Author: Jennifer Strom

03 Oct

Glenda Abbott Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I first became involved with United Way of Lake County many years ago through Abbott’s Employee Giving Campaign. I understood the importance of giving back to the community where I lived and worked, so I started volunteering for service projects with my work colleagues. In an area with such prosperity and opportunity, it was humbling to see the critical issues that affect so many families in Lake County. From my first experience to my most recent experience many years later, United Way continues to be laser-focused on helping families thrive in our local community.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

As the parent of two children, I am especially connected to United Way’s commitment to early childhood education. Providing strong educational opportunities for children is fundamental to helping children be successful throughout their lives. This is what I want for my children. I believe this is what every parent wants for their children. United Way is committed to developing programs and uniting resources in the community to help “at risk” children be successful in school. This is my passion and commitment as well.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

In contrast to some programs that focus on symptoms, United Way is focused on addressing the underlying causes of critical issues. Breaking the cycle of poverty is pivotal for addressing the causes and to prevent these issues in the future. Providing supplemental educational opportunities for children in need has been proven to offer a high return on investment in terms of prevention. One of my favorite quotes, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.”, reminds me of why this is so important.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

01 Oct

September 2018 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

Kicking Off Employee Giving Campaigns

For us at United Way, September brings the kick-off of Employee Giving Campaigns.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been sharing some personal stories from donors and volunteers on our blog and social media. We asked them to share why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County.

Hear from our long-time leader in giving, Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, about why she continues to support United Way of Lake County.

“The impact of United Way is local, and where it’s needed most. I’m proud of our company’s commitment to this incredible organization.”
– Azita Saleki-Gerhardt

Read her full Q&A by clicking the button below.

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New Board Members Spotlight

United Way of Lake County recently welcomed seven new members to the Board of Directors. We will be highlighting each of the new members in this newsletter over the next few months.

First up, hear from Kate Collins and Maria Colunga about why they decided to join the Board. Click the buttons below to read their full Q&As.

“There is a world of need and many ways to provide support, but starting with the health and welfare of our local communities feels right to me.”

-Kate Collins

“United Way is a great example of an organization that links action with compassion to support improved outcomes for children and families.”

-Maria Colunga, Parent Coordinator, Round Lake Area School District #116

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Volunteers in Action: Baxter

This summer, six groups of Baxter employees volunteered their time to revitalize and support local organizations. Each group did something different; from sorting books to cleaning a beach to organizing a bingo game at a nursing home.

Thank you, Baxter, for encouraging your employees to take time out of their workday to create lasting change in Lake County!

View all of the places they made a difference by clicking the button below.

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You’re Invited: Power of the Purse

Join Women United for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse, on Sunday, November 4 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. Enjoy a champagne brunch and an upbeat afternoon celebrating the special women in your life.

All proceeds will support critical early literacy programs through the Little Kids, Big Futures Fund. Since 2014, Women United has distributed over $370,000 to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Purchase your tickets by Friday, October 12, to be entered in the Early Bird Raffle to win an eSBe necklace!

Space is limited. Get your tickets by clicking below.

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Introducing our Leadership Directory

We are excited to share our Leadership Directory recognizing our top supporters. Thanks to their continued support, children and families are on a path for success, and their future success ensures the success of our businesses and communities. For every program, every new initiative and every dollar raised, individual lives are being changed forever.

Click the button below to view our 2017-2018 Leadership Directory.

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We’re Hiring

Did you know that UWLC is hiring? Apply today!

Click below to find job descriptions and learn more.

Connect With Us On Social Media

Want to keep in touch more often than just our once-a-month newsletter? Become a part of our social community by following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram, where you can see what’s new, share your thoughts and be among the first to know about all the ways that United Way is creating lasting change in Lake County.

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28 Sep

Frank and Diane Weitekamper Choose United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I became more aware of the work of United Way of Lake County through my work at Abbott, which supports United Way through company contributions as well as offers a way for employees to contribute through an annual employee giving campaign. I was looking for other ways to get involved beyond financial support. One of the things that resonates with me is United Way’s fundamental purpose of helping people in our communities who are in need, which in turn, strengthens our communities overall. And, in my work with United Way, I am always inspired by the passionate staff and energetic volunteers who are tirelessly committed to helping people live better lives.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I have a personal passion for the work aimed at preparing children to reach their full potential. I had the opportunity to help get the Reading Success program off the ground about 10 years ago. It was an eye-opening and rewarding experience to work alongside the staff at United Way, local school administrators, and other volunteers to ensure the schools were equipped with books, backpacks, tutors and other resources to set up children for reading and learning success.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

It’s important to me to support United Way’s mission because we all benefit when we have strong communities. Lake County is a great place to live, work and raise a family. In a sense, I feel each of us is a steward of our community and can do our part by offering some of our time and resources to make it better for our neighbors who may not be as fortunate.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

28 Sep

Women United Spotlight: Erin Cartwright Weinstein

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, WU Member Spotlights

Welcome to Women United’s Member Spotlight series. This week, join us in learning more about Erin Cartwright Weinstein and her connection to Women United. If you would like to learn more about Women United and the work they do, click here.

What year did you join Women United?

2018

What is your professional background?

I was an Assistant State’s Attorney in Lake County from 2000-2004.  I opened The Law Office of Erin E. Cartwright from 2004 through 2005, practicing criminal defense, and began practicing family law. I worked for Chausow Shafer, PC in Highland Park, IL, from 2005 to 2008 as an Associate.  I practiced in the areas of family law, orders of protection, traffic and ordinance violations, minor guardianships in probate. In 2009, I returned to my sole practice, the Law Office of Erin E. Cartwright until December 1, 2016. On December 1, 2016, I was sworn in as the new elected Circuit Court Clerk in Lake County, IL.

What originally inspired you to be a part of Women United?

I was inspired by the connection with the local schools, and the desire to assist young children become better educated. My parents are both teachers, and I grew up in a family that considered the educational community a priority, always volunteering.

What does early childhood education mean to you?

My brother grew up learning disabled. He had a rare condition in which his eye muscle strength was weak, making it impossible for him to learn to read. He was continually diagnosed with dyslexia until a physician from the University of Michigan was able to properly diagnose his issue and he was able to receive the proper treatment. He worked hard, caught up, and now he is an Administrative Law Judge in the State of Michigan.

I watched him struggle, worked with him, and saw him change his own life through hard work and dedication. Not all families have the resources to assist a child in need, and this organization helps fill in this role.

What has surprised you most about being involved in Women United?

The strength of the organization. Everyone works as a team, and works hard to meet their goals. It is impressive.

What does Women United mean to you?

Being able to step into a role that helps children, like my brother, who do not have the same access to educational assistance. An education changes the world for a child.

What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a member of Women United?

This is an organization that allows you to share your education and experiences with children. It makes a huge difference in this child’s life, and gives you and opportunity to share your gifts.

Women United has periodic informational meetings, called Wine & Learns. The next Wine & Learn is on December 5, 2018 from 6-7:30 PM in Libertyville at a member’s home. Interested? Contact Diana Nielander at diana.nielander@uwlakeco.org.

Learn more about Women United here.

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26 Sep

Baxter Volunteers Across Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: News

During August 2018, six groups of Baxter employees volunteered their time to revitalize and support local organizations. We would like to thank and recognize Baxter for encouraging their employees to take time out of their workday to create lasting change in Lake County! View all of the places they made a difference below.

Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve – August 20

Baxter volunteers did some planting for the Native Seed Nursery at Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve!
View all of the photos here.

Bernie’s Book Bank – August 21

Baxter volunteers sorted books at Bernie’s Book Bank, all part of their Northern Illinois Finance Community week! View all of the photos here.

 

Northern Illinois Food Bank – August 21

Baxter volunteers sorted cereal at the Northern Illinois Food Bank! View all of the photos here.

Illinois Beach State Park – August 22

Baxter volunteers did a beach clean-up at Illinois Beach State Park! View all of the photos here.

A Safe Place – August 24

Baxter volunteers gave A Safe Place a fresh coat of paint! View all of the photos here.

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center – August 24

Baxter volunteers organized a bingo game for nursing home veterans at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center! View all of the photos here.

United Way of Lake County is proud to offer a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year for corporations and individuals. To learn more about volunteering in Lake County, please visit www.liveunitedlakecounty.org/portfolio/volunteer.

26 Sep

Kate Collins Joins United Way of Lake County’s Board

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions

Recently, United Way of Lake County welcomed seven new members to their Board of Directors.  We will be highlighting each of the new members on our blog.  First up, hear from Kate Collins about why she decided to join the Board.

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I grew up in a community that was far more likely to be the recipient of charity than the donor. I simply wasn’t exposed to philanthropy at an early age. It wasn’t until I joined Abbott and began to participate in Abbott’s Employee Giving Campaign (ECG) that I started to understand the importance of giving back. Abbott’s EGC began as a United Way campaign and, to this day, United Way remains a very important component of our campaign. As I became increasingly involved in our corporate campaign, I became more familiar with United Way and the many ways the lives of so many of my neighbors in Lake County have been improved by this organization.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I think it’s the inclusivity of United Way’s approach that I value most. Many charities target very specific needs. United Way, on the other hand, targets whole communities. United Way of Lake County works with dozens of community partners and funds programs that promote healthy early childhood development and empower families throughout Beach Park, North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion. Broad-based community support with measurable outcomes is hard to beat. I guess I’m a utilitarian at heart.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

Of course, there is a world of need and many ways to provide support, but starting with the health and welfare of our local communities feels right to me. My company operates globally and I have the good fortune to work with colleagues and customers in over 100 countries, but I never want to lose sight of the needs of those closest to home.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

26 Sep

Maria Colunga Joins United Way of Lake County’s Board

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions

Recently, United Way of Lake County welcomed seven new members to their Board of Directors.  We will be highlighting each of the new members on our blog.  Next up, hear from Maria Colunga, Parent Coordinator at Round Lake Area School District #116, about why she decided to join the Board.

What inspired you to join United Way of Lake County’s Board of Directors?

I was inspired by the deep commitment demonstrated by the United Way of Lake County Board of Directors to enhance and improve the lives of all Lake County families.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I feel a profound connection to the programs and services geared toward preparing children for kindergarten. I truly believe a child’s strong educational foundation can shape their future.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

It is vital to support United Way’s mission because it constitutes a long-term investment in our communities that creates a positive impact on current and future generations.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

20 Sep

Kate Collins Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I grew up in a community that was far more likely to be the recipient of charity than the donor. I simply wasn’t exposed to philanthropy at an early age. It wasn’t until I joined Abbott and began to participate in Abbott’s Employee Giving Campaign (ECG) that I started to understand the importance of giving back. Abbott’s EGC began as a United Way campaign and, to this day, United Way remains a very important component of our campaign. As I became increasingly involved in our corporate campaign, I became more familiar with United Way and the many ways the lives of so many of my neighbors in Lake County have been improved by this organization.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I think it’s the inclusivity of United Way’s approach that I value most. Many charities target very specific needs. United Way, on the other hand, targets whole communities. United Way of Lake County works with dozens of community partners and funds programs that promote healthy early childhood development and empower families throughout Beach Park, North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion. Broad-based community support with measurable outcomes is hard to beat. I guess I’m an utilitarian at heart.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

Of course, there is a world of need and many ways to provide support, but starting with the health and welfare of our local communities feels right to me. My company operates globally and I have the good fortune to work with colleagues and customers in over 100 countries, but I never want to lose sight of the needs of those closest to home.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

20 Sep

Tony Thompson Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

My initial exposure to United Way was through my employer. I was struck by the breadth of services that the organization provides to the community. It presented a wonderful opportunity to make contributions that benefit many on a variety of fronts.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

Providing diverse educational opportunities and experiences for those that may not readily have access.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

I think that United Way’s mission is representative of what we all want to do for each other in one way, shape or form.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

20 Sep

Frank Weitekamper Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I became more aware of the work of United Way of Lake County through my work at Abbott, which supports United Way through company contributions as well as offers a way for employees to contribute through an annual employee giving campaign. I was looking for other ways to get involved beyond financial support. One of the things that resonates with me is United Way’s fundamental purpose of helping people in our communities who are in need, which in turn, strengthens our communities overall. And, in my work with United Way, I am always inspired by the passionate staff and energetic volunteers who are tirelessly committed to helping people live better lives.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

I have a personal passion for the work aimed at preparing children to reach their full potential. I had the opportunity to help get the Reading Success program off the ground about 10 years ago. It was an eye-opening and rewarding experience to work alongside the staff at United Way, local school administrators, and other volunteers to ensure the schools were equipped with books, backpacks, tutors and other resources to set up children for reading and learning success.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

It’s important to me to support United Way’s mission because we all benefit when we have strong communities. Lake County is a great place to live, work and raise a family. In a sense, I feel each of us is a steward of our community and can do our part by offering some of our time and resources to make it better for our neighbors who may not be as fortunate.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

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