United Way of Lake County, in partnership with Lake County Government and local health and human service providers, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of our 211 service and more than 350,000 connections made since its launch.
On October 24, nearly 200 community leaders and others representing government, business and nonprofits joined for a program to discuss 211 Lake County’s impact and results. The event, emceed and moderated by CBS News Chicago anchor Dana Kozlov, included a panel discussion regarding community needs, how the 211 system has improved and testimonials from those who received assistance.
Housing and shelter has remained the top need presented to 211, representing 45% of all contacts. To read more about our 211 results and data, please check out our latest 211 Annual Report. More information can also be found on 211LakeCounty.org.
Distributing Thousands of Books to Local Schools
We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago to bring nearly 3,000 bilingual books to schools in Lake County!
This incredible gift, provided by the Mexican Secretary of Public Education, will benefit the Waukegan, Round Lake area, Mundelein, North Chicago, Beach Park, and Highland Park school districts.
The books cover subjects like Math, Language Arts, Science, Civics, Arts, Social Studies, and novels for children and young adults. These books are particularly valuable for English Language Learners and Dual Language Programs.
We’re excited to make a positive impact on literacy and educational resources in our community and hope to extend this initiative to more districts in the future!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Literacy
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we teamed up with John S. Clark Elementary School for our first-ever Somos Unidos reading event! Community leaders came together to share stories rich in culture, tradition, food, and language with the students.
Building a Stronger, Safer Community
Members of Women United rolled up their sleeves once again to build a home, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who worked together to address the urgent need for affordable, safe housing in Lake County. They were united by the mission to build not just a house but a safe and nurturing foundation for the education and well-being of the children who will call it home.
Become a Mentor, Become a Leader
We are seeking volunteers to help make a positive difference in the lives of Waukegan’s youth. Join Leaders United in our before-school program, Breakfast Club, to inspire and guide middle school students as they prepare for high school. Discuss academics, mindfulness, self-care, and more to prepare for the future and fulfill their goals!
Does your organization want to give back to your community?
Your organization 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.
We’ll help you get started. Learn more below.
Round Up at Macy’s to Support Our Community
Through October 31, you can round up your in-store purchase at Macy’s Gurnee Mills, up to $0.99, to support United Way of Lake County’s programs.
Welcome, Tricia!
We are thrilled to introduce Tricia Eckland, our Women United Coordinator!
We asked Tricia about her role, the programs she connects most with, and what she likes to do in her free time. Check out that Q&A below.
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.
