You helped us accomplish so much this year! Thank you for supporting our mission to mobilize our community so all can thrive. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity. We wish 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 Lake County families. Thanks to their generosity, 75 families have received warm winter clothing, educational toys, non-perishable groceries, and extra toys to brighten their celebrations.
A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing donors!
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.
A helping hand can make someone’s day or even change their life. Let’s give back this holiday season and shape a brighter tomorrow for our community.
United is the Way to a Thriving Community
True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way of Lake County is there. With deep local roots in Lake County, we see how our community’s greatest challenges are connected – and how we can bring people and resources together to address them. Can we count on your support of our vital work this holiday season?
Your gift to United Way of Lake County will:
Prepare children who missed out on preschool for kindergarten.
Provide students with critical support and resources to succeed in school and life.
Help youth stay on track to graduate and prepare them for college and career.
Connect our neighbors to urgent resources like food, mental health, and jobs.
We’re working towards a future where all our community members can reach their full potential. Through December 31, your gift will be matched up to $10K!
Join Women of Color: United in Leadership
Women United is thrilled to announce the upcoming cohort of Women of Color: United in Leadership, our transformative 9-month program designed to connect, elevate, and strengthen women leaders in our community. With fellow participants from leading organizations like AbbVie, Medline, Aon, and Great Lakes Credit Union, this program is a space where powerful ideas and meaningful relationships take root and leadership potential is developed.
This unique program offers an opportunity to connect with a network of driven and like-minded women leaders while building skills and insights to advance your career and make a meaningful impact in the community. Participants will strengthen relationships with influential community stakeholders and engage directly in impactful projects and leadership roles. Additionally, the program provides access to leadership seminars, small group mentorship, and executive coaching from seasoned professionals, offering invaluable support and guidance for personal and professional growth.
If you are interested in participating please contact Jessica Ceisel.
Parent Mentor Program Receives Award
The Parent Mentor program, delivered in partnership through HACES, United Way of Lake County, Lake County Workforce Development, and Waukegan Public Schools, recently received the Workforce Solutions Award from the Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP). IWP advocates for the creation of a skilled workforce for our state’s continued competitiveness and growth, connecting businesses and individuals to a wide array of resources utilizing our public workforce system.
The Parent Mentor program trains parents to be mentors who volunteer in a classroom four days a week. Mentors receive training on literacy, computer skills, leadership, and more.
Earlier this year, through the partnership with Lake County Workforce Development, an expanded component of the program was piloted with nine parent mentors. Lake County Workforce Development supported the parents as they worked in the school district and provided additional wrap around services.
Two of the internship goals are to address the professional educator shortage and the increasing need for bilingual support within the district. The internships provided a direct pipeline for parents to test out being dedicated to a school on a full-time basis. Ivette Martinez who manages the Parent Mentor program, explains, “Without the internship, parents might not feel qualified or know where to start.” During the most recent cohort, nine parents became interns and two moved on to be hired directly by the Waukegan School District as paraprofessionals.
Kristi Long Awarded for Outstanding Achievement
Our inspiring leader Kristi Long, was presented with the Staben House “Home for the Holidays” Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing her decades of outstanding dedication to the success and well-being of families in Waukegan Township and throughout Lake County.
Thank you Waukegan Township Staben House for this special recognition, and for all you do to uplift women and their children experiencing homelessness.
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, or other health and human services—call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected to available resources.
United Way of Lake County is a proud sponsor of the Lake County Joy Summit, which focuses on inspiring joy while providing critical resources on health and wellness for the community. It will be a transformative day filled with renowned and inspiring speakers, a wellness expo, and the opportunity to connect and network with other local professionals.
