United Way of Lake County | Blog Archives - Page 3 of 4

19 Jul

January 2019 e-Newsletter

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Newsletter

Waukegan Kindergarten Readiness Improves From 6% to 57%

During fall 2018, United Way of Lake County conducted the fifth Kindergarten Readiness Assessment in Waukegan. United Way has conducted this assessment every three years in Waukegan since 2006. Twelve years ago, a baseline assessment showed that only 6% of the children in Waukegan Public Schools had the skills needed to be successful in kindergarten. The results were a call to action for United Way to launch the Success By 6 Program, designed to promote healthy early childhood development to ensure children enter school ready to succeed.

Today, based on the same assessment, we are thrilled to announce that the percentage of Waukegan children who arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed in school has increased from 6% to 57%!

The Success By 6 Program is very excited to continue its efforts to increase kindergarten readiness in Waukegan and is grateful to everyone who made this 2018 assessment possible. A special thank you to the teachers, staff and principals at Waukegan School District! This wouldn’t have been possible without your support.

Learn more about the Success By 6 Program by clicking below.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

There are several upcoming volunteer opportunities that you or your company can get involved in. Here are three examples of upcoming one-time opportunities:

STEM for Girls

When: Saturday, February 23, 2019 (11:45 a.m. – 1:10 p.m.)

Where: College of Lake County Grayslake Campus

STEM for Girls is a free event for girls in grades 7 through 12 who are interested in STEM Programs. During the Lunch and Learn, volunteers will share how STEM degrees impact their companies. Volunteers representing a STEM related company come and share with girls and their parents about STEM careers, internships, and scholarship opportunities at their companies.

Host a Job Shadow Half-Day with High School Students

This is a unique opportunity for companies to have a personal engagement with high school students over one morning. Educations Talent Search/TRIO at College of Lake County has requested four job shadow opportunities for their partnering high schools: Waukegan High School, North Chicago High School, Round Lake High School, and Zion-Benton Township High School.

ETS/TRIO serves first generation college-bound students. This event will allow students to visit companies to learn more about professional work life. This interaction will allow students the opportunity to engage with volunteer professionals, ask questions and learn to network. A typical outing includes 30-40 students “job shadowing” 15 company employees.

Dr. Seuss Readers

Join us on March 1, 2019, to participate in Dr. Seuss’ Birthday and Read Across America Day. Volunteers will be “guest readers” and share their love of reading with kindergarten through third grade children.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Bobbi Selvik at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

View our full list of volunteer opportunities – both one-time and ongoing – by clicking the button below.

211 Coming Soon to lake County

At the end of 2018, United Way of Lake County announced that our goal to launch 211 in Lake County has been reached!

211 is a powerful information referral service, equipped with tools to solve problems of all magnitudes including crisis and disaster phone calls and texts. Currently, 94% of our country has an established 211 program but less than 30% of Illinois residents have access to 211 and Lake County, IL residents do not have any access. Thanks to the support of many local partners, United Way will change that in Spring 2019 when we launch 211 in Lake County!

But our work is not over! Working together, we can provide this vital service for many years to come and ensure that all 703,000 Lake County residents have access to critical information and resources. Together, we can ensure that Lake County’s 211 system transforms the way our residents find help.

If you’d like to make a gift to help sustain 211 in year two, please click here.

Thank you to our following partners who are supporting the 211 implementation in Lake County:

Learn more about 211 Lake County by clicking the button below.
Want to receive updates about 211 Lake County via email? Click here to sign-up.

Host a Dr. Seuss Book Drive

On March 1, we are celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day. For the last several years, we have organized 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 22. We need books in both English and Spanish.

To coordinate a drop-off, contact Karla Medina Alamar at Karla.Alamar@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1010.

New Board Members Spotlight

United Way of Lake County recently welcomed new members to the Board of Directors. hear from Paul Lotharius and Steve Carlson about why they decided to join UWLC’s Board. Click the buttons below to read their full Q&As.

“Joining the UWLC Board is a way of feeling connected to, and a part of, something that is bigger than just me and my family”.

-Paul Lotharius, President/CEO of HeatlhFitness at Trustmark Companies

“Working to bring 211 to Lake County, I’ve become acquainted with the many remarkable, dedicated people in the United Way organization”.

-Steve Carlson, Lake County Board Member

Marketing Internship Opportunity

Know a college student looking for a Marketing/Communications internship? Interning with United Way is a great way to get hands on experience, learn new skills and make a difference in your community, all while building your resume.

Want to apply? Send your cover letter and resume to Rita at Rita.Zaluzec@uwlakeco.org

Click the button below to learn more.

Women United Invites You to the Next Wine & Learn

Start off 2019 with new friendships, connections and a renewed purpose! Join us on January 31 at 6 p.m. in Libertyville to learn more about membership with Women United and the way we mobilize our efforts to support early childhood literacy.

Together we strengthen Lake County through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism with a flexible program structure that enables busy, successful women to engage at whatever level works best for them. Be a part of something bigger this year.

Want to Join? Please RSVP to Janice at Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org before January 28.

Learn more about the event on Facebook by clicking the button below.

Thank You, Wolters Kluwer!

Our sincere thanks to Melissa O’Keefe, Jennifer Robertson and the Charitable Contributions Committee at Wolters Kluwer in Riverwoods, Illinois for their generous year-end gift.

These funds will support our vision to assure that Lake County children and families are successful in school, work, and life.

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.

01 Jul

June 2019 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

Local Organizations Help United Way ‘Stuff the Bus’

Several local companies, organizations and individuals have come together this summer to make a difference for children in Lake County by participating in United Way’s Stuff the Bus donation drive. They are collecting school supplies and backpacks for children from low-income families so they have everything they need to begin the school year ready to learn.

Studies show that children having school supplies of their own can improve grades, creativity, attitudes towards learning, behavior, peer relationships and self-esteem, paving the way to a better education and a successful future. United Way believes children should have the chance to succeed in school, regardless of income. We believe that the future of Lake County starts with preparing children to succeed in school today.

Want to help United Way Stuff the Bus? Now through July 26, you can contribute as an individual or your company/organization can team up to make a difference! Learn more by clicking below.

A big thank you to all of the generous companies and organizations that are collecting donations for Stuff the Bus!

Career Speakers Highlight

Many students in our community often do not have the resources available to gain exposure from professional role models essential for developing career interests. Through our Stay in School Program, we aim to help bridge that gap by coordinating Career Speaker visits with small groups of Waukegan students. Career Speakers are successful local professionals who demonstrate the value of staying in school and illustrate the direct connection between academics and future success.

This school year, we continued to work with three student groups at Abbott Middle School in Waukegan: Young Ladies of Distinction, Young Men of Vision and Jr. National Honor Society. Our Career Speaker volunteers included:

Carlos Alban, Vice Chairman and Chief Commercial Officer, AbbVie
Dean Hintzmann, Retired
Karen Jones, Abbott Retiree and Women United Member
Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer
Beth Krenzer, Global Manufacturing Consultant and Women United Member
Anton Mathews, Community Outreach Coordinator, Lake County Treasurer Office
Tony Thompson, Abbott Retiree
Cynthia Vargas, Lake County Courthouse
Mike Zafirovski, Founder & President , The Zaf Group

Click on the highlighted names to learn more about what the speaker discussed and to view photos from their visit.

Become a Reading Success Tutor

Do you enjoy working with elementary-age children? Do you want to make a difference in the community you live in or near? United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success Program welcomes you!

Our program serves elementary schools in Waukegan and we place volunteers in first through third grade classrooms. No prior experience required, only a love of children and books! We are always in need of bilingual Spanish speaking volunteers. To be a volunteer tutor, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Pass a background check
Commit to 1 hour per week in the classroom

If you are interested in volunteering as a Reading Success tutor, simply fill out this online form with your basic information. Our volunteer coordinator will call or email you with more information in a few days. Volunteering begins in late September and early October. Our program runs through the end of May.

For more information, please contact Sue at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org or
(847) 775-1032.

Volunteers in Action: BMO Harris Bank

This year, BMO Harris volunteers used their creativity to assemble and decorate 400 Literacy Kits for the students that will participate in this year’s Kindergarten Countdown Camp! Volunteers also filled 140 backpacks! Each backpack will be a significant help to a low-income family in need of support during the back to school season. For every kit created and backpack filled, there is one more Lake County child ready to learn.

From everyone at United Way of Lake County, thank you BMO for helping our children succeed, we are lucky to partner with you for BMO Volunteer Day!

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

Preventing the “Summer Slide”

Over the course of the summer, idle, low-income students lose two to three months’ worth of reading skills compared to students who are not low-income. Some call this “summer slide”. To address summer slide, we developed Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), an initiative under our Success By 6 Program, designed to bridge the gap for Lake County’s youngest learners.

The free camps are open to incoming kindergartners with little to no preschool experience nor have been in a classroom setting. At KCC, licensed teachers focus on teaching children the basic skills needed for Kindergarten, such as knowing their letters, numbers and how to write their name. The children learn the routine of school, develop new skills, meet new friends and realize they can succeed in a school setting.

Preventing summer slide is a considerable factor in ensuring all Lake County children are on a pathway to future success. Click below to read the full article.

A Lovely Thank You to Women United

Women United recently received a very thoughtful thank you video from the B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program, one of their philanthropy fund grantees! Women United’s funding will continue to allow this Round Lake Area Park District program to provide 20 scholarships for children who otherwise would not have access to preschool. We are always excited to see more opportunities for children to get prepared for kindergarten and ready to learn.

Check out the video below!

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!

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.

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.

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.

25 Apr

April 2019 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

Thank You to Our Wonderful Volunteers!

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’d like to say “Thank You” to our incredible volunteers! Our work is simply not possible without our volunteers and we are truly grateful for the dedication, time and the talent of people, like you.

Click the button below to view a video of our staff thanking our AMAZING volunteers. We hope it brings a smile to your face!

Volunteer Opportunity: Reading Buddies

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.

Volunteer Opportunity: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

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 kindergarteners 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.

211: One Step Closer to Launch in Lake County

Last week on social media, we shared the exciting news that we signed a contract with our call center, which means we’re one step closer to launching 211 in Lake County!

211 is a free and confidential helpline that can be easily accessed 24 hours a day, every day of the year, connecting individuals and families to health and human services in their community. The service will connect residents to various resources from shelter and housing options, supplemental food programs, health care and mental health services, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling and more to help improve and save lives.

Want to stay up-to-date on the pending launch of 211 in Lake County? Sign-up for our 211 e-Newsletter below.

We’re Pleased To Present Our 2018 Annual Report

Thanks to your generosity and kindness, we are transforming communities by bringing together people who have the passion, the expertise and the resources needed to get things done.

We are proud of all that we have achieved together and extend our deepest thanks for the financial resources our supporters have entrusted us with to create lasting change for children and families in Lake County.

Women United Invites You to the Next Wine & Learn

Have you been looking for a way to support the Lake County community and meet some amazing women in the process? Join us on May 9 at 6 p.m. in Lake Forest to learn more about membership with Women United and the way we mobilize our efforts to support early childhood literacy.

Women United members strengthen Lake County through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism with a flexible program structure that enables busy, successful women to engage at whatever level works best for them. Become a part of something bigger!

Want to Join? Please RSVP to Janice at Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org before Monday, May 6. Learn more about the event on Facebook by clicking below.

You’re Invited to our Annual Meeting

Join us for United Way of Lake County’s Annual Meeting event on Thursday, May 16, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.! Enjoy a delicious reception at our Conference Center while networking with other Lake County leaders and advocates.

During the event, you’ll hear about United Way’s successful work in the community as we honor outgoing Board Chair, Andrew Warrington, and welcome incoming Board Chair, Carla Zuniga.

Registration is free, we just ask that you RSVP by Wednesday, May 15. We hope to see you there! To RSVP, please click below.

25 Oct

October 2018 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

2-1-1 Expected to Launch in Spring 2019

United Way of Lake County’s free, confidential county-wide referral service is one step closer to reality thanks to support from the Lake County Government Board. Soon, residents will simply be able to dial 2-1-1 for personal assistance, much like they dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. The new 2-1-1 service will connect residents to various resources from shelter and housing options, supplemental food programs, services for veterans, health care, and many other critical services to help improve and save lives.

The Board recently voted to allocate $80,000 in video gaming revenue to 2-1-1. Due to this additional funding, we are excited to announce that our expected launch date of 2-1-1 is Spring of 2019.

Watch this video as Lake County Board Member Steve Carlson explains what this service will do for residents in Lake County.

“This will change lives. This will save lives. This is one of the most important things we’ve done on this board in many years.”
– Steve Carlson, Lake County Board Member

Click below to sign-up to receive our 2-1-1 communications so you can stay up-to-date on the pending launch in Lake County.

New Board Members Spotlight

United Way of Lake County recently welcomed seven new members to the Board of Directors. In September, we highlighted Kate Collins and Maria Colunga. Next up, hear from Lori Suddick and Demar Harris about why they decided to join the Board. Click the buttons below to read their full Q&As.

“I want to contribute my time to helping others and I think engaging in community impact work through United Way is a great way to do so.”

-Lori Suddick, President, College of Lake County

“I want to be part of that agent of change within Lake County and leverage any resources I encompass to contribute to future generations.”

-Demar Harris, Director of Programs and EEO Officer, County of Lake – Workforce Development

Save the Date: Giving Tuesday – November 27, 2018

Giving Tuesday is a global holiday dedicated to giving back to your local community and takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Join this global movement by supporting United Way.

This year, your Giving Tuesday gift to United Way of Lake County will help expand our Home Visiting Program. Home Visiting delivers free early intervention services to the home of families with infants and preschool-age children who are struggling with poverty and who have limited access to health and community services.

United Way developed, fine-tuned and implemented Home Visiting to produce measurable outcomes that lead to long-term benefits for low-income, high-risk children and their families living in Waukegan, North Chicago and Zion. Since 2007, Home Visiting has successfully provided a linkage to care for more than 900 high-risk families (4,000 individuals).

Why Give on Giving Tuesday?
Our matching gift sponsor, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, will be matching 100% of Giving Tuesday donations up to $5,000. A matching gift means that our impact will double for children and families that need and deserve our help.

Click below to learn how to get involved with Giving Tuesday this year.

Support Mundelein Students and Success By 6

Mundelein High School recently announced that our Success By 6 Program will be the recipient of the proceeds from their Variety Show on Friday, November 2, at 7 p.m. We are so grateful and excited to be selected! We encourage everyone to support the wonderful students at Mundelein High by attending their show.

The show will take place at the high school’s auditorium. Admission is only $3 for all seats. Among the acts performing this year are vocal soloists and duets, dance soloists, duets and groups, and an instrumental group entry.

Click below to view the show’s poster.

Staff Spotlight: Karla Medina Alamar

Recently, we welcomed Karla Medina Alamar to our United Way family! We are thrilled to have her as our new Community Impact Initiative Coordinator. Karla is mainly responsible for volunteer engagement and project outreach.

Learn more about Karla and her work at United Way by clicking below.

In Memory of Charles Bassett

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our long-time friend and volunteer, Charles Bassett. Charles passed away on Friday, September 28. Charles really enjoyed giving back to the community. He had been volunteering with us since 2004. He was kind, caring and he truly enjoyed being a member of the United Way family.

He also volunteered for the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, was a member of the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless, and worked in the division of Developmental Disabilities for the Department of Human Services before retiring. Charles will be greatly missed.

-Kristi Long, President and CEO

Connect With Us On Social Media

Want to keep in touch more often than just our once-a-month newsletter? Become a part of our social community by following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram, where you can see what’s new, share your thoughts and be among the first to know about all the ways that United Way is creating lasting change in Lake County.

01 Oct

September 2018 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

Kicking Off Employee Giving Campaigns

For us at United Way, September brings the kick-off of Employee Giving Campaigns.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been sharing some personal stories from donors and volunteers on our blog and social media. We asked them to share why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County.

Hear from our long-time leader in giving, Azita Saleki-Gerhardt, about why she continues to support United Way of Lake County.

“The impact of United Way is local, and where it’s needed most. I’m proud of our company’s commitment to this incredible organization.”
– Azita Saleki-Gerhardt

Read her full Q&A by clicking the button below.

New Board Members Spotlight

United Way of Lake County recently welcomed seven new members to the Board of Directors. We will be highlighting each of the new members in this newsletter over the next few months.

First up, hear from Kate Collins and Maria Colunga about why they decided to join the Board. Click the buttons below to read their full Q&As.

“There is a world of need and many ways to provide support, but starting with the health and welfare of our local communities feels right to me.”

-Kate Collins

“United Way is a great example of an organization that links action with compassion to support improved outcomes for children and families.”

-Maria Colunga, Parent Coordinator, Round Lake Area School District #116

Volunteers in Action: Baxter

This summer, six groups of Baxter employees volunteered their time to revitalize and support local organizations. Each group did something different; from sorting books to cleaning a beach to organizing a bingo game at a nursing home.

Thank you, Baxter, for encouraging your employees to take time out of their workday to create lasting change in Lake County!

View all of the places they made a difference by clicking the button below.

You’re Invited: Power of the Purse

Join Women United for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse, on Sunday, November 4 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. Enjoy a champagne brunch and an upbeat afternoon celebrating the special women in your life.

All proceeds will support critical early literacy programs through the Little Kids, Big Futures Fund. Since 2014, Women United has distributed over $370,000 to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Purchase your tickets by Friday, October 12, to be entered in the Early Bird Raffle to win an eSBe necklace!

Space is limited. Get your tickets by clicking below.

Introducing our Leadership Directory

We are excited to share our Leadership Directory recognizing our top supporters. Thanks to their continued support, children and families are on a path for success, and their future success ensures the success of our businesses and communities. For every program, every new initiative and every dollar raised, individual lives are being changed forever.

Click the button below to view our 2017-2018 Leadership Directory.

We’re Hiring

Did you know that UWLC is hiring? Apply today!

Click below to find job descriptions and learn more.

Connect With Us On Social Media

28 Aug

August 2018 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

Introducing Our 2018 Campaign Video

We are thrilled to share our new campaign video! Because of you, we are helping alter the trajectory of a child’s life by investing in them during the most critical years of their development and creating a path towards prosperity.

A special thank you to Daugherty Business Solutions for their time and work to bring our programs to life in this video. Check it out below!

Caterpillar: New to Lake County and Already Giving Back

On August 14, a group of 20 volunteers from Caterpillar created an Early Learning Trail at East Elementary in Zion. Early Learning Trails are great because they can spark meaningful learning moments for a child as they begin their first day of school.

Welcome to Lake County, Caterpillar, and thank you for making a difference in the community!

Watch a slideshow of photos from the volunteer event by clicking below.

Lake County Townships Come Together to Invest in 2-1-1

United Way of Lake County is engaging local townships to invest in 2-1-1, an information and referral service available 24/7 through phone, chat and email.

Currently, 94% of the United States has an established 2-1-1 program. Unfortunately, Illinois has less than 30% coverage with no coverage in Lake County. Implementing 2-1-1 would transform the way Lake County residents access critical information and resources in time of need.

United Way, alongside participating townships, have begun building a coalition of support for 2-1-1.

Currently, over $42,000 has been raised from the following townships:

Benton Township
Libertyville Township
Vernon Township
Warren Township
Waukegan Township
West Deerfield Township
Zion Township

In addition to building the township coalition, United Way is working with the Lake County Government, local businesses and individual donors in the community to fund the launch of 2-1-1.

Working together, we can bring 2-1-1 to Lake County and transform the way our residents get help and set the new standard for 2-1-1 in Illinois. To learn more about bringing 2-1-1 to Lake County and ways to get involved, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/211. To support the pending launch of 2-1-1, click below.

Volunteer as a Reading Success Tutor

Do you enjoy working with elementary-age children? Do you want to make a difference in the community you live in or near? United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success Program welcomes you!

Learn about the requirements to become a tutor and more in this NEW video!

If you are interested in volunteering as a Reading Success tutor, simply fill out this online form with your basic information. Our volunteer coordinator will call or email you with more information in a few days. Volunteering begins in late September and early October and runs through the end of May.

For more information, please contact Sue at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1032.

Kindergarten Countdown Camp Comes to a Close

Over the course of the summer, idle, low-income students lose two to three months worth of reading skills compared to students who are non-low-income. The National Summer Learning Association describes this trend as “summer learning loss”. To address the summer learning loss, United Way developed Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), an initiative, under our Success By 6 Program, designed to bridge the gap for Lake County’s youngest learners.

Just this summer, KCC served 100 students at 4 schools throughout Lake County. Now 100 kids have the basic skills they need to start school off on the right foot!

You can hear from several different people involved with KCC, such as teachers, parents and volunteers, by checking out the blog series linked below.

We also had the opportunity to film a KCC classroom participating in an interactive mud and water activity coordinated by Kohl Children’s Museum. View the Facebook LIVE video here.

Women United Raised $12,500 at Bingo Event

On August 4, Women United’s “Booze, Bites, Beats & Bingo” fundraising event raised $12,500 to support critical early literacy programs through their Little Kids, Big Futures Fund! Since 2014, Women United has distributed over $370,000 to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Thank you to all of the donors and attendees who helped make the event a success, and a special thank you to the following sponsors:

View photos of the event by clicking the button below.

Summer Intern Spotlight

United Way of Lake County relies heavily on the work of volunteers to help make an impact in local communities. This includes our interns who are ready to volunteer their time and effort to help make a difference. These interns are a valuable part of what we do and how we do it.

This summer, we had the pleasure of working with three bright, young women: Amy Juarez, Emma Paukert, and Anna Kedjidjian. Click on each of their names to learn more about them and the work they did for us.

Interested in interning with us? Click the button below to learn more.

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25 Jul

July 2018 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

Premier Leadership Event Raises Over $210,000 For Our Education Programs

On June 26, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our fifth annual Premier Leadership Event at the Warbird Heritage Foundation in Waukegan. We are proud to share that over $210,000 was raised to support United Way’s education programs and the pending launch of 2-1-1 thanks to the generosity of our guests and sponsors.

We would like to say a special thank you to Paul Wood, Skip Goss and Herwig Schmidts for their hospitality and partnership to make our Premier Leadership Event happen.

A special thank you goes to the following event sponsors for their support:

Click the button below to view a video recap of the event. Click here to view all of the photos from the night.

Join in on the Summer FUNdraiser!

Grab your friends and join Women United for a night of summer fun to support early childhood literacy in Lake County. On Saturday, August 4, Women United invites you to their Booze, Bites, Beats and Bingo event at the North Shore Distillery in Lake Bluff.

There will be something for everyone:

Live band
BINGO
Custom cocktails (with and without alcohol)
Cocktail making demonstration
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Simulator
Silent auction, 50/50 raffle, prizes and more!

All proceeds will support critical early prevention and early literacy programs through their Little Kids, Big Futures Fund. Since 2014, Women United has distributed over $370,000 to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Tickets are available now. Click the button below to buy your tickets.

Volunteers in Action: Snap-On Credit

On July 11, a group of 20 volunteers from Snap-On Credit helped paint Early Learning Trails outside the Robert W. Rolek Community Center in Round Lake. Early Learning Trails are great because they can spark meaningful learning moments for a child as they begin their first day of school.

Thank you, Snap-On Credit! Together, we are transforming communities and expanding our impact to ensure that kids entering kindergarten today receive the support they need to be successful in school and life.

Watch a slideshow of photos from this volunteer event by clicking below.

Program Highlight: Kindergarten Countdown Camp in Round Lake

Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), an initiative under our Success By 6 Program, was designed to bridge the “opportunity gap” for Lake County’s youngest learners. These free camps are open to incoming kindergartners with little to no preschool experience nor have been in a classroom setting. This summer, we have KCCs in four communities, including Round Lake, where we are serving 29 students.

Round Lake’s KCC is taking place at Pleviak Elementary School. We recently spoke with the principal at Pleviak, Jason Smith. One of the questions we asked him is why he thinks it’s so important for children to be on track and ready to learn when first starting kindergarten. He had this to say:

“Recent research has shown that students that lack any formal preschool experience often start kindergarten at a disadvantage when it comes to basic literacy, numeracy, social and emotional skills. The more that parents can do to prepare their children for their first formal year in education, the better! A successful year of kindergarten often translates to success in elementary school and beyond.”

Read Jason’s full Q & A by clicking below.

Program Highlight: Kindergarten Countdown Camp in North Chicago

This summer, we are providing Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) in four communities, including North Chicago.

Since 2016, Women United has built a strong partnership with the North Chicago community, providing resources and funding to support many early childhood programs at the Green Bay Early Childhood Center. Earlier this year, Women United allocated $60,000 to KCC, which allowed the program to expand into the North Chicago and Round Lake communities. Members of Women United also get involved in KCC by volunteering their time as “Reading Buddies”.

Diana Nielander, Women United’s Affinity Group Manager, had this to say about KCC:

“We are thankful to have worked within the North Chicago community over the past few years. We loved getting into Green Bay Early Childhood Center and providing some of the resources needed to enhance the children’s learning experiences. We are proud to be able to continue our presence there now and provide additional funding for exceptional programs. We believe that these layered services have the biggest impact.”

Read more about Women United’s connection to KCC and the North Chicago community by clicking below.

Become a Reading Success Tutor

Do you enjoy working with elementary-age children? Do you want to make a difference in the community you live in or near? United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success Program welcomes you! Our program serves elementary schools in Waukegan and we place volunteers in first through third grade classrooms. No prior experience is required. We are always in need of bilingual Spanish speaking volunteers. To be a volunteer tutor, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Pass a background check
Commit to 1 hour per week in the classroom

For more information, please contact Sue at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org or
(847) 775-1032.

Learn More About Women United at Wine & Learn

Women United invites you to attend their next Wine & Learn on Tuesday, August 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. to learn how this amazing group of women mobilizes leaders and resources in Lake County, while connecting and having fun through philanthropy. The meeting will be held at a member’s home in Libertyville.

What to expect:

Member meet and greet
Member Q & A
Membership information
Refreshments

Want to RSVP or ask a question? Contact Janice at janice.scarbalis@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1033.

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21 Jun

June 2018 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

Program Highlight: Early Reading Success

Last year, our Reading Success Program launched a new initiative called Early Reading Success, a program developed to expose kindergarten students to the basics of reading. In this initiative, trained volunteers read stories to small groups of children and lead them in a short activity related to what they have just read.

Early Reading Success just completed its school year in three Waukegan elementary schools, serving about 75 students. All students, in participating classrooms, went home at the end of the year with a summer practice packet (pictured above) and book to continue their love of reading and learning during the summer months, and to prevent summer slide.

Check out our recent blog article to learn more about summer slide and how United Way is helping prevent summer learning loss in Lake County.

Join in on the Summer FUNdraiser!

Women United invites you to the North Shore Distillery on Saturday, August 4 for a fun night of custom cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), bingo, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, distillery tour, prizes and a cocktail making demonstration! This event is for both men and women.

Tickets are now on sale! Click below to reserve your spot by July 24.

Volunteers in Action: AbbVie

On May 30, a group of more than 40 volunteers from AbbVie helped revitalize One Hope United’s Lake Villa location. AbbVie employees spent their day painting, cleaning, building a fence, organizing the library and beautifying the grounds. Thank you, AbbVie, for making a difference in Lake County!

Watch a slideshow of photos from the volunteer event by clicking below.

Preventing the “Summer Slide”

Over the course of the summer, idle, low-income students lose two to three months worth of reading skills compared to students who are not low-income. Some call this “summer slide”. To address summer slide, we developed Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), an initiative under our Success By 6 Program, designed to bridge the gap for Lake County’s youngest learners.

Preventing summer slide is a considerable factor in ensuring all Lake County children are on a pathway to future success. Click below to read the full article.

Program Highlight: Better Together

Our Success By 6 Program’s Better Together initiative just completed its spring sessions at Green Bay Early Childhood Center in North Chicago. Since its inception, Better Together has provided a community for parents to learn how to be their child’s first teacher and provide a safe place where children (birth to three) can develop the readiness, physical and cognitive skills crucial to their education.

In July, Better Together will begin its summer sessions that will include interesting and fun activities to help prepare participating children for future school success. If you know of someone who is interested in attending a weekly class of learning, playing and developing school readiness skills with their child, age birth to three, contact Rosa Herrera at rosa.herrera@uwlakeco.org.

To learn more about Better Together summer sessions, click below.

A Lovely Thank You to Women United

Women United recently received a very thoughtful thank you video from the B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program, one of their philanthropy fund grantees! Women United’s funding will continue to allow this Round Lake Area Park District program to provide 20 scholarships for children who otherwise would not have access to preschool. We are always excited to see more opportunities for children to get prepared for kindergarten and ready to learn.

Check out the video below!

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22 May

May 2018 e-Newsletter

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Newsletter

Women United Distributes $133,250 In Grants

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 $133,250 in grants through its Little Kids, Big Futures Fund to support six critical early intervention and early literacy programs. Since 2014, Women United has distributed over $375,000 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.

Proceeds From Golf Championship Benefit United Way

Come see the future stars of the PGA TOUR at the Rust-Oleum Championship on June 4-10, 2018 at the Ivanhoe Club.

Charitable giving is a core element of the championship with all proceeds benefiting local charities. Please consider selecting the United Way of Lake County at checkout!

Weekly grounds passes are available for only $20, and daily pavilion passes are also available. Children under 17 are admitted at no charge with a paying adult. A Kid Zone with youth-oriented activities including face painting and a bounce house will be featured near the clubhouse on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10. A craft beer and wine tasting for adults will also be available near the 17th hole on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10.

To learn more and register, click below.

Sights and Sounds From Our Annual Meeting Event

Lake County advocates and community members joined us to hear about our successful work in the community, honor our outgoing and incoming board members, as well as watch the premiere of our 2018 Outstanding Volunteer recognition video where we highlight four SUPER volunteers.

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

Scott Jones, Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Carl Skoog, BMO Harris Bank

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

Maria Colunga, Round Lake Area Schools (pictured above)
Dru Garcia, Lake County Partners
Demar Harris, Lake County Government Workforce Development (pictured above)

To meet our 2018 SUPER volunteers featured in our video and learn about their connection with United Way, click the button below.

New Volunteer Opportunity: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

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 kindergarteners 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 5-10 weeks, between June 11 and August 16. For more details, click below.

School Year In Review: Career Speakers

Many students in our community often times do not have the resources available to gain exposure from professional role models essential for developing career interests. Through our Stay in School Program, we aim to help bridge that gap by coordinating Career Speakers visits with small groups of Waukegan students. Career Speakers are successful local professionals who demonstrate the value of staying in school and illustrate the direct connection between academics and future success.

This school year, we worked with two student groups at Abbott Middle School in Waukegan, Young Ladies of Distinction and Young Men of Vision. Read more about each Career Speaker by clicking below.

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Board Chair Spotlight: Andrew Warrington

This month, we published a special blog highlighting our current Board Chairman, Andrew Warrington. Andrew is President and CEO of United Conveyor Corporation and has served on our board since 2014 and just celebrated his first year as Board Chairman this May!

In the blog below, Andrew discusses what inspired him to serve on United Way of Lake County’s Board and his personal connection with United Way’s education programs.

United Way Participates in Congressman Schneider’s E3 Summit

On April 14, Congressman Brad Schneider hosted a public symposium to discuss the future of our economy, environment, and education with thought leaders and experts from across Illinois’s Tenth District.

United Way of Lake County’s Vice President of Community Impact, Michelle Crombie, along with Round Lake Area B.E.S.T. Coalition and Steans Family Foundation participated in the E3 Summit’s education panel discussion on expanding access to Pre-K.

Click the button below to learn more about the challenges, uncertainties and need for access to quality early childhood programs in Illinois.

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