Author: Marketing Department

20 Mar

March 2018 e-Newsletter

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Newsletter

We Are United Way

We are WOMEN UNITED.

Our Women’s Leadership Council has officially changed its name Women United. This change was initiated by United Way Worldwide to celebrate, through one brand voice, this powerful network of women.

The members of Women United will continue to strengthen our Lake County community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism. Learn the rationale for the change and how our Women United will adopt this new brand personality by clicking the button below.

Interested in learning more about Women United? Register to attend the upcoming Wine & Learn prospective member event on April 5 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in Libertyville. This is a small and informal gathering for individuals to learn more about what it means to be a member and what the Women United does. To register, email Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org.

Women United.

Dr. Seuss Event

United Way Hosts Countywide Reading Day in Honor of
Dr. Seuss

On March 2, over 50 volunteers participated in a countywide volunteer effort to read to over 1,000 students in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day. Volunteers read to students, ranging from Pre-K to 3rd grade, at Glen Flora Elementary in Waukegan, Pleviak Elementary in Lake Villa and Green Bay Early Childhood Center in North Chicago.

Click below to view photos and video sharing the sights and the sounds from the day!

Sights and Sounds at Dr. Seuss Event.

MyFreeTaxes Babies

5 Tips Before Doing Your Taxes

Haven’t done your taxes yet? Read this list of key tips to consider before you file.
Tip #1: Don’t pay to file your taxes. Find out why by clicking below.

Read more.

AmazonSmile

Support United Way through AmazonSmile

Do you purchase things on Amazon.com? From March 12-31, Amazon is tripling the donation rate on your first smile.amazon.com purchase.

Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/36-2167949 and Amazon donates to United Way of Lake County.

Amazon Smile.

AmeriCorpsVISTA Logo

Celebrating AmeriCorps Week

This week is AmeriCorps Week! We are celebrating our longstanding partnership with AmeriCorps and the VISTA members who have dedicated their lives to service. For 10 years, United Way has had the opportunity to participate in the AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program. This national program has provided us with top of the line staff members, allowing us to significantly expand our programs to reach more children and their families in Lake County.

By hosting our very own VISTA member, Katherine Velazquez, we are proud to join the list of over 80 United Ways who partner with AmeriCorps to make their community a better place. Click below to learn more about Katherine and how the AmeriCorps VISTA program has benefited United Way of Lake County.

Watch AmeriCorps Video.

Libertyville Run

Thank You Libertyville Running Club!

We’d like to say a big thank you to the Libertyville Running Club for selecting United Way of Lake County as the recipient for their 3rd Annual Poker Run 10k Charity Event! We’d also like to give a shout out to Bosacki’s Home Brew, who donated $1 for every pint of beer sold during the event to runners. And a final thanks to Tighthead Brewing Company for hosting the event.

Read Libertyville Running Club’s blog about the event by clicking below.

Read more

 

 

16 Mar

Meet the Interns: Jesse Alvarez

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

Introducing our newest IT intern: Jesse Alvarez! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County. Jesse will assist our IT department and help take care of everything IT related at the office. Join us in welcoming Jesse!

What led you to becoming an intern at United Way?

I got a grant to go to school from the workforce program and I got the opportunity to get an internship and ended up here.

Where did you receive your education?

I went to school at Microtrain technologies.

Where are you from?

I am from Zion, Illinois.

What’s your favorite food/restaurant?

I like chicken and my favorite restaurant is Cheddars.

What is something interesting that no one knows about you?

I used to play the saxophone. I still can, but not great.

If you could be any animal, what would you choose to be and why?

I would be a hawk, so I could fly.

13 Mar

AmeriCorps Week

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

AmeriCorps Logo

This week is AmeriCorps Week!  We are celebrating our longstanding partnership with AmeriCorps and the VISTA members who have dedicated their lives to service. AmeriCorps, established in 1994, has grown into a vast network of national service programs. The program relies on civic engagement to address our nation’s most critical community needs.

For 10 years, United Way has had the opportunity to participate in the AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program.  This national program has provided us with top of the line staff members, allowing us to significantly expand our programs to reach more children and their families in Lake County. Each volunteer member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. Indeed, they are some of the most passionate and service-minded individuals we’ve ever worked with. By hosting our very own VISTA member, Katherine Velazquez, we are proud to join the list of over 80 United Ways who partner with AmeriCorps to make their community a better place. Here’s what Katherine and her manager, Edna Galvan, had to say about this special week:

 

12 Mar

Women United Spotlight: Kathy Ryg

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, WU Member Spotlights

Welcome to our very first Women United Spotlight. As you may have read in our previous blog post, Women United (formerly the Women’s Leadership Council) was started in 2002 by United Way Worldwide. The purpose was to establish a grassroots model that local United Ways could execute in their own communities to addresses local critical needs. Today we would like to begin highlighting some of the women who are a part of this incredible organization. Join us in learning more about Kathy Ryg and her passion for Women United.

What is your professional background and if you are currently working, what is the name of your company?

My first career was in social services working with adults with intellectual and mental health disabilities/challenges. I then transitioned to local government working as a full time elected official in my community where I became involved in civic, school and community based organizations with a special interest in positive youth development. In 2002 I was elected State Representative from the northern Cook and Lake County area. In 2009 I left the General Assembly to do full time policy and advocacy work as President of Voices for Illinois Children. I am currently retired and excited to continue to support children and families (including my own 8 grandchildren) through the efforts of Women United!

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

I have always been impressed and supportive of United Way of Lake County and when I was invited to join Women United I immediately responded to the impact that was being made with the financial, professional and volunteer efforts focused on early childhood literacy. With my background and appreciation for data driven results based on identified needs and targeted interventions, I knew I found the group that would take best advantage of my donation and offer hands on experiences to build better lives for the children in Lake County.

What does early childhood education mean to you? If possible, could you share a personal story of why it’s important to you?

In my professional life I was fortunate to meet and support the efforts of Nobel Laureate winner, James Heckman. Prof. Heckman won his prize based on his research as an economist demonstrating that the best investment a society can make is in early childhood services. Early childhood experiences lay the foundation of every child’s ability to succeed – ready to learn in Kindergarten with the necessary evidence based skills, reading at grade level by 3rd grade, entering high school with math and reading skills for success, high school graduation and post high school, college or career/credential opportunities. As Prof. Heckman notes the return on investment for the economic success of all of us is $7-10 return for every $1 invested. How can we not offer every child the opportunities to succeed that we make sure to provide our own children and grandchildren!

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

I knew I would enjoy being part of the work of Women United but I was most pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed getting to know my fellow members. It is so true that but for Women United, I might not have met the amazing women who come with professional, family, personal and community experiences that are quite different from mine. The diversity in our membership is unique but our common passion for children is a bond that connects us in a deeper way than I imagined. I look forward to being in their company at every opportunity!

What does Women United mean to you?

I have found purpose, fulfillment and fun as a member of Women United. I am grateful that I can contribute to successful outcomes for children while having so much fun with women who are all in! We have serious work to do – the need is still great. But we have so much fun with each other, it is a joy to bring more members to the group to share this life altering experience.

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

So many women are looking for ways to give back to help children and families succeed. Women United is really the perfect blend of knowing you’re financial contribution is making a documented difference in early childhood success while you can volunteer in direct service opportunities as your schedule allows or not! I’ve not found many groups that provide the impact, flexibility and comradery that Women United offers. You won’t ever regret being part of this group of Wonder Women!

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26 Feb

We Are Women United.

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

Today marks United Way of Lake County’s rebrand of the Women’s Leadership Council to Women United, a change initiated by United Way Worldwide to celebrate, through one brand voice, this powerful network of women.

History of Women’s Leadership Council

United Way Worldwide started the Women’s Leadership Council in 2002. The purpose was to establish a grassroots model that local United Ways could execute in their own communities to addresses local critical needs.  The premise was that women leaders would speak up, unite and take action. And so they have! It has been amazingly successful with over 70,000 women in 165 local United Ways who have raised over $1.5 billion.

Rationale behind the change

United Way Worldwide (UWW) is committed to further transforming Women United’s organic growth into exponential growth by rallying the strong and passionate women leaders around a positive vision for the future.

How will our Women United adopt this new brand personality?

  • We continue to inspire generations of women leaders to fight for young learners to have essential skills they need to start kindergarten ready to succeed.
  • We recruit women leaders who contribute their personal passions, best ideas, and unique strengths to the mission of building stronger communities.
  • We are able to create lasting change on a scale that no single individual or organization could achieve on their own.
  • We tailor solutions to address the particular needs and aspirations of the community we serve.
  • We are part of a network of tireless champions dedicated to creating a better life and stronger community, for everyone.

The members of Women United will continue to strengthen our Lake County community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism. If you are interested in learning more about Women United, register to attend an upcoming Wine & Learn prospective member event. This is a small and informal gathering for prospective members to learn more about what it means to be a member and what the Women United does. To register, email Janice.scarbalis@uwlakeco.org.

  • April 5, 2018, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Libertyville
  • August 21, 2018, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Lake Forest
  • December 5, 2018, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Lake Forest

Click to read the latest press release announcing Women United’s name.

23 Feb

Meet the Volunteers: Jim Moran

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: 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. Among them are the United Way interns, volunteers and staff. Today we’d like to spotlight Jim Moran, a Finance/Administration Volunteer.

Jim Moran Standing with a book in front of the United Way of Lake County Office

What was your profession prior to volunteering?

I was in public accounting with Ernst & Young for 14 years right out of college (University of Illinois).  My most “famous” audit client was Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, MI.  Then, I went to work for GATX Corporation as Assistant Corporate Controller, and Controller and Senior Vice President-Asset Management of their railcar leasing subsidiary. After that, I moved to Minnesota to work for NCS Corporation as a Sector Financial Officer, product manager, and project manager.  I retired in 2004 and moved back to Illinois in 2005.

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

February 5th will mark my 11th year with United Way of Lake County.  I believe only five people currently on staff have more seniority than me.  I mostly get involved with finance and administrative projects.  Tax returns, policies and procedures, review of Agency audit reports, working with the Andar data base, and a variety of other one-off projects.  Twice a year I help our facilities manager clean out the refrigerator.

What attracted you to volunteering with United Way of Lake County?

I wanted to have something to get me out of the house on a regular basis and yet stay home in the middle of large snowstorms.  Working at UW allows me to do this.  I enjoy the contact with people and the ability to use my business skills.

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

See the above.   The people are just tremendous to work with and they truly care about the community.

What’s your favorite restaurant/food?

Any place that serves a good breakfast.  Fred’s Diner in Grayslake is a throwback to the good old days.  Emil’s in Grayslake has the best fried (broasted) chicken in Lake County.

What is something interesting that no one knows about you?

I volunteered at the Western Open golf tournament for ten years running when it was played at Butler National. I wound up driving the golfers to the press tent for interviews, where I met and spoke to all the top names of the day—Palmer, Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson, Player—just to name a few.  It was pretty cool.

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

Without a doubt – True Grit.  The actors are great, and the way Glen Campbell and John Wayne play off each other is hilarious.  The pompous Texas Ranger never does figure out that he’s being dissed the whole time.  The scene near the end when Rooster puts his horse’s reins in his mouth to shoot it out with Robert Duval is fantastic.  The scenery is gorgeous also.

 

21 Feb

February 2018 e-Newsletter

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Newsletter

 

We Are United Way

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Roses are red, violets are blue, there’s so little that we could do without YOU! We are blessed to know many amazing people—like you—who generously make gifts, volunteer their time or spread the word about the ways in which United Way is strengthening local communities in Lake County.

This Valentine’s Day, we want to thank YOU for your kindness, generosity and for being our Valentine.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at United Way of Lake County!

View e-Card.

MyFreeTaxes

5 Tips Before Doing Your Taxes

In preparation for the tax season, we have put together a list of five key tips to consider before doing your taxes.

Tip #1: Don’t pay to file your taxes.

Find out why and see all five tips by clicking below.

Read More.

Science Speakers

Looking for Enthusiastic Scientists!

Spring is almost here and, once again, we will be hosting Science Speakers Week at participating Waukegan elementary schools during the week of April 23, 2018.

We are looking for scientists who are interested in sharing their passion and knowledge about science-related careers and opportunities with 5th graders. If you are interested and would like more information, please click the button below or contact Jennifer Jensen at Jennifer.Jensen@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1042.

Learn more.

Dr. Seuss

Help Us by Organizing a Dr. Seuss Book Drive

March 2 is both Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day. For the last several years we have celebrated by organizing an event in which volunteers visit local schools and read Dr. Seuss books to students.

This year, we are collecting Dr. Seuss books that will be donated to schools in Lake County in honor of Read Across America Day. You can help us by hosting a book drive with your friends, family or co-workers to collect new or gently-used Dr. Seuss books by Friday, February 23. To coordinate a drop-off, contact Sara Martinez at Sara.Martinez@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1026.

Click the button below for the Dr. Seuss book titles that you can donate.

Learn more.

Women United and Baby Talk Partnership

Women United Announces Partnership with Baby Talk

This year, our Women United (formerly Women’s Leadership Council) started a new partnership with Baby Talk, a program out of Waukegan, that identifies at-risk families with children ages birth to three in need of early intervention programming or preschool special education services.

We interviewed Diana Nielander, Social Enterprise and Affinity Group Manager, on the Women United’s involvement with this program. Read the full interview by clicking the button below.

Read more.

Kristi Long

Staff Spotlight: Kristi Long, President & CEO

Check out the latest installment of Familiar Faces Friday featuring our President and CEO, Kristi Long. Learn more about Kristi and her incredible role here at United Way by clicking below.

Read more

 

YLoD

Young Ladies of Distinction Learn Criminal Justice

Last month, 20 students from the Young Ladies of Distinction program at Abbott Middle School in Waukegan participated in a daylong workshop to learn about the phases of the criminal justice system; from observing a court hearing to touring the State’s Attorney’s Office, Coroner’s Office and Lake County Jail.

This opportunity was a collaborative effort thanks to many entities of our Lake County government. A special thank you to Mike Nerheim, Lake County State’s Attorney and United Way of Lake County Board Member, for offering such an educational day.

Click the button below to watch the video recapping these students’ day.

Watch video

 

Libertyville Poker Run

Try Your Hand at the Libertyville Poker Run

Calling all runners, walkers and people looking to have a good time! Try your hand at Libertyville Running Club‘s unique Poker Run 10K on March 3. This is the best way to do some good, indulge in food and drink, and still call it exercise.

Proceeds from the 10K will benefit United Way of Lake County! Click the button below to register and learn more.

Learn more

 

20 Feb

National Love Your Pet Day

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

“Your pet might only be part of your life, but to your pet, you are its whole life.”

For the first time at United Way of Lake County, we are celebrating National Love Your Pet Day! To many of us, our pets are like family; we hold them near and dear to our hearts. Whether you own a dog, cat, fish, or any animal for that matter, this day is an opportunity for you to show extra love to your pet companion.

The Pets of United Way of Lake County

To honor this wonderful day, we asked our staff members to submit their favorite photos of their pets, and the results were too great not to share. If you are an animal lover like us, these photos will make your day:

"This is Lucy, she is the best and cutest dog ever." - Kristi Long, President and CEO

“Meet Finn! He loves naps and climbing on peoples backs! He is currently in Connecticut and I miss him so much!” - Katherine Velazquez, AmeriCorps VISTA, Success By 6

"Lola was a bit jealous of the new puppy in the house at first, but I think it's safe to say they've become best friends." - Chris Scroggins, Marketing Intern


"Jasmine overseeing her domain from her favorite perch. This is my favorite picture of her - so beautiful, so regal, so feline." - Cynthia Zimmerman, Special Events and Marketing Administrator

"This is my dog, Ollie; the sweetest, cuddliest pup ever known. It's impossible not to fall in the love with him." - Jennifer Strom, Marketing/Communications Specialist 

"Bourbon, Daisy & Whiskey are excited for the start of Spring Training!" - Susan Mendoza, Executive Assistant

"Meet Dolores de Cabeza Herrera Gallegos! She’s better known as Lola. Lola is a Bilingual Yorkie-Bichon mix. She enjoys ice cubes, tortilla chips and long walks." - Carolina Herrera, Community Engagement Manager

"Because who can have just one?  My furry menagerie, past and present, clockwise from top left:

Voltaire, Friesian of enlightenment who would walk through fire for you, Prance, the sweetest, funniest and most endearing cat ever, Tallulah, Queen of the Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Frans, the warrior Friesian with a heart of gold, Gremlin, rescued from a barn, simply a sweetheart" - Sue Baehr, Program Manager for Reading Success

"I asked him once if he liked to be read to, he said "NO", until I found the perfect book." - Rosa Herrera, Initiative Coordinator, Success By 6

"When will they be home?? Are they ever coming home????" - Karen Nordgren, Donor Relations Account Manager

12 Feb

Women United Announces New Partnership with Baby Talk

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

This year, our Women United (formerly Women’s Leadership Council) started a new partnership with Baby Talk, a program out of Waukegan, that identifies families with children ages birth-to-three in need of early intervention programming or preschool special education services. We interviewed Diana Nielander, Social Enterprise and Affinity Group Manager, on Women United’s (WU) involvement with this program.

What is Baby Talk?

Baby Talk is designed to locate, identify, and refer, as early as possible, at-risk children and their families who are in need of early intervention program or preschool special education services.  The Baby Talk Program conducts screenings and assessments for any child, birth-to-three, who may need additional and special services. Once identified, home visits are initiated and scheduled anywhere from once a week to once a month depending on the need.  The focus is fostering child development and key skills to ensure a strong and healthy start.

What is Women United’s connection to this program?

Baby Talk has just become Women United’s HUGS partner. HUGS is a special engagement project in which we wrap our time and resources around a program that needs support. Our first HUGS partner was Green Bay Early Learning Center in North Chicago.  There, we volunteered our time reading to kids, celebrating their teachers and providing learning materials.  Over two years, we provided a total of 1,100 learning bags. Each bag had one brand new book, in addition to other fun learning materials. Now we are thrilled to join forces with Baby Talk and help support their goals and enhance their program.

Which population/community does Baby Talk serve?

Baby Talk services at-risk children and their families living in Waukegan.

How will Women United support Baby Talk in 2018?

We will volunteer our time to support their monthly family meetings. We will host their learning stations and provide supportive materials and food as needed.  It’s in the early stages, so we are still learning how to meet their needs, but we are beyond excited to begin this partnership.

What is the HUGS Committee?

The HUGS Committee helps Women United create the greatest possible community impact by mobilizing our volunteer efforts and in-kind resources.  Together, the committee helps select our partners, organize our involvement, and determines how we will support them.

“The HUGS Committee partners with Lake County organizations in order to donate our time and resources to better enhance their programs. Our members really like to dig in to find ways to further the goals of that organization and service our Lake County community.” – Patrice Maloney-Knauff, WU Chair and HUGS Committee Co-Chair

09 Feb

Staff Spotlight: Quinton Snodgrass

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

Quinton shares one of his favorite children's books.

Welcome back to Familiar Faces Friday! This week we are excited to introduce Quinton Snodgrass, our Vice President of Resource Development.

When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?

January 2017, I actually just had my one year anniversary!

What is your title and role?

VP of Resource Development.  I work with our individual, corporate, and foundation supporters to best connect them to programs and initiatives that make an impact in Lake County.

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

My first internship in business school was with United Way of Central Indiana. That experience is what drove my career focus in health and human service work.  Since then I have worked in underserved urban neighborhoods in metro Chicago, and incredibly remote villages in rural Cambodia. A common thread in every community I have worked with is the drive parents have for their children to succeed; overwhelming research shows that the key factor in success, more than anything, is education. I have young children and as I watch them grow and learn, my belief in this mission grows tangible. I am a part of this organization because other children should have the same chance to succeed that my children have, and I can be a part of making that possible.

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

Early education, but also the pending launch of our 2-1-1 information and referral hotline.  I say that because there are a tremendous amount of services and resources available to families in need, but a major gap has always been helping people reach and access the services that could most benefit them during a time of crisis. United Way Lake County is looking to launch an integrated call, text, live chat, web resource to act as a connecter between people in crisis and programs that can help them. To me that is a very exciting opportunity to make a massive difference for children and families in Lake County.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

Helping people connect to programs that change lives. Is that corny?  I also like getting emails saying “free doughnuts in the break room!”

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

Did I mention two little kids?  6 and 3.  I have a faint memory of what truly ‘free’ time feels like, but outside of work I can be found slowly renovating our home, working on vintage motorcycles, finding new things to cook, brewing beer, helping my wife urban homestead everything from organic asparagus to a small flock of chickens, and using my dwindling collection of 1980s Transformers as bribes for potty training.

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

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