05 Feb

January 2024 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Voices United:
A Celebration of MLK Jr.

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

Please sign up for the event at the link below.
Questions? Email Michelle.Sanchez@uwlakeco.org.

Because Kids Don’t Come With Instructions

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.

Please RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org and she will share the Zoom link.

Leaders Have Wings

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.

19 Dec

December 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

You helped us accomplish so much this year! Thank you for supporting our mission to build an equitable Lake County community where everyone can thrive. We are so grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing 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 76 Lake County families. Thanks to their generosity, each family will receive warm winter clothing, educational toys, non-perishable groceries, and extra toys to brighten their celebrations.

In addition to fulfilling family wish lists, we had several warm winter clothing drives bring in hundreds of pieces of clothing to help keep even more of our Lake County families safe and warm this winter season.

A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing donors! Your compassion is awe-inspiring!

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Check out our annual Holiday Guide! It includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County, agency wish lists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

Be a Community Hero for Children and Families in Lake County

We are on a mission to build a stronger Lake County community where everyone can thrive. Together, we can create a community where heroes abound. Can we count on your support this holiday season?

By supporting education initiatives like Success By 6 and Youth Success, you become a hero for local children, ensuring they have the tools and skills for a successful future. Our 211 helpline, a beacon for those in need, has guided over 250,000 people to essential services—a lifeline made possible by heroes like you.

Through December 19, you can double your impact! Our sponsor is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K!

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 services, or other health and human services—call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected to available resources.

Learn more at 211LakeCounty.org.

Women United Leadership

We are thrilled to introduce Marisa Livingston, Senior Clinical Supplies Manager at Catalent Pharma Solutions, as our incoming Women United Board Chair! Starting in January 2024, Marisa, a dedicated Women United member and leader of their DIBI (Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative) Committee, will bring a fresh perspective and valuable experience to lead us forward. Her thoughtful approach and inspiring presence will uphold Women United’s legacy while fostering growth, inclusivity, and shared success.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Lori Miller who has served as Women United’s Board Chair these past few years. Lori’s dedication and outstanding contributions have been instrumental in advancing Women United’s mission to invest in early childhood education in Lake County. Thank you, Lori, for your leadership and the positive impact you’ve made on our organization and on the children and families we serve.

We’re Hiring: 211 Community Engagement Coordinator

We are looking for an innovative individual enthusiastic about serving others to help ensure that 211 Lake County excels in delivering referral services and information to people of Lake County. The 211 Community Engagement Coordinator is a key team member responsible for ensuring that 211 Lake County helps provide a positive experience and value to Lake County community members and stakeholders.

30 Nov

November 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

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.

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

Be a Community Hero for Children and Families in Lake County

We are on a mission to close gaps and open opportunities, building a stronger community where everyone can thrive. Together, we can create a community where heroes abound. Can we count on your support this holiday season?

Through December 19, you can double your impact! Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K!

Watch our NEW VIDEO where a group of enthusiastic neighborhood kids join forces to support United Way of Lake County!

Power of the Purse Raises Funds for Early Education

On November 5, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. A sold-out crowd of more than 200 women joined forces to celebrate women, friendship and philanthropy. They enjoyed an afternoon of brunch, bubbly, purses, raffles and more. This year’s event raised nearly $70K!

Power of the Purse was a resounding success, thanks to the generous support of our members, attendees, including many first-timers as well as valued returning guests, and sponsors. The room buzzed with energy as attendees engaged in meaningful conversations and raised their hands in support of early childhood education. The event showcased the incredible impact that can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for positive change.

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund, which supports critical, local early education programs that focus on building the foundation for strong and successful academic futures.

Hispanic Heritage Month Books Distributed Throughout Community

Thank you to our Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive donors! You helped us distribute 135 books to Greenwood Elementary, Clearview Elementary and Warren-Newport Library. Now more local children will have access to stories that promote cultural awareness, celebrate diversity, and honor Latinx and Hispanic culture.

Six Flags Student Leadership Summit

Six Flags Great America invited our Breakfast Club students to participate in their first-ever Student Leadership Summit. The more than 30 eighth graders got a behind-the-scenes tour and learned about Six Flags’ business operations. The students also immersed themselves in an exclusive day of learning with workshops on topics such as time management, personal finance and mindfulness.

Thank you to Six Flags Great America for sponsoring this incredible event! We can’t wait to see where these skills take our students.

“Six Flags had the wonderful opportunity of hosting United Way of Lake County’s Breakfast Club students at the park for a day full of enriching leadership workshops,” said Rachel Kendziora, Communications Specialist at Six Flags. “We were thrilled to have hosted such a positive event that enhanced the students’ growth and leadership.”

Leaders Have Wings

Our young professionals leadership group, Leaders United, has 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.

Join us in supporting local students on December 14, between 5:00–8:00 p.m. at the Gurnee or Waukegan Wingstop locations and show them the flyer linked below. 30% of in-store sales will be donated to Leaders United!

“Wine & Learn” About Women United

If you are looking for new ways to connect with amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for children and families in Lake County, please join Women United for a prospective member Wine & Learn on November 28 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at a member’s home in Libertyville. RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org.

Women United mobilizes more than 135 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, they have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Goals

At United Way of Lake County, we are committed to aligning our culture and business practices to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to better address our community’s needs. We recently finalized our DEI goals for fiscal year 2024 and are pleased to share them.

We’re Hiring: 211 Community Engagement Coordinator

07 Nov

October 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

211 Year Four Results and Impact

We are pleased to share our fourth annual report for 211 that summarizes the tremendous impact 211 continues to make, including another 79,088 connections to critical services and help!

The report provides a snapshot of the demographic data and top needs requested from 211 between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. The goal of this report is to share an overview of 211 data on top community needs and the populations we serve in Lake County, as well as trends and highlights throughout the year.

Creating Foundations, Building Futures

Women United recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity and joined other women volunteers in Lake County to start building two new homes in a Waukegan neighborhood being redeveloped. Our members left with full hearts knowing they helped build a brighter future for two women-led families in our community who will now have safe, affordable homeownership.

These efforts are an investment in our young children. Having a safe, stable place to call home is foundational to wellbeing and critical to children’s development. Children with a secure and nurturing home environment have a greater chance to thrive. For example, graduation rates are 19% higher for children of homeowners than for renters. And adults who own their own homes are more likely to pursue their own continued education.

We hope to continue to uplift these families on their educational journey.

View photos and video clips from the project by clicking below.

SUCCESS STORY
Writing Major

Meet Major. He is 5 years old. This summer, Major took part in our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) to learn key skills and prepare for kindergarten.

One key skill children need for kindergarten is being able to write the letters of their name. At KCC, students begin learning to write their name by tracing the letters over dotted lines.

Like many students attending KCC, Major found it difficult to hold a marker the correct way in order to write. Major’s KCC teachers worked each day to help Major enhance his hand-eye coordination and gain control over his marker. Every morning at KCC, Major would begin class by practicing with his classmates. After weeks of practice, Major learned how to hold his marker correctly. By the end of KCC, he was able to write his name successfully.

Through KCC, Major was able to build a key skill that is essential for successful learning in kindergarten.

Almost Sold Out: Power of the Purse!

Only a few tickets remain! Get your tickets by Friday, October 27.

Join Women United on Sunday, November 5 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.

Come away for a fun-filled afternoon with the special women in our lives. We’ll enjoy brunch, bubbly, games and special surprises. There will be more than 40 designer bags, plus silent auction items and raffle baskets to win. All proceeds will support critical early education programs in Lake County.

Place Your Order Today: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our free, bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are a great resource for families and educators. The calendars are designed for preschool-age children and filled with activities and information to help families get ready for their child’s first day of kindergarten.

Place an order to pick up calendars using our online order form.

Start a Workplace Giving Campaign

Your organization, large or small, can help us create a stronger Lake County through a United Way workplace campaign. 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.

Is your organization ready to LIVE UNITED? We’ll help you get started.

28 Sep

September 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

‘Stuff the Bus’ Exceeds Expectations

We are thrilled to share that we exceeded our goal for this year’s annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we prepared and distributed 3,072 backpacks full of supplies to students across Lake County!

We are so proud that many more children will have the supplies they need to succeed during this new school year! Thank you to the dozens of companies and donors who supported this drive and the volunteers who donated their time to pack, sort and stuff each backpack.

View the long list of organizations that helped make Stuff the Bus a huge success below.

Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive

Through October 15, you can join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing the joy of reading with local children and being a part of their storytelling adventure! Your support will enrich elementary school libraries by promoting cultural awareness, celebrating diversity, and honoring Latinx and Hispanic culture.

Reading is one of the great equalizers in our society.
A great book opens so many possibilities for children.

Results and Reflection: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

We are pleased to share the results of Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), our free summer learning program for incoming kindergarten students with limited preschool experience

This year, in addition to returning to Round Lake and Waukegan, we expanded KCC to Antioch, Beach Park and Zion.

Before camp, only 46% of students averaged at least “in progress” or better across the eight skills assessed (shapes, colors, letters, name writing, counting, book familiarity, rhyming and fine motor skills). After camp, we saw that average increase to 69% “in progress or better” in those same eight skills. That’s a 50% increase!

We are also pleased by the feedback we received from the school districts. “Every year, we have an opening parent night for our families,” said Aron Borowiak, Antioch District 34 Superintendent. “The room that was best attended and had the most energy was for KCC. The parents were really excited for their kids to have this opportunity. We saw growth and success for the students who attended. We appreciate how KCC is organized. It made it easy for us to put into place. The program coordinators did a tremendous job of helping and supporting our teacher. We plan to open up KCC to more classrooms next year.”

Connections Magazine recently published an article about KCC’s expansion to Antioch. Check it out below!

SUCCESS STORY
Alan: Becoming a Model Student

Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) was not easy for Alan. The pandemic delayed his early social development, and KCC was the first place where Alan interacted with peers in a structured classroom setting. During the first few weeks of KCC, Alan often felt frustrated. Learning new skills such as raising his hand, walking in a line, taking bathroom breaks, following a schedule, and group play were challenging. Alan’s behavior required constant redirection from his KCC teachers. Each time he was redirected, Alan would apologize. He wanted to learn how to do better. Despite the challenges, Alan showed up to KCC each day with a smile.

A couple weeks after KCC ended, Alan started kindergarten in Beach Park. Alan’s kindergarten teacher shared that Alan is an exemplary student! “Alan is the ONLY kindergartner in my classroom that is raising his hand to speak. He can walk in a line in the halls, he understands the classroom schedule and he engages in patient turn-taking during group play.” Alan’s teacher shared that his confidence is through the roof. “His beaming smile is all the evidence I need to see how proud he is of himself.” Through KCC, Alan was able to prepare for the classroom expectations and environment. And now, Alan’s teacher looks to Alan as a model student to guide other kindergartners.

To view the full story on our website, click below.

You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!

Join Women United on Sunday, November 5 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.

Place Your Order: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our free, bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are a great resource for families and educations. The calendars are designed for preschool-age children and filled with activities and information to help families get ready for their child’s first day of kindergarten.

Place an order to pick up calendars at our office using our online order form.

Board Member Update

We are thrilled to welcome four new members to our 2023-2024 Board of Directors: Bill Gould, President & COO at Trustmark, Matthew Rizzie, Executive Director at Great Lakes Credit Union’s Foundation for Financial Empowerment, Samer Saleh, Divisional Vice President at Abbott, and Captain Steve Yargosz, Prospective Commanding Officer at Naval Station Great Lakes.

Bill Gould will serve on the Community Impact Council, Matthew Rizzie will serve on the 211 Advisory Council, and Samer Saleh will serve on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

“Our new members’ leadership skills, knowledge of the communities we serve and genuine interest in our mission make them an asset to our diverse board and United Way of Lake County,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO.

A special thank you to outgoing board member Kevin Slawin for his dedicated service.

United Way of Lake County Ambassador Program

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have excellent communication skills and a desire to engage with local businesses for a worthy cause?

If so, consider becoming a United Way Ambassador! This volunteer role is essential to the success of our fundraising campaigns, as you will be the bridge connecting our mission to local businesses in your assigned geography. By joining our team of dedicated UWLC Ambassadors, you’ll play a pivotal role in helping United Way create lasting change in your community. View all the details below.

If you’re interested in becoming a UWLC Ambassador, please email our VP of Resource Development, Quinton Snodgrass at quinton.snodgrass@uwlakeco.org.

21 Sep

‘Stuff the Bus’ 2023 Exceeds Expectations

by Jennifer StromCategories: News

United Way of Lake County’s Stuff the Bus supply drive provides students in Lake County, IL with new school supplies—preparing them for their academic studies, building their self-esteem, and setting them up for success. We are pleased to share the results of our fifth annual supply drive.

We are thrilled to share that we exceeded our Stuff the Bus 2023 goal!

We prepared 3,072 backpacks full of supplies that have been distributed to students throughout Lake County!

Thank you to the dozens of companies and donors who supported this drive and the 80+ volunteers who donated their time to pack, sort, and stuff each backpack.

We are so proud that many more children will have the supplies they need to succeed during this new school year!

Thank you to the many organizations that donated supplies and their time to make Stuff the Bus a success this year:

A.L. Hansen
Abbott Laboratories
Aldridge Group
Alight
Amcor
American Casino
American College of CHEST Physicians
Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church
Aon
Benida
Berry Global
Bethal Church Gurnee
Bishop-McCann
City of Waukegan
CompX
Consumers Credit Union
Deer Park Town Center
Fischer Paper
Fulton Grace Realty
Great Lakes Credit Union
Great Lakes Naval Base
Great Wolf Lodge
Hollister
Insperity
Jabil
Jesse’s Auto Tech
Kubota Engine America
Lake County Bar Assn
Lake County Health County
Lake County Treasurer’s Office
Leaders United of Lake County
Macy’s
Medline
Noote Partners
North Shore Gas
Northwestern Medicine
Novelis
Old National
OptumRx
Pfizer
Purpose Built Brands
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Six Flags Great America
Trustmark
UCC Environmental
United Scientific
Wildwood Presbyterian Church
Woodland Foods
Wurth Baer Supply
WWM Fitness
Xcel Staffing
Youth Culinary
ZF Industries

25 Aug

August 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

United Way and HACES Expand Parent Mentor Program

United Way of Lake County and HACES (Hispanic American Community Education and Services) are proud to announce a partnership and collaboration to deliver an expanded Parent Mentor program that puts parents in the classroom to mentor Waukegan students, kindergarten through fifth grade.

Parents are trained as mentors and volunteer in a classroom four times a week for a minimum of 100 hours per semester. Parent Mentors provide direct support to students to improve their math and literacy skills and to provide additional social emotional support. The Parent Mentors also have weekly training on financial literacy, computer skills, leadership, and more. They help to fill the equity gap by volunteering in schools and creating positive change through parent engagement. The program has English and Spanish-speaking mentors with the goal of serving more than 600 students this school year in five Waukegan elementary schools.

“After a successful first year, it became clear that there was a need for even more parental involvement,” said Maria-Elena Jonas, Founder and Executive Director of HACES. “The support United Way provides will allow us to serve many more students, helping us make an even bigger impact in the community.”

Recruitment is underway for parents to serve in the classroom for two hours per day in their child’s school. The program is open to all parents who are looking to learn valuable life skills and make a positive impact on their child’s school and community. Parent Mentors work one-on-one or in small groups with students who need extra support in the classroom. They are provided the necessary training, offered weekly workshops on professional development skills in academic instruction and leadership, and compensated with a modest stipend.

Women United Hosts Back to School Fair

Earlier this month, Women United hosted a Back to School Fair at Whispering Oaks Apartments in Waukegan. Families who attended the fair enjoyed free haircuts for children, face painting, ice cream, and other fun activities. Women United members also distributed more than 100 backpacks full of school supplies so the children would have the tools they need for school, as well as books, lunch boxes, and dental hygiene kits.

Thank you to the more than 50 women who donated, volunteered or coordinated the event, and thank you to our partners for joining us to brighten the lives of the families who attended. This event was a shining example of the power of giving back. It was filled with community spirit and able to come to life through the generosity of the kind-hearted individuals who make up Women United and the local businesses who believe in investing in our communities!

Launch a Workplace Giving Campaign

Is your organization ready to LIVE UNITED? We’ll help you get started.

Learn About Women United on Your Lunch Break

Are you looking for ways to connect to 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 Wednesday, September 20 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Zoom for a prospective member Lunch & Learn.

Women United mobilizes more than 135 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: Derse

In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Derse—a full-service trade show and event agency—partnered with United Ways throughout the country to lead food drives supporting local communities. Here in Lake County, Derse partnered with UWLC to give hundreds of goods to local residents including diapers, cereal boxes, juices, and much more. Derse donated their collections to Cool Ministries Food Pantry in Waukegan and Avon Township Food Pantry in Round Lake.

“Derse is a fantastic employer with a great culture that takes care of each and every employee. I believe where much is given much is expected. Here in Derse Northbrook, we are all blessed with the ability to give even if it was a little. It is only fitting that we share with those who are in need of a helping hand. All employees were very generous with their donations. I am thankful we were able to contribute as a group.”
–Leonard Munson, Portables Director at Derse Northbrook

Welcome, Sophia Cotton and Marissa Gomez!

We recently welcomed two people to our United Way family; Sophia Cotton has joined us as 211 Manager, and Marissa Gomez has transitioned from Success By 6 Intern to our Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator!

Learn more about Sophia and Marissa’s roles, how they connect with our programs, and what they enjoy in their free time by clicking on their names below.

22 Aug

Staff Spotlight: Marissa Gomez

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

We welcome Marissa Gomez, our Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator. Keep reading to 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)! Uploaded Image

When did you join UWLC?

My journey at UWLC began in August 2021 as a Success By 6 intern.

What is your title and role?

As Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator, I help children develop the fundamental skills needed to succeed in school. I am the teacher for our birth to 3 program, Better Together, where I provide educational materials and activities to help parents and caregivers become their child’s first teacher. I host Kindergarten Countdown Camps throughout Lake County, provide Early Learning Clubs, and distribute our Kindergarten Readiness Calendars. In addition, I attend community events to promote United Way programs, such as 211 and Bright by Text.

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

As an intern at United Way of Lake County, I had the opportunity to learn and grow. During my time here, I grew a passion for helping people in our community reach resources and have a better chance at success.

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

I connect with all UWLC programs, as I stand strongly with United Way of Lake County’s goal of providing resources to create lasting change that will improve and save lives in Lake County, IL.

What is your favorite part of your job here? 

My favorite part of my role is the opportunity to engage with kids and families and prepare learning experiences and activities for the Better Together classroom.

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

While not at work, I spend time with my family, friends, and cat, Oakley, traveling and engaging in my hobby, photography.

Thank you for joining us for another Staff Spotlight. To meet more people on our team, click here.

11 Aug

July 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Volunteers Build New Playground at Oakdale Elementary

After three days of hard work and with the help of more than 90 volunteers, Oakdale Elementary School in Waukegan now has a magnificent new playground! We are amazed by the dedication of our volunteers and excited for the students to enjoy this new space.

“It was a great pleasure to have United Way of Lake County join forces with so many volunteers to build our new playground,” said Catalina Quiñones-Nelson, Principal at Oakdale Elementary School. “United Way recruited volunteers from the Chicago Bears, ITW, Trustmark and the Waukegan High School football team to get their hands dirty and assist with the playground build, working alongside Oakdale teachers and families. Playgrounds provide an opportunity for students to improve cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being skills. Students collaborate with each other as they develop decision-making skills and use their imagination to play creatively. We are very grateful for United Way’s partnership and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

In addition to the playground, community volunteers came together to honor the memory of a teacher by planting beautiful flowers in the courtyard space outside of her classroom. This gesture of remembrance and respect reflects our strong bond with our educators and their lasting impact on our lives.

We appreciate the selflessness and compassion demonstrated by these amazing volunteers. Their hard work and commitment have made a significant difference in our community, and we are immensely grateful.

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our 2023-2024 bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are now available! They are free, a great resource for families, designed for preschool-age children and filled with activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.

You can place an order to pick up calendars at our office using our online order form. Pickups are available by appointment, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at our office (330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL).

You can also view and print the monthly pages and activities on our website.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to “Stuff the Bus”

There’s still time to participate in Stuff the Bus! Help us ensure more students start school this fall with the necessary supplies. You’ll be helping prepare them for their academic studies, build their self-esteem and set them up for success. Through August 15, you can donate school supplies, make an online donation or help spread the word.

We are very grateful to the many individuals, companies and organizations that have already donated and volunteered to create hundreds of backpacks for local students.

Women of Color: United in Leadership

Women United is proud to build a strong professional network of women of color through our leadership program, Women of Color: United in Leadership. This program helps professionals to develop their authentic voice and unleash their full potential while connecting with a diverse community of like-minded women who share aspirations, experiences and commitment to community service. Through expert guidance, we dive deep into leadership strategies, effective communication, and personal growth and development.

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our next cohort beginning this fall, let us know by emailing Jessica.Ceisel@uwlakeco.org.

Watch the video below to learn more about the program from women who participated in our first cohort.

211 is Here to Help in Times of Crisis, Disaster and Every Day

United Way of Lake County’s 211 helpline is a critical service available for all 714,000 Lake County community members in times of crisis, disaster and every day. CBS Chicago recently aired a 30-minute special about last year’s shooting in Highland Park and how the community has shown its strength and resilience to help survivors move forward. United Way of Lake County was highlighted as an important partner and our 211 helpline has been integral in connecting survivors with information and resources.

Watch the segment below featuring an interview with Gale Graves, our Vice President of Community Impact, speaking with news anchor Irika Sargent.

Introducing Sophia Cotton, 211 Manager

Please welcome Sophia Cotton, our new 211 Manager! Sophia brings a background of both direct service delivery and program management in nonprofits and is familiar with the health and human service landscape within Lake County. Over the next few weeks, Sophia will be concentrating on building a foundation of understanding of how 211 works, program goals and measurement, community needs and gaps in resources, and of course, digging into our comprehensive data. She has already started meeting with key partners and volunteers.

Our priorities continue to be on increasing awareness and utilization of 211 while expanding the many health and human service providers and resources within the database. We are currently focused on identifying key 2023 initiatives.

In Loving Memory of Stacy Boison

It is with great sadness and condolences to her family that United Way of Lake County mourns the passing of Stacy Boison.

Stacy was a beloved and irreplaceable member of our United Way family since she joined in 2019 as Finance Manager. She brought so much light and joy to those around her. Stacy will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

03 Aug

Women United Grants $186,000 to Early Education Programs

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Women United

Women United is Lake County’s premier women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging. In May 2023, it was announced that Women United will distribute $186,000 through its Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support nine critical early education programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s children.

The following programs will receive funding:

$84,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC)

Gurnee, North Chicago, Round Lake & Waukegan

Funding will support a summer learning program for 135 incoming kindergarteners with little to no preschool experience. Teaches social norms and builds key skills such as shapes, letters and counting.

$26,500 – B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program

Round Lake

Funding will support a bilingual early learning program for children, birth to three years old, with a focus on early literacy, healthy development and parent engagement.

$20,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Better Together program

Green Bay Early Childhood Center in North Chicago

This early learning program is for children birth to three years old and their caregivers. Each family receives resources and materials to learn, play and develop school readiness skills together. Funding will support 36 sessions. Each session will serve 10 – 12 families.

$15,000 – The Formative Years

Lake County

Funding will support the Family First Center of Lake County, which will provide bi-weekly sessions for parents and 46 children, birth to five years old, on basic skills and preschool enrichment activities to prepare them for school.

$15,000 – Mano a Mano

Lake County

Funding will support the Healthy Kids/Healthy Families initiative, which will expand literacy programs for families with children ages three to five years old through home visits.

$12,500 – Affirm Christian Leadership Academy

Waukegan

Funding will support the Early Literacy Leaders program that provides an academic foundation for girls; tailored to meet individual deficits and close the gap before kindergarten.

$9,000 –Mother’s Trust Foundation

Lake County

Funding will provide scholarships for children to increase access to early educational experiences and services, enrichment, and extracurricular programming including daycare and summer camp.

$8,000 – Early Learning Club Center

Waukegan Public Library

Funding will support an Early Learning Club Center, year round, designed to guide parents on being their child’s first teacher. Funding will support programs in English and Spanish.

$5,000 – HUGS Women United

Waukegan

Funding will support a community engagement initiative of Women United where members embrace the community with the resources and care it needs to succeed. This initiative will continue to provide Early Learning Club sessions at Whispering Oaks Apartments.

Women United of Lake County is a powerful network of more than 135 women who enable each other to leverage our passions, ideas, expertise, and resources to ensure children living in Lake County are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. Women United is a critical community within United Way of Lake County.

Thinking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Women United’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 education.

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 our Senior Manager of Women United & Donor Engagement, Jessica Ceisel, at Jessica.Ceisel@uwlakeco.org.

For more information about Women United, visit: www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/womenunited

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Category: News

‘Stuff the Bus’ 2023 Exceeds Expectations

Thank you to the many organizations that donated supplies and their time to make Stuff the Bus a success this year: