Author: Marketing Department

16 Jul

Kindergarten Countdown Camp: Sarah Breen

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Kindergarten Countdown Camp, News

We are thrilled to share the next post in our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) summer blog series. Up next, we’d like to introduce Sarah Breen, a Round Lake educator, sharing her experience as a KCC teacher this summer.

What is your role at Kindergarten Countdown Camp?

I’m a kindergarten teacher this summer for Kindergarten Countdown Camp. I have planned and implemented lessons I’ve created as well as instructed students that haven’t had previous school experience.

What benefits does Kindergarten Countdown Camp have for the children and families attending?

Kindergarten Countdown Camp has provided students with no preschool experience the opportunity to have exposure to school before the start of kindergarten. These students get to experience what the beginning of school will look and feel like when they enter kindergarten in the fall. It gives students the opportunity to learn academic skills, basic routines and independence. In addition, their families get to experience what it will be like once their child goes to school full-time.

Why is it important for children to be on track and ready to learn when first starting kindergarten?

Kindergarten has changed in so many ways over the years. Kindergarten students at RLAS-116 attend a full-day program, which provides them with an opportunity to participate in special classes (art, music, physical education, and STEM), lunch/recess, and a lot of transitions throughout the year. Having this jump-start through the Kindergarten Countdown Camp provides students with the foundation to start the school year off better prepared for a successful school year, both socially and academically.

What obstacles and challenges do children and families in our community face that prevent children from being prepared for kindergarten?

I believe one reason our children are not prepared for kindergarten is that parents may lack the information and resources that outline what skill level their child should possess prior to entering kindergarten. In addition, there are limited opportunities for affordable preschool experiences for families in our community. These obstacles contribute to a lower readiness level for students entering kindergarten.

What does education mean to you?

I believe education is the foundation for everything in life; it’s the entryway to success. It helps us explore our own thoughts and ideas. It prepares us for the future. Without education, we wouldn’t be able to experience all that life has to offer. I LOVE my job! I love educating my students and watching them grow and develop. Watching my students finally understand and grasp a new concept or create something they never could before gives me a feeling of extreme accomplishment. That feeling is unimaginable! It’s how I know that my involvement in a child’s educational experience has made such a significant impact.  Education is the beginning of everything around us!

To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.

12 Jul

Little Kids, Big Futures: B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Women United
Recipients of Women United’s B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program Scholarship.

Since 2014, Women United has allocated over a half a million dollars in grants through its Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund to support early literacy programs across Lake County. The Fund gives members the opportunity to allocate their own money to the specific programs they believe in.

Today, we are continuing our blog series that takes a deeper dive into each of the programs receiving funding this year, thanks to Little Kids, Big Futures. Next up, the B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program in Round Lake.

“We’ve had the pleasure of visiting B.E.S.T to see it in action and we’re always impressed by the amazing program they run.” says Diana Nielander, manager of Women United of Lake County. “The quality of their teachers and programming, and their dedication to measuring outcomes to ensure effectiveness are truly great news for the youngest learners in Round Lake.”

The Round Lake Park District runs the B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program and focuses on younger children, in this low-income community, who need to develop basic learning skills. Research shows that kids have a better chance of getting on the path to learning, when they enter formal schooling, when they can do things such as identifying colors, holding a book properly, and writing their own names. The same goes for being able to listen to directions, take turn, and follow a routine.

For the past four years, Women United’s grants have provided scholarships for 24 children to attend B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program in Round Lake. Without a scholarship, the parents of these children would not have been able to send them to a Pre-K program where they would gain critical basic skills in time for kindergarten. We’re thrilled to announce that we will continue our funding next year which means at least 120 more children in our community will be ready to learn when they walk through the kindergarten doorway!

“With the assistance of Women United of United Way of Lake County we have been able to make this [preschool] dream come true for over 80 four and five-year-olds for the past four years. Women United is an amazing group of women who share our vision and our passion for early childhood education,” says Joan Ellis, Child Development Center Manager for the round Lake Area Park District. “We have been extremely grateful for all their assistance in providing funding for preschool scholarships in our community. It is because of this group of women that more children will be prepared for kindergarten. The children will be familiar with letters, numbers, shapes, writing their names, early literacy, large and small motor development and social and emotional development, giving the children the confidence they need to be successful in school.”

Check out this beautiful video that the B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program sent Women United to say “thank you” for providing several children with preschool scholarships.

Women United strengthens the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging. Through this powerful network of 100 women, we leverage our ideas, expertise, resources and passions to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Interested in learning more about Women United? Join members on August 22 at 6 – 7:30 p.m., in Libertyville for a Wine & Learn event, an informal gathering for prospective members to learn more about what it means to be a member and what Women United does. Email Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org to RSVP and we will send you the exact address of the meeting location or visit our event page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/353673111897639/).

06 Jun

Meet the Interns: Atzallali Saucedo-Ruiz

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

This summer, we are excited to welcome Atzallali Saucedo-Ruiz, our newest Marketing intern! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County. As part of our Marketing team, Atzallali will assist with research, social media, videos, events, and much more. Join us in welcoming Atzallali!

How do you pronounce your name and what does it mean?

Atzallali is pronounced “at-sah-yah-lee”. Its origin is Aztec and it means Queen of the Swans.

What is your major and where do you attend college?

I’m a rising junior at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. I’m a Management & Business and Psychology double major and a Gender Studies minor.

Where are you from?

I was born in Mexico City, but I’m currently living in Waukegan, IL with my parents and my little maltese named Lady.

What’s your favorite food?

I love my mom’s posole with tostadas!

What is something interesting that no one knows about you?

In the past I have had both a squirrel and a lobster as pets. The baby squirrel followed my mom and I home one day and my dad found a a small lobster on the side of the road many years later.

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be and why? 

It would have to be The Middle by Jimmy Eat World. I’ve been listening to this song for a long time and it always reminds me to be happy no matter what and that everything is going to be just fine.

Who inspires you?

My parents have always been my role models. Whenever I’m unsure of what to do I always think about them. My parents have always been there for me no matter what and when I think about everything they’ve done for me, I get fired up and feel determined to keep going. They inspire me to be a hard worker, to be honest, humble, and to always see the good parts of life. Without them I wouldn’t have come this far; they’re my heroes.

To learn more about internship opportunities at United Way, click here.

23 May

May 2019 e-Newsletter

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Newsletter

Help Us Stuff the Bus!

Kids across Lake County go back to school lacking the necessary supplies needed to thrive in school. The price for essential supplies is increasing and many low-income families struggle to afford everything on their child’s school supply list.

But together, we can make a difference!

This year we are hosting a new school supply donation drive called Stuff the Bus, where you can donate school supplies, or make monetary donations, to help ensure that our most at-risk kids have everything they need to start the school year off ready to learn. Now through July 26, you can contribute as an individual or your company/organization can team up to make a difference!

We want all Lake County children from low-income families to start school on equal footing to their peers and we can’t do it alone. It’s a community effort as we continue to shape the younger generation and empower their lives. This is a cause worth getting involved in and we hope you will take part.

If you’re interested in participating, please click the button below and fill-out our “Interest Form”.

Women United Allocates Over $500K in Five Years to Early Literacy Programs in Lake County

Women United is Lake County’s premiere women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging.

Just this month, the group announced that it will distribute $148,000 in grants through its Little Kids, Big Futures Fund to support six critical early literacy programs. Since 2014, Women United has distributed over half a million dollars to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

To read more about the Little Kids, Big Futures Fund and its funded programs, click below.

Welcoming Carla Zuniga as Board Chair

At United Way of Lake County’s Annual Meeting on May 16, our outgoing board chair, Andrew Warrington, handed over the gavel to incoming board chair, Carla Zuniga.

Carla Zuniga is the Senior Vice President of Allstate Insurance Company’s Brand Operations. Carla has been an active Board member since 2012. From 2015 to 2017 she served as the Chair of Women United. While leading Women United she reinvigorated the group and led the building of a strong leadership structure for Women United.

Since 2017, Carla has co-chaired UWLC’s Premier Leadership Event along with fellow board member Azita Saleki-Gerhardt. For the past 2 years over $400,000 has been raised and she’s getting ready to co-chair this fun event again in June.

Looking forward, Carla will be focusing on two priorities for United Way of Lake County. The first, the launch of 211 this fall! This service will connect Lake County residents through a phone call or text, to various resources from shelter and housing options, supplemental food programs, health care and mental health services, addiction support, crisis counseling and more to help improve and save lives. The second, the launch of a Young Leader’s Society, with the focus on engaging young professionals in Lake County volunteerism and philanthropy. She looks forward to growing the next generation of philanthropists in Lake County..

Reading Buddies Volunteer Opportunity

We need volunteers to spend an hour in a classroom reading with kindergartners!

120 children in Lake County will attend a Kindergarten Countdown Camp this summer. Learning the joy of reading is an important piece of this camp and we need volunteers to demonstrate how much fun reading a book can be!

Reading with young students brings books to life and shows them how entertaining reading can be. These children come from low-income families so many don’t have books at home. Introducing them to the concept of books, stories and reading is an important milestone for them as they prepare to enter kindergarten this fall.

Click below for more details.

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Women United is Now on Instagram and LinkedIn

Women United of Lake County now has a presence on both Instagram and LinkedIn. Consider following Women United for updates on their amazing work in the community, invites to fun social events and much more!

Click the icons below to visit Women United’s social pages.

Teacher Assistant Volunteer Opportunity

We are looking for several in-classroom volunteers to assist with our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC). KCC is a free summer learning program for incoming kindergartners who have never attended preschool nor been in a classroom setting. Quality early childhood programs, like KCC, produce lasting effects for a child entering kindergarten with the academic, emotional and social skills needed to be successful.

Classroom volunteers must be 16 years or older and willing to commit 2-3 days a week for at least 5-6 weeks, between June 10 and July 19.

For more details, click below.

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Recap of Annual Meeting 2019

Lake County advocates and community members joined us to hear about our successful work in the community, honor our outgoing board chair, Andrew Warrington, and welcome our incoming board chair, Carla Zuniga.

We’d like to recognize and thank our outgoing board members for their commitment and leadership while serving on the board:

  • Adrienne Anderson, Constellation, An Exelon Company
  • Larry Corrigan, Medline Industries, Inc.
  • Aaron Lawlor
  • Michael Nerheim, Lake County State’s Attorney
  • Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, AbbVie
  • Tejal Vakharia, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions
  • Donnovan Young, Broadspire, a Crawford Company

We’d also like to welcome the following individuals who are joining our Board of Directors:

  • Carl Skoog, BMO Harris Bank
  • Julie Gordon, Retired Hewitt/Aon Executive

To view photos from the event, click the button below.

 

22 May

Women United Allocates Over $500K in Five Years to Early Literacy Programs

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Women United

Women United is Lake County’s premiere women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging.  Just this month, it was announced that Women United will distribute $148,000 through its  Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund to support six critical early  literacy programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children.

Women United members toured the B.E.S.T Pre-K Program’s Child Development Center at the Round Lake Area Park District to see their funding in action! From Left, Joan Ellis, Judy Armstrong, WU member, Beth Krenzer, WU Member, Lynn Morrissey, Jeanne Kearby, WU member, Jennifer Sparrow, Amy Pruitt.

The following programs will receive funding:

$65,000 – Success By 6 – Kindergarten Countdown Camp in North Chicago, Round Lake & Waukegan (Women United’s signature funded program)

Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) ensures that children who are entering kindergarten with little or no preschool experience get the basic skills they need to start school prepared. This initiative has proven to be successful and, each year, it is tweaked and improved so children begin to build the greatest possible foundation before they start school in the fall. This year, 120 children will attend KCC.

$30,000 – Success By 6 – Home Visiting in North Chicago, Waukegan & Zion

Home Visiting provides in-home early intervention for families — with infants and preschool-age kids — struggling with poverty and who have limited access to health and community services. Funding will support high-risk families in North Chicago, Waukegan and Zion with their most critical needs. Women United increased funding by 30% over last year because it is such an essential service for the most challenged families in Lake County.

$25,000 – B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program

Funding will continue to allow this Round Lake Park District program to provide 20 scholarships for children who otherwise would not have access to preschool. With this opportunity, children will be prepared for kindergarten and ready to learn.

$15,000 – Better Together – Green Bay Early Childhood Center (GBECC)

This early learning program focuses on family engagement and building learning skills for children 0 – 3 years old by providing individualized attention to families. Funding will support 36 sessions. Each session will serve 10 – 12 families.

$8,000 – Early Learning Club – Waukegan Public Library

Early Learning Club provides children entering kindergarten with the basic skills they need to be ready and able to learn and empowers parents to be their child’s first teacher. The library will hold 1 – 2 early learning classes monthly.

$5,000 – HUGS North Preschool – Waukegan 

HUGS (Heroines United for Giving and Support) is a community engagement initiative of Women United where members embrace a school, project or community with the resources and care it needs to succeed. This year, Women United’s HUGS Committee started a new partnership with North Preschool in Waukegan to support reading in schools, special events, family programming, parent workshops and other curricula to enhance learning programs for the 140 students.

Thinking ahead to 2020 and beyond, Women United of Lake County’s philanthropy  is poised to continue to grow and mobilize community-minded women through leadership and resource development in order to expand its impact on early childhood literacy.

To learn how you can get involved in Women United  of Lake County and to know about the Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund Guidelines, please contact Affinity Group Manager, Diana Nielander, at Diana.Nielander@uwlakeco.org or plan on attending their next Wine and Learn on August 22 at 6 p.m. in Libertyville. Click here for more information about prospective member events such as Wine & Learns.

For more information about Women United, visit:

www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/womenunited

13 Sep

Meet the Volunteers: Charles Bassett

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

Here at United Way of Lake County (UWLC), we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented, internally-driven and compassionate people in the community. Among them are the United Way interns, volunteers and staff. Today we’d like to spotlight Charles Bassett, our Finance/Administration Volunteer.

Charles Bassett

What was your profession prior to volunteering?

I worked in the division of Developmental Disabilities for the Department of Human Services. The job mainly focused on working with community agencies to receive grants for the care of adults with developmental disabilities within the community.

How long have you been volunteering for United Way and what do you do in your volunteer position?

I have been volunteering with United Way of Lake County since February of 2004, which would make this my 14th year. When I first started here as a finance and administration volunteer, I was in data entry. Since then, I have been working with account receivables.

What attracted you to volunteering with United Way?

I was volunteering for Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago and really enjoyed giving back to the community. When I came across the volunteer opening for a data entry position at United Way, I had to take the opportunity. I have seen the impact funding has made thanks to UWLC and now I get to see that funding process first hand.

You’ve volunteered with United Way for many years now, what keeps you coming back?

Seeing the way UWLC supports the community, specifically families and schools, has made volunteering here a pleasure. I enjoy the company of the staff as well as working to support the community again.

What’s your favorite restaurant/food?

A little bit of everything! I always enjoy a good steak at Texas Roadhouse, as well as, Asian restaurants. But something I always like to keep in mind is eating with company and for that I always think of Golden Corral. Their variety of foods that include my favorites of fried chicken, greens and their assorted dessert buffet (sure to give you a sugar rush!) makes it a great place to pile your plate up with great food.

What is something interesting that no one knows about you?

While volunteering at the Developing Community Project within the Roseland community (where Mr. Obama began community organizing), I worked closely with Rev. Anthony Van Zanten. Rev. Van Zanten and I were returning from morning prayers in the church when the second plane hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. This event reminded me of a radio program I once heard called “The War of the Worlds” by Orson Welles. In disbelief, we ran to the television from our cars to see what had happened.

What is the best movie in the world and why do you think so?

I would have to say that the movie would be the 1968 adaption of In the Heat of the Night. The film’s plot includes an African-American detective from Philadelphia named Virgil Tibbs, who is wrongfully arrested for suspicion of murder by police chief Bill Gillespie. Tibbs proves his innocence and in turn works with Gillespie to find the true killer. Although the culture of the time fought them during every turn, they still work together to solve this case.  It won five academy awards including Best Picture in 1967!

16 Aug

KCC Teacher Spotlight: Rhonda Galvan

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Kindergarten Countdown Camp, News

Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented, internally-driven and compassionate people in the community. Today, we’d like to spotlight Rhonda Galvan, one of the teachers participating in Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC).

Pictured above is Rhonda during a Kindergarten Countdown Camp.

What is your role at the camp?

Classroom teacher.

What benefits does Kindergarten Countdown Camp have for the children that attend?

Kindergarten Countdown Camp provides significant benefits to students who are able to attend and their families.  It prepares them to begin kindergarten with some experience. Most of our KCC students have very little exposure to a school environment. At KCC, we introduce them to structure and school routines.  In addition, children learn to hold a pencil and scissors, identify their name, and begin to learn letters and numbers.  This experience is a real “jump start” to their whole education.

Why is it important for children to be on track and ready to learn when first starting kindergarten?

In kindergarten, we have rigorous learning standards.  Students are expected to finish the year knowing how to read and write. Those children who have not had the opportunity to attend a preschool program and are not prepared for kindergarten are at a disadvantage, as compared to the children who have.  They do not understand the expectations as a learner in a school environment. A great deal of time must be spent helping them to catch up to their peers before academic content can be introduced.

What obstacles and challenges do children and families in our community face that prevent children from being prepared for kindergarten?

The greatest obstacle that families and children in our community face is not having access to affordable preschool programs. Many preschool-aged children spend time with a babysitter prior to beginning school.  They are not exposed to a structured environment that supports learning and therefore prevents these children from being prepared for the school year.

How does Kindergarten Countdown Camp help prepare children for success in school?

Kindergarten Countdown Camp provides exposure to a school environment that helps the children successfully transition into a kindergarten class.  It helps them begin to develop learning skills such as holding a pencil, following directions, and engaging in conversations. It also gives children a chance to experience separation from their families. Many children have not been away from their homes and parents for any length of time. KCC provides a safe environment for them to discover the excitement of going to school.

What does education mean to you?

To me, education means opportunity.  It opens doors for obtaining goals and following one’s dreams. Providing education to our children prepares them to become responsible citizens who will one day take over the roles now held by adults. Education empowers us to make changes where changes are needed. Without education, anyone’s future is limited.

To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.

13 Aug

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty through Education

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Article Mentions

26% of Lake County residents are living in poverty. Among them, many are children.

United Way of Lake County believes that education can change the trajectory of a child’s life and break the cycle of poverty. Since 2006, over a dozen key education initiatives and preventative programs have been developed to ensure children are thriving, from birth all the way to graduation day.

United Way focuses its programs in North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion – where the need is greatest for young children and their families. In these communities, there are 7,200 children ages birth to 5 and 70% of these children and their families live in poverty.

Together, we can break the cycle of poverty in Lake County. Your donation to United Way will close achievement gaps and ensure families have a safe and healthy home.

13 Aug

Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Success

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Article Mentions

United Way of Lake County believes that education can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Since 2006, over a dozen key education initiatives and meaningful programs have been developed to ensure children are thriving, from birth all the way to graduation day.

United Way focuses its programs in North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion – where the need is greatest for young children and their families.

Together, we can help every child succeed. Your donation to United Way ensures children in Lake County have a foundation for lifelong success.

13 Aug

Staff Spotlight: Karla Medina Alamar

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

This Familiar Faces Friday, we are introducing Karla Medina Alamar. Karla is our Community Impact Initiative Coordinator. Learn more about her role, what she likes to do in her free time and how she connects to the programs we offer at United Way of Lake County (UWLC)!

Karla Medina

When did you start working at UWLC?

I started on June 11, 2018.

What is your title and role?

I am the Community Impact Initiative Coordinator and I am mainly responsible for volunteer engagement and project outreach.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

I was a summer associate in 2017 and found that United Way programs really do make a difference, children do take notice and when they’re there they are visibly excited. Also, the team atmosphere that people establish creates a work environment that I knew I wanted.

Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?

United Way Days because revitalizing schools does a whole lot of good towards children’s educational experience.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

At the end of the day of a long school re-enhancement project, there is a visible and finished product that everyone can admire and shows the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

For now, I am trying to publish my senior year Anthropology & Sociology thesis and keep my younger siblings active for the summer.

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

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