Tag: Education

11 Dec

Better Together: A Parent’s Perspective

by Jennifer StromCategories: News

To share another glimpse into our Better Together Program, we interviewed Rosio, a mother participating in the program with her son, Leonardo. The 2017 fall session, taking place at Green Bay Elementary School in North Chicago, began September 7 and continues until December 21.

HOW HAS THE BETTER TOGETHER PROGRAM BENEFITED YOU AND YOUR SON?

In a lot of ways. First and foremost, my child knows a lot more. He has learned how to be with other kids and is surrounded by other adults other than myself. For me, it has given me more time to dedicate to him.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN YOUR SON?

Now he likes to read. With the support of our teacher, Ms. Sharon, I have learned several new approaches to help him like being read to.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR YOUR SON?

I want him to be a successful man in every sense and to be a good man.

WHICH SESSION HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL AND HOW DID IT BENEFIT YOUR SON?

All of them have been good, but the most impactful one was the first session. I remember coming to the classroom and being marveled by everything both my son and I saw; it was a new experience for both of us. He was very curious and especially enjoyed the art area. It was something new and beautiful. He was very happy.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION?

I’m very appreciative of the teacher, Ms. Sharon, and the two staff members from United Way of Lake County, Ms. Rosa and Ms. Katherine, because they all observe and want to help me. I always enjoy that they have something new at every session and I learn new ideas to teach my son.

To read our past Better Together blog posts and learn more about the program, click here.

16 Oct

Better Together: From a Mother’s Perspective

by Jennifer StromCategories: News

To share a glimpse into our Better Together Program — continuing this fall at Green Bay Elementary School in North Chicago — we interviewed a mother who is participating in the program with her son.

HOW HAS THE BETTER TOGETHER PROGRAM BENEFITED YOU AND YOUR CHILD?

The program allows me and my son to be together without distractions. I like that no phones are allowed. Plus, we both get to learn new things.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN YOUR CHILD?

I have seen improvements in my son’s social skills. He is less shy and talks more.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR YOUR CHILD?

My hope is that my son grows up to be prepared and that he tackles obstacles with an open mind. My dream is that he becomes a priest.

WHICH SESSION HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL AND HOW DID IT BENEFIT YOUR CHILD?

I will never forget the first Better Together session we attended where he first played and interacted with others. Because of this increase in interaction, my son is more prepared for daycare and school.

To read our past Better Together blog posts and learn more about the program, click here.

25 Sep

AmeriCorps VISTA: Katherine Velazquez

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

We are thrilled to welcome Katherine Velazquez to our United Way of Lake County team. Katherine will be joining us as our AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member working on our Success By 6 team. Join us in welcoming Katherine!

  1. What is your name? Katherine Velazquez
  2. Where did you go to school? I went to Central Connecticut State University
  3. What was your major? I graduated in 2016 with a Bachelors in Sociology
  4. Where are you from? Southington, Connecticut
  5. What’s your favorite restaurant/food? Chipotle is one of my favorite restaurants and my favorite food is a tie between Mexican cuisine and Japanese cuisine
  6. What is something interesting that no one knows about you? I have a HUGE fear of ketchup
  7. If you had to sing one karaoke song for the rest of your life, what would it be? That’s such a hard question but I would have to say Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
  8. What is the best movie in the world and why do you think so? Lilo and Stitch. Hands down, this movie is so much about family with no love story. “Lilo” actually translates to “lost” so it is “Stitch’s” job to “stitch” them back together. I can watch that movie a million times.

If you’d like to learn more about our past AmeriCorps VISTA, click here.

25 Sep

Better Together: Fall 2017 Session

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

Our Better Together Program has started back up this fall at Green Bay Elementary School in North Chicago. We are thrilled to continue our Better Together blog series to give our supporters a first-hand look into this program and the children and families it serves. For our first post, we asked our Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator, Rosa Herrera, to give some history on this program and why it was developed in North Chicago.

What is Better Together?

United Way of Lake County’s Better Together Program was developed to increase services for North Chicago families with children birth to 3-years of age. Our Better Together Initiative started in the Fall of 2016, in a joint collaboration of Green Bay Early Childhood Center, our Women’s Leadership Council and our Success By 6 Program.

Success By 6’s goal in North Chicago is to improve key school readiness skills and improve parent engagement in learning for children ages birth to age five. With the implementation of Better Together in North Chicago we engage the child’s “special adult” to proactively explore and implement tools and techniques to become their child’s first teacher. In collaboration of the child’s “special adult” we help children develop age-appropriate social, emotional, and intellectual skills needed to begin school ready to learn.

Share a bit about the population Better Together serves.

Illinois Report Card (NC-SD 187) 2015-2016 demonstrates over 80% of its student population as low income students. While North Chicago faces many challenges, Better Together seeks to provide equitable opportunities to increase school readiness and lifelong success. We strive to create an inclusive environment where families feel comfortable and safe to support their child’s early development.

At Better Together you will find families who live in North Chicago and on the Great Lakes Naval Base. A camaraderie is formed as families understand they share a common goal of wanting their child to accomplish their dreams. We recognize that every child is unique with an array of strengths and abilities and meet the child and their families where they are at. At Better Together we understand the uniqueness of each individual; respect the diversity in families and children; and recognize that children are best supported and understood in the context of culture, family, community and society.

What has the outcome been for children and families that have participated in the program?

The families of Better Together are guided to create better outcomes for their child’s growth and development. Both adults and children develop a sense of belonging, self-worth, and ownership as they contribute to the group’s efforts, as well as learning how to effectively express themselves amongst others. By sharing their experiences they are connected and encouraged by other families who face similar circumstances.

Our commitment in Better Together is to create an environment where parents and children are exposed to learning tools they can use in everyday life. In every session we engage children on a variety of levels, whether it’s through interest-driven activities or encouraging them to learn a new skill; the opportunities are endless. Exposing them to such experiences promotes social, emotional and intellectual skills of children.

What positive changes has the community seen through this program?

Through the application of a variety of materials such as, books, toys, and pictures, that are culturally responsive to our classroom environment families see themselves portrayed in the larger context of their community. By creating a solid foundation in which families understand that they play a critical role in stimulating their child’s growth and development, we carve a path to future success. Ultimately, with this solid foundation, Better Together children will have a greater chance of achieving their education and lifelong goals. Preparing them to become our future workforce, citizenry and leaders of our communities.

In October, we will share a mother’s perspective on the program. To view our past Better Together blog posts, click here.

18 Sep

Meet the Interns: Abygail Perez

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

This autumn we are excited to welcome Abygail Perez, our newest intern! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County. Our interns have participated in putting on programs like Success by 6, Reading Success and Kindergarten Countdown Camp. Join us in welcoming Aby!

  1. What is your name? Abygail Perez (Aby for short)
  2. Where do you go to school? Northeastern Illinois University
  3. What is your major/what year in school are you? Senior, Social Work
  4. Where are you from? Born and raised in the city of Chicago, IL
  5. What’s your favorite restaurant/food? Tacos, Sandwiches, Pizza
  6. What is something interesting that no one knows about you? I think at times I am slightly psychic, like I can picture things before they happen.
  7. If you had to sing one karaoke song for the rest of your life, what would it be? “Como la Flor” – Selena
  8. What is the best movie in the world and why do you think so? White Chicks, because the Wayne brothers are hilarious!
15 Sep

Bear Down: United Way’s Partnership with the NFL

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

At United Way of Lake County, we believe that preparing children to thrive in school is the best way to disrupt poverty. That’s why we engage in activities that are focused on ensuring children are ready for their first day of school, students are reading at grade level, and that youth is graduating from high school with a plan for their future.

We appreciate the time you’ve spent with us to learn more about United Way of Lake County and our mission to build a stronger community for generations to come.

This past Sunday United Way of Lake County staff had a table at the Chicago Bears home opener game against the Atlanta Falcons. Our staff passed on materials on United Way’s education programs and also held a raffle for a football autographed by Offensive Lineman, Kyle Long.

For over forty years, the NFL and United Way have partnered to strengthen communities across America. As the longest running collaboration between a major sports league and a nonprofit — the partnership provides a powerful vehicle for change in communities. Locally, United Way of Lake County and the Chicago Bears joined forces to create opportunities that encourage young people to get active and maintain healthy relationships.

Thank you Chicago Bears for having us and we look forward to continuing to work with you!

17 Aug

United Way Days Recap: July 2017

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

This summer, companies have been busy volunteering their time revitalizing school grounds, reading to preschoolers and assembling literacy kits for children in the community. We would like to thank and recognize the following companies for encouraging their employees to take time out of their workday to create lasting change in Lake County! #VolunteersInAction

Baxter International

Kindergarten Countdown Camp had pleasant surprise when Baxter interns came by on June 29 to be the children’s Reading Buddies for the day at Lyon Magnet Elementary School in Waukegan.

Abbott

On July 14, a group of employees from Abbott spent their day repainting an Early Learning Trail for the students of Whittier Elementary School in Waukegan.

ITW Construction

Employees from ITW spent the day at Lyon Magnet Elementary School in Waukegan to revamp the school’s Early Learning Trail and painted their Peace Room on August 1.

Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of Lake County

On August 4, a group of members from our Women’s Leadership Council went to Elmwood Elementary in Zion to spend the day to revamp their Early Learning Trail.

01 Aug

Kindergarten Countdown Camp: Edna Galvan

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

We are thrilled to share the last post in our Waukegan Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) summer blog series. Here to wrap things is our Success By 6 Program Manager, Edna Galvan, sharing her reflection of camp this summer at Lyon Elementary School.

What is your role at Camp?

Whenever I had the opportunity to visit camp, I would help the teachers in the classrooms with anything that they needed.

So far, what has been the most memorable part about your involvement in the Kindergarten Countdown Camp?

For me, the most memorable part about Kindergarten Countdown Camp has been getting to know the students who are attending. Each student is unique and they all have fun personalities.  At the beginning of camp, there are some students who are timid or emotional because they miss their parents and it is great to see them break out of their shell as they start to get comfortable.  In the short period of time that we host Kindergarten Countdown Camp, we become attached to the students that it is always sad to say goodbye at the end of the summer.

Have there been any students or teachers, in particular, that have impacted you and how?

All four of our teachers for our Kindergarten Countdown Camp in Waukegan have been phenomenal. They have worked so hard all throughout camp to ensure that their students gain knowledge and confidence so that they will be better prepared for kindergarten this fall.  We are so thankful for all of their hard work and dedication this summer.

Do you think Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making an impact on the children that attend?

It is very clear to me that Kindergarten Countdown Camp has been making an impact on the students that are attending. At the very beginning of camp, there were a number of students who did not know how to write their name or even know how to hold/use a pair of scissors.  Thanks to our awesome teachers, I have seen the confidence that the students have gained within these last couple of weeks in those key readiness skills and along with others such as counting, letter recognition, etc.

What does education mean to you?

I believe that education is the key to success. Education gives anyone the opportunity to learn, grow, inspire, and find the true you.  Education is the foundation of everything and gives everyone the opportunity to have a bright future.

27 Jul

Kindergarten Countdown Camp: Suzanne Neumann

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

We are thrilled to share the next post in our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) summer blog series that kicked off in Waukegan on June 19th. Up next, we have Suzanne Neumann, a volunteer Reading Buddy, sharing her reflection of the past several weeks of camp:

What is your role at Camp?

I am a volunteer Reading Buddy. This is my second summer participating in KCC; I also was a Reading Success tutor for two years.

So far, what has been the most memorable part about your involvement in the Kindergarten Countdown Camp?

What I’ve found to be the most memorable is the warm reception volunteers get from teachers and students. There is nothing like walking into a classroom and being greeted with smiles and excitement! The children’s faces just light up–it is so energizing! Volunteers know they are wanted and appreciated. How many other environments provide that?

Have there been any students or teachers, in particular, that have impacted you and how?

I’ve been so impressed with how positive and enthusiastic teachers and aides are. Though little kids are adorable, working with them all day requires you to be upbeat and engaged all the time, which can be draining. Staff always are up to the challenge! I’ve also admired the young adults who serve as classroom assistants. They are so patient and helpful, and the children love them. Having someone closer to your own age to work with and look up to is very special.

Do you think Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making an impact on the children that attend?

I definitely think KCC is having a positive effect on the children that attend. They get a positive introduction to school–think how great it is to not have those first-day jitters on the opening day of kindergarten! These kids know what to expect and how to behave, which is a tremendous boost. They also make up some academic ground so that they don’t start out behind children who have had the advantage of preschool. Giving children skills and self-confidence is priceless.

What does education mean to you?

To me, education is the great leveler in our society. It shouldn’t matter where you live or how much money your family has. Education should challenge every child’s mind and help them earn the skills they need to become healthy, happy contributors to society. I know the real world isn’t always fair, and low-income families don’t have the advantages middle- and upper-income people may take for granted. That’s why programs such as KCC, Success By 6, and Reading Success are so vital. They help children to start out on a positive path in the early grades, when attitudes toward self and life are formed. Starting with a positive, solid base helps to set kids up for success!

25 Jul

Kindergarten Countdown Camp: Ashley Latz

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

We are thrilled to share the next post in our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) summer blog series that kicked off in Waukegan on June 19th. Up next, we’d like to introduce Ashley Latz, a Waukegan educator, sharing her experience as a KCC teacher this summer.

Tell us about yourself and your role in camp.

My name is Ashley Latz. I have been a Waukegan educator for the past 10 years. I taught kindergarten in Waukegan for 9 years and I will return to teaching in the fall as an Instructional Coach. This summer has been an absolute joy co-teaching kindergarten alongside Susie Feldman, for United Way’s Kindergarten Countdown Camp at Lyon Elementary School.

What are you passionate about? Why?

I am most passionate about serving the children in the Waukegan community. My main goal as an educator is to create an environment that is child-centered, where children feel welcome, safe, and truly loved for the individuals that they are. By recognizing each child as their individual self, recognizing their strengths and supporting their weaknesses, I feel I can foster their love of lifelong learning. I pride myself in being a lifelong learner and I have dedicated myself to my work and to the children and community that I serve.

What has been the most memorable part about your involvement with Kindergarten Countdown Camp?

Most of the children came to us with little to no kindergarten readiness skills. Most have never been in school, let alone away from their parents for a long period of time. Needless to say, we had many tears on the first day of camp. Just a few short weeks later, the excitement on the children’s faces when they arrive to camp is a reminder of how far they’ve come in just a few short weeks. We are greeted with big smiles, and even bigger hugs! The most memorable part of my involvement with Kindergarten Countdown Camp is the relationships I’ve built with the children. Their future success is important to me and I am happy that I got to be a small part of their educational journey.

Do you think Kindergarten Countdown Camp is making an impact on children that attend?

I feel this program has had a profound impact on the children that it served. The children are excited to come to school and can’t wait to find out what our activities will be each day.  I have seen improvements in their social interactions with peers and adults, handwriting skills, ability to recognize letters and sounds, number sense and counting, book and print awareness, cooperative play within a small group, ability to attend to an activity for an extended period of time, and the ability to travel to new and unfamiliar places during our Friday field trips. I know because of the help of this program, they will be well prepared for kindergarten in the fall.

Tell us about your experience with United Way of Lake County?

The United Way has done so much for the children in our community. Their support extends far beyond Kindergarten Countdown Camp. Their work with Waukegan Public Schools can also be seen throughout the school year. From student interns to community volunteers, they have truly found a way to work together with community partners to help support and prepare our children for success in the future. I was fortunate enough to see this commitment during my work with the Kindergarten Countdown Camp. A special thank you to all of those involved in bringing these wonderful programs to our community and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.

To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.

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