where they collected items to share with local families. During their time on site, the volunteers helped with packing diapers and sorting clothing in preparation for future community distributions.

Aon is also gearing up for their Employee Giving Campaign next month. Since 1996, Aon employees have been generous supporters not only with their donations but also with their time. Aon continues to be a great supporter of our work and events.

Thank you to Aon and all the Aon volunteers for taking the time to support our Lake County families! We would also like to thank Michelle Hansen, Senior Partner at Aon and UWLC Board Member, for helping to coordinate this wonderful volunteer event.

Honoring Gale Graves’ Impact

Gale Graves, our VP of Community Impact, was recently honored as a local hero for her work in breaking barriers and impacting the next generation of African American leaders in Lake County. Congratulations, Gale! Thank you to the scholars at Affirm Leadership Christian Academy for recognizing Gale’s impact in the community.

We’re Hiring: 211 Manager

29 Jul

July 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Healing After the Highland Park Tragedy

When tragedy hit the Highland Park community on July 4, our 211 team quickly mobilized to bring the best practices in crisis response from experienced 211s across the nation. More than 5,000 community members were directly impacted by the mass parade shooting and our 211 helpline has been instrumental in centralizing and verifying emerging resources, and compassionately guiding community members, victims and their families to appropriate mental health services, grief counseling, financial assistance, verified fundraisers and other resources. 211 is an integral part of the transition to a long-term recovery plan.

If you or someone you know needs support, 211 is here to help. Simply dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 to talk with a caring, expert navigator who will connect you to local resources. 211 is free, confidential and available 24/7, with English and Spanish-speaking staff and interpretation to more than 150 other languages. For those affected by the Highland Park shooting, you can also find counseling and mental health resources at 211LakeCounty.org under “Hot Topics”.

Every day United Way of Lake County works to make our community stronger. Together we are building a community where everyone can recover and thrive.

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our new 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. 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.

You can also view and print the monthly pages and activities on our website.

Stuff the Bus Ends August 15

We have already received a lot of great support for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive. If you would like to participate, there is still time. We are continuing to collect supplies and online donations through August 15.

Thank you to our long time supporter, Costco Lake Zurich, who went above and beyond for our Stuff the Bus school supply drive by donating 768 backpacks with supplies inside, with another backpack donation expected later this summer. We are blown away by their generosity and support. Thank you for ensuring that many more local children will have the supplies they need to succeed this fall!

Women United’s Golf Fundraiser

On July 11, Women United hosted their golf fundraiser, Play A-Round for Lake County Kids, held at White Deer Run in Vernon Hills. The players enjoyed 18 holes, lunch and dinner, a silent auction, numerous contests, and games with an array of prizes. Nearly $20K was raised, thanks to our supporters and sponsors.

The event raised funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund, which makes grants to early childhood education programs in Waukegan, Round Lake, Zion, and North Chicago. This year, Women United is celebrating their one million milestone of total monies raised and granted through their fund.

Thank you to the event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos, and all the golfers, volunteers, and sponsors for making this a successful event!

We’re Hiring

We’re searching for the right person to join our team as Success By 6’s Initiative Coordinator. This position is responsible for coordinating and implementing several of our Success By 6 initiatives and projects. We are looking for someone who can speak English and Spanish.

We are also looking to hire a 211 intern. This intern will 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, attending community events, and developing related materials.

Wine and Learn About Women United

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 August 18 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Harbor Kitchen + Tap in Libertyville for a prospective member Wine & Learn.

Women United mobilizes more than 130 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County’s challenged communities are prepared for kindergarten and 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.

Board Member Update

We are thrilled to welcome a new member to our 2022-23 Board of Directors: Lupe Rodriguez, Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of Community Care at Rosalind Franklin University. “Lupe’s leadership skills, knowledge of the communities we serve and genuine interest in our mission makes her an asset to our diverse board

and United Way of Lake County,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO.

Andrew Warrington, CEO of UCC Environmental, rejoins our Board of Directors and will also serve as Chair of the Finance & Administration Committee. We are delighted to have him back on the board!

A special thank you to outgoing board members, Kate Collins, Max Nemmers, Jesus Ruiz, Donnovan Young, and Carla Zuniga, for their dedicated service. Thank you to Donnovan Young who will remain on the 211 Advisory Council and continue to serve on our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee along with Kate Collins.

View our full list of board members.

01 Jun

April 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Thank You, Volunteers!

This week is National Volunteer Week and we’d like to take this time to recognize all of the selfless individuals who lend their time, talent, and support to serve our community. As an organization that relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its mission, this annual week of celebration is near and dear to our hearts. Day in and day out, our volunteers help enrich the lives of those in need and build a stronger, more equitable community. Without volunteers, our work is simply not possible.

211 to Expand Beyond Lake County

We are excited to share that the Illinois 2023 Legislative Budget has included a grant to begin expanding 211 services to all counties in Illinois! Our Lake County 211 team is ecstatic to be a part of this incredible journey to better support our neighbors all across Illinois. To view the full story, as published in the Daily Herald, click below.

If you’d like to receive monthly email updates about Lake County’s 211 helpline, click here.

Introducing Gale Graves!

We are pleased to introduce our new Vice President of Community Impact, Gale Graves! In her role, Gale will develop community solutions through collaboration and strong diverse partnerships to deliver measurable, purposeful programs and initiatives. Learn more about Gale, including what made her want to join our team, by clicking below.

UWLC Donates 800 Diverse Books for Local Students

We were proud to present more than 800 books in English and Spanish for grades K-5 at North Elementary School in Waukegan. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our Read Across America Book Drive and to our partners—the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, the Lake County Bar Association, and the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County! Now more children will have access to culturally diverse books.

“I am constantly impressed with United Way of Lake County’s community efforts and contributions. My students have benefited greatly over the years due to the Reading Success Program. Not only are they getting quality reading support but they also get the opportunity to interact with a community member in an engaging way. This recent book donation with an emphasis on equity is just another example of United Way’s commitment to education for all.” – Jenny Chang-West, M.Ed., First Grade Teacher, North Elementary School

Company Spotlight: CF Industries

This month we’re shining a spotlight on CF Industries, a leading global manufacturer of hydrogen and nitrogen products. The company, headquartered in Deerfield, has as its mission to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably.

CF Industries has a long history of corporate philanthropy and a culture that prides itself on giving back. For more than 25 years, CF Industries has partnered with United Way of Lake County through its workplace giving campaign to unite employees in support of our local community. Since 1996, employees have invested more than $400K to help us create positive change and build a stronger Lake County. Additionally, the company has matched these funds by investing more than $165K!

“The work that the United Way of Lake County does is one of the reasons we are proud to call Lake County the home of CF Industries. We are pleased to continue to support United Way’s efforts, and look forward to celebrating the lasting change achieved in the years ahead.” – Sue Menzel, Senior Vice President, Human Resources at CF Industries

Thank you, CF Industries, for your loyal support and for fueling the important work we do to transform lives right here in Lake County.

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) is our free summer learning program for children entering kindergarten this fall who have little to no preschool experience. Children 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.

Registration is still open for students in the North Chicago, Round Lake and Waukegan school districts. KCC in North Chicago runs from June 21–July 28, Round Lake runs from June 7–June 30, and Waukegan runs from June 6–June 30.

Interested? Fill out the registration form for your school district at the link below.

Lunch and Learn About Women United

If you are 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 May 5 from Noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom for a prospective member Lunch and Learn.

Women United mobilizes more than 120 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County’s challenged communities are prepared for kindergarten and 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.

We’re Hiring!

We are also looking to hire a Kindergarten Readiness Coordinator to assist with this summer’s Kindergarten Countdown Camps. This is a full-time, temporary position from May to August, 2022.

Women United’s Corporate Future Leaders of Color

Corporate Future Leaders of Color (CFLoC), a project of Women United’s Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Initiative, is a year-long cohort-based program that provides networking, community service, leadership, social and mentorship opportunities by engaging and developing Lake County’s women leaders of color who demonstrate leadership potential.

Our inaugural CFLoC cohort will begin this month and is made up of 11 women who are passionate about making a difference in Lake County. These women have been hand-picked from Sysmex, AbbVie, Great Lakes Credit Union, Libertyville School District 128, AON, Waukegan Public Schools, and Alight Solutions.

“We can’t wait to welcome these leaders into the group, and we especially look forward to learning from and with them as we keep working toward our mission of a Lake County where all children start out with what they need to succeed in school.” – Lori Miller, Chair of Women United

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Tag: We’re Hiring

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