211 Year Three Results and Impact

We are pleased to share our third annual report for 211 that summarizes the tremendous impact 211 continues to make, including another 57,374 connections to critical services and help!

The report is now available for download and provides a snapshot of the demographic data and top needs requested from 211 between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. 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.

On October 17, we celebrated the third anniversary of 211 services for Lake County with a virtual event highlighting 211’s measurable year-three results and impact. We are thrilled with the number of community members who joined us to learn more about 211 and how it is benefiting Lake County. We are grateful to our host/moderator, expert panel, and 211 leadership team who shared data, insights and real-life stories of how 211 is making a difference every day.

In case you missed it, you can watch a recording of the event on YouTube below.

UWLC Receives Grant from Highland Park Community Foundation

United Way of Lake County was recently awarded a grant by the Highland Park Community Foundation. The grant will support our 211 helpline that connects people in our community to local health and human services.

211 is here to answer the call every day and in times of crisis. We are proud to have supported the community throughout the pandemic and in response to the July 4th shooting tragedy. Thank you, Highland Park Community Foundation, for your generous support of 211!

Little Kids, Big Feelings Event

On October 15, Women United hosted an event called “Little Kids, Big Feelings” at the Whispering Oaks apartment complex in Waukegan. Building on the theme of Social Emotional Learning as introduced by their Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative during a September educational forum, the HUGS Committee took the reins and brought the book, Feelings by Todd Parr to the little ones at Whispering Oaks.

A special thank you to Rosalind Franklin University for sending the Community Care Coach bus so families could get free flu shots, blood pressure tests and blood sugar tests.

We love working with the families there who are doing everything right to put their children on the path to academic success. Look how much fun we all had!

Don’t Miss Out on Power of the Purse!

Join Women United on Sunday, November 6 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.

Come away for a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate the special women in our lives. We’ll enjoy a champagne brunch, games, prizes and special surprises. There will be 50+ designer bags, silent auction purses and baskets to bid on in person. 100% of the proceeds will support critical early education programs in Lake County.

SUCCESS STORY: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

This summer, Dayana entered our Kindergarten Countdown Camp as the shyest and most quiet student in her class. Within just a few days, Dayana began confidently belting out the alphabet and leading the class number song!

KCC is a free summer learning program for incoming kindergarten students who have little to no preschool experience. Through KCC, licensed teacher, Mrs. Monbrod, worked with Dayana and her classmates to build key kindergarten readiness skills like writing her name, counting 10 objects and learning her ABCs. Dayana’s skills improved from “beginning” to “in progress” by the end of the summer.

Through KCC, Dayana gained the skills she needed to be on track with her peers and ready to succeed (and sing!) when she entered her first day of kindergarten.

Company Spotlight: Nexus Pharmaceuticals

Nexus Pharmaceuticals is a family-owned and minority-owned company located in Lake County. While Nexus is a newer supporter of United Way of Lake County, it is already becoming one of our most generous corporate partners. We are thrilled to spotlight their incredible commitment to giving back and the impact they are making right here in our community.

Nexus has generously supported our education programs and 211 helpline through sponsorship of our annual Premier Leaders Event. Nexus employees have also been very generous with their time and have partnered with us to complete a variety of community service projects, including painting the Midwest Veterans Closet and installing Sensory Paths and Early Learning Trails at local schools and libraries.
We asked Nexus why they choose to partner with us, and this is what they said:

“We are proud to support United Way of Lake County’s vast initiatives that benefit the lives of so many in Lake County. With our own families and employees living and working in this community, we value and seek to be stewards of service and support to the families that benefit from United Way. Giving back and having a purpose-driven mission mirrors both United Way’s mission as well as our own company mission at Nexus Pharmaceuticals. We seek to be an active partner in the community for various philanthropic initiatives and echo United Way’s efforts in furthering education and investing in the positive development of our community’s youth.”

Thank you, Nexus, for partnering with us to address critical community needs and build a stronger, equitable Lake County!

If you’re interested in joining Nexus and other companies to create a successful workplace campaign or volunteer opportunity, please reach out.