Each year, kids across Lake County go back to school lacking the supplies needed to succeed in school. The price for essential supplies is increasing and many families struggle to afford everything on their child’s school supply list.
But together, we can make a difference!
Join our Stuff the Bus school supply drive! By providing students with new school supplies, you’ll be helping prepare them for their academic studies, build their self-esteem and set them up for success.
Now through August 15, you can contribute as an individual or your company can team up to make a difference! You can donate school supplies, make an online donation, or help us spread the word.
Women United Grants $181K to Local Early Education
Women United announced that they will distribute $181K this year through their Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support eight critical early education programs. Since 2014, Women United has raised and granted more than 1.4 million in grants to early education in Lake County!
We are so proud of the work Women United does to help ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures of Lake County’s young learners.
Learn more about the grantees below.
LAST CHANCE: Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp
Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) is our free summer learning program for children entering kindergarten this fall who have little to no preschool experience. Children who attend KCC will adjust to the classroom setting, practice following directions and rules, and practice key kindergarten skills. KCC is a great opportunity to get your child prepared to succeed in kindergarten.
Registration is open for students in the Antioch, Beach Park, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion school districts.
Antioch: June 5 – 27
Beach Park: July 29 – August 14
Round Lake: June 3 – 27
Waukegan: June 3 – July 1
Zion: June 3 – July 11
Interested? Fill out the form for your school district at the link below.
A Mentee Becomes a Mentor
When Brent was in 8th grade, he saw a sign reading “Join Breakfast Club” hanging in the hallway of his middle school. Brent decided to take a chance and he signed up.
Brent was matched with his mentor, Jim, a member of Leaders United. Each session, Jim took time to connect with Brent about school and his interests. They talked about hobbies, homework, friends and classes. For Brent, each meeting was a time to reset and get centered for the school day ahead. “When I met with Jim, it felt like I was in a cocoon. It was protected time. If I was feeling off that day, the meeting helped me prepare for my day ahead.” Jim watched as Brent’s involvement in Breakfast Club sparked an interest in helping others. “Throughout the school year, Brent talked more and more about wanting to help others. Seeing how Brent has grown and now wants to continue volunteering while in high school makes me proud.”
Click below to read more about how Breakfast Club has changed Brent’s life for the better and all the great things he’s working towards.
Students Love Breakfast Club!
Leaders United, our affinity group of young professionals, recently wrapped up another successful year of their mentoring program, Breakfast Club, with the 8th graders at Robert Abbott Middle School in Waukegan.
We surveyed the Breakfast Club students and were very pleased by the results:
96% of students would recommend Breakfast Club to their peers.
92% of students feel better prepared for high school thanks to Breakfast Club.
3 main reasons the students enjoyed Breakfast Club: Mentors, learning something new, and the special topics. Topics include mindfulness and self-care, difficult conversations, the importance of empathy, how to be your own advocate, developing a growth mindset, and preparing for high school.
The students were eager to participate in each session and the conversations were meaningful. We are proud that these students are leaving middle school with more of the tools they need to successfully overcome obstacles as they transition into high school.
Research Highlights Struggles of Working Families
United Way’s innovative research project called ALICE provides financial insights into the struggles many working families and individuals face across the nation, in Illinois and right here in Lake County.
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and makes up many members of our essential workforce. ALICE earns just above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford the basics where they live. These struggling households are forced to make impossible choices every day.
In Lake County, 86,084 households (33%) are struggling, with 20,869 households (8%) living below the Federal Poverty Level and 65,215 (25%) falling into the ALICE population. In the Benton, Waukegan and Zion Townships, more than 50% of households fall below the ALICE threshold.
Based on the household survival budget, it takes 78,564 dollars for a family of two adults and two children to afford the basics in Lake County, which is more than double the Federal Poverty Level.
United Way of Lake County supports ALICE households by making thousands of referrals to essential health and human services every month through 211. Learn more about ALICE and join us to build a community where everyone can rise.
Prenatal and Parenting Resources by Text Message
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, available in English and Spanish, include topics like brain development, health and wellness, STEM, safety and more.
It’s easy to sign up. Simply text “UWLC” to 274-448. That way, you’ll get messages timed to their exact age and information about local events and resources, including information about our very own early education programs.
Introducing New Team Members
We recently welcomed three new people to our United Way family; Maria Nava joined as our 211 Manager, Yajaira Balderas joined as our 211 Engagement Coordinator, and Pam Diedrich joined as our Donor Relations Coordinator.
Learn more about their roles, what they like to do in their free time, and how they connect with our programs by clicking their names below.
