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.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is an inspiration to millions around the world. We reflect on the lessons of his life; that extraordinary change begins when ordinary men and women are willing to stand up to the progress they seek. And just as we celebrate the progress he helped inspire, we recommit ourselves to our unfinished work; defending the dignity and equality of all people.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we asked some of our supporters what their dreams are for the future of our children, community, and country. Please take a moment to watch the video below and, as you do, ask yourself what your dreams are for the future as well.
Year-End Campaign Raises $160K!
At the end of 2021, we launched a campaign to raise funds for our education programs and 211 helpline. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, we raised $160K, which is more than double our goal! 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 to help improve and save lives.
Welcome to the Board: Ramon Rivera
United Way of Lake County recently welcomed another new member to our 2021-22 Board of Directors: Ramon Rivera, Deputy General Counsel and Vice President at Baxter International Inc.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ramon to our Board of Directors,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO. “His leadership skills, talents, expertise and genuine interest in our mission makes him an asset to our diverse board and the organization.”
Larsen Marine, a Waukegan-based boat dealer, has been a supporter of United Way of Lake County for over 25 years. In 2021, the company ran a workplace giving campaign that raised $1,270 for our programs, followed by a $1,000 corporate gift from Larsen Marine. In years past, Larsen Marine has raffled footballs for employees who participate in the campaign, but this year they raffled off a facemask from Blackhawks’ Hall of Famer, Tony Esposito. The winner was Mark Kish who has worked at Larsen Marine for 20 years and has been a generous contributor to UWLC every year since. Larsen Marines’ employees have generously donated close to $65K since 1996 and the company has given us $27K in corporate gifts.
Thank you, Larsen Marine and Mark Kish, for you dedication to making a difference in Lake County! We are thrilled and proud to have supporters like you. We hope to partner with Larsen Marine for many years to come.
Workplace campaigns with United Way are a great way to come together, give back and support your local community. 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. Learn more about starting a United Way campaign at your workplace on our website or by contacting Dennis Burke at (847) 775-1014 or Dennis.Burke@uwlakeco.org.
Become a Part of Something Bigger with Women United
Are you looking for ways to ensure 2022 is your best year ever? You’re invited to join Women United virtually on Tuesday, February 1 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. to learn how this amazing group is strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism.
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, Women United has a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.
Now is a great time to learn more about this group and the community-minded women who are involved. To receive the event details, please RSVP to Alina Mozo at Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org. Learn more about the event below.
Because Kids Don’t Come With Instructions
United Way of Lake County has partnered with Bright by Text to provide local parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age 8 with information on child development plus local events and resources. We encourage you to try out this free service, and you can stop at any time. So far, more than 500 Lake County families are already signed up and benefiting from Bright by Text.
When you sign up, you will receive text messages in English or Spanish that are specific to the age of your child. Messages include research-based content on child development and learning, as well as information about valuable community services and events happening right here in Lake County.
To sign up, text “UWLC” to 274448; or click below.
Registration Open for Better Together Spring Sessions
Better Together, our free program for children ages birth to three living in North Chicago or the Great Lakes area, is now accepting registrations for sessions this Spring. The goal of the program is to build a community where parents can learn how to become their child’s first teacher and provide a safe place where children can develop the readiness, physical and cognitive skills crucial to their education. Themes will encourage interactions, self-exploration, and guided learning through print material and videos.
Sessions will be conducted virtually and run through the end of April. Capacity is limited and registration is required. To register, please contact Shareny Mota at Shareny.Mota@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1040.
Young Professionals Who Make a Difference
Want to create positive change in your community while connecting and having fun with other young professionals? Leaders United of Lake County is a group within United Way of Lake County that provides opportunities such as mentoring local middle and high school students, volunteer projects, building leadership experience, networking with community leaders, and more.
