17 Dec

December 2024 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

You helped us accomplish so much this year! Thank you for supporting our mission to mobilize our community so all can thrive. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity. We wish you health and happiness this holiday season!

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Spreading Holiday Joy to Local Families

This holiday season, our incredible corporate partners and community members came together to spread joy and warmth to Lake County families. Thanks to their generosity, 75 families have received warm winter clothing, educational toys, non-perishable groceries, and extra toys to brighten their celebrations.

A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing donors!

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Our annual Holiday Guide is now available! It includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County, agency wish lists, and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.

A helping hand can make someone’s day or even change their life. Let’s give back this holiday season and shape a brighter tomorrow for our community.

United is the Way to a Thriving Community

True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way of Lake County is there. With deep local roots in Lake County, we see how our community’s greatest challenges are connected – and how we can bring people and resources together to address them. Can we count on your support of our vital work this holiday season?

Your gift to United Way of Lake County will:

Prepare children who missed out on preschool for kindergarten.
Provide students with critical support and resources to succeed in school and life.
Help youth stay on track to graduate and prepare them for college and career.
Connect our neighbors to urgent resources like food, mental health, and jobs.

We’re working towards a future where all our community members can reach their full potential. Through December 31, your gift will be matched up to $10K!

Join Women of Color: United in Leadership

Women United is thrilled to announce the upcoming cohort of Women of Color: United in Leadership, our transformative 9-month program designed to connect, elevate, and strengthen women leaders in our community. With fellow participants from leading organizations like AbbVie, Medline, Aon, and Great Lakes Credit Union, this program is a space where powerful ideas and meaningful relationships take root and leadership potential is developed.

This unique program offers an opportunity to connect with a network of driven and like-minded women leaders while building skills and insights to advance your career and make a meaningful impact in the community. Participants will strengthen relationships with influential community stakeholders and engage directly in impactful projects and leadership roles. Additionally, the program provides access to leadership seminars, small group mentorship, and executive coaching from seasoned professionals, offering invaluable support and guidance for personal and professional growth.

If you are interested in participating please contact Jessica Ceisel.

Parent Mentor Program Receives Award

The Parent Mentor program, delivered in partnership through HACES, United Way of Lake County, Lake County Workforce Development, and Waukegan Public Schools, recently received the Workforce Solutions Award from the Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP). IWP advocates for the creation of a skilled workforce for our state’s continued competitiveness and growth, connecting businesses and individuals to a wide array of resources utilizing our public workforce system.

The Parent Mentor program trains parents to be mentors who volunteer in a classroom four days a week. Mentors receive training on literacy, computer skills, leadership, and more.

Earlier this year, through the partnership with Lake County Workforce Development, an expanded component of the program was piloted with nine parent mentors. Lake County Workforce Development supported the parents as they worked in the school district and provided additional wrap around services.

Two of the internship goals are to address the professional educator shortage and the increasing need for bilingual support within the district. The internships provided a direct pipeline for parents to test out being dedicated to a school on a full-time basis. Ivette Martinez who manages the Parent Mentor program, explains, “Without the internship, parents might not feel qualified or know where to start.” During the most recent cohort, nine parents became interns and two moved on to be hired directly by the Waukegan School District as paraprofessionals.

Kristi Long Awarded for Outstanding Achievement

Our inspiring leader Kristi Long, was presented with the Staben House “Home for the Holidays” Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing her decades of outstanding dedication to the success and well-being of families in Waukegan Township and throughout Lake County.

Thank you Waukegan Township Staben House for this special recognition, and for all you do to uplift women and their children experiencing homelessness.

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with rent and utility assistance, food, mental health, or other health and human services—call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected to available resources.

Learn more at 211LakeCounty.org.

Attend the Lake County Joy Summit

United Way of Lake County is a proud sponsor of the Lake County Joy Summit, which focuses on inspiring joy while providing critical resources on health and wellness for the community. It will be a transformative day filled with renowned and inspiring speakers, a wellness expo, and the opportunity to connect and network with other local professionals.

19 Dec

December 2023 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season!

You helped us accomplish so much this year! Thank you for supporting our mission to build an equitable Lake County community where everyone can thrive. We are so grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you health and happiness this holiday season!

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Spreading Holiday Joy to Local Families

This holiday season, our incredible corporate partners and community members came together to spread joy and warmth to 76 Lake County families. Thanks to their generosity, each family will receive warm winter clothing, educational toys, non-perishable groceries, and extra toys to brighten their celebrations.

In addition to fulfilling family wish lists, we had several warm winter clothing drives bring in hundreds of pieces of clothing to help keep even more of our Lake County families safe and warm this winter season.

A heartfelt thank you to all our amazing donors! Your compassion is awe-inspiring!

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Check out our annual Holiday Guide! It includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County, agency wish lists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

Be a Community Hero for Children and Families in Lake County

We are on a mission to build a stronger Lake County community where everyone can thrive. Together, we can create a community where heroes abound. Can we count on your support this holiday season?

By supporting education initiatives like Success By 6 and Youth Success, you become a hero for local children, ensuring they have the tools and skills for a successful future. Our 211 helpline, a beacon for those in need, has guided over 250,000 people to essential services—a lifeline made possible by heroes like you.

Through December 19, you can double your impact! Our sponsor is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K!

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with rent and utility assistance, food, mental health services, or other health and human services—call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to get connected to available resources.

Learn more at 211LakeCounty.org.

Women United Leadership

We are thrilled to introduce Marisa Livingston, Senior Clinical Supplies Manager at Catalent Pharma Solutions, as our incoming Women United Board Chair! Starting in January 2024, Marisa, a dedicated Women United member and leader of their DIBI (Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative) Committee, will bring a fresh perspective and valuable experience to lead us forward. Her thoughtful approach and inspiring presence will uphold Women United’s legacy while fostering growth, inclusivity, and shared success.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Lori Miller who has served as Women United’s Board Chair these past few years. Lori’s dedication and outstanding contributions have been instrumental in advancing Women United’s mission to invest in early childhood education in Lake County. Thank you, Lori, for your leadership and the positive impact you’ve made on our organization and on the children and families we serve.

We’re Hiring: 211 Community Engagement Coordinator

We are looking for an innovative individual enthusiastic about serving others to help ensure that 211 Lake County excels in delivering referral services and information to people of Lake County. The 211 Community Engagement Coordinator is a key team member responsible for ensuring that 211 Lake County helps provide a positive experience and value to Lake County community members and stakeholders.

21 Dec

December 2022 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Warm and Bright Holiday Season!

You helped us accomplish so much this year! Thank you for supporting our mission to build an equitable Lake County community where everyone can thrive. We are so grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season.

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Each holiday season, we publish our Holiday Guide that includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County. The guide also includes agency wish lists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

‘Tis the Season of Giving Back

We have been working with our partners and friends to spread holiday cheer across Lake County to hundreds of children and families. Here’s a quick list of some of those projects:

Volunteers from Jabil, Snap-On Credit and United Way helped Catholic Charities provide gifts to more than 9,000 children and seniors!
We coordinated an event with 45 AbbVie volunteers who assembled 100 wellness kits and 156 snack packs. These kits will be shared with Green Bay Early Learning Center to be distributed among students and their families.
Many of our partners and friends have been donating presents and warm winter clothing to us, which we have given to Family Focus, a local family support organization.

Thank you to our wonderful friends, partners and volunteers for making a difference this holiday season!

Double Your Impact for Children and Families in Lake County

Through December 20, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors in need.

With your support, United Way can continue to provide local children, youth, and families with tools to build a path to education and lifelong success, and connect people with life-changing resources. Together, we can make real, lasting change.

Your gift goes further to strengthen our community thanks to Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, which is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K.

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with rent and utility assistance, food, mental health services, or other health and human services—call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to available resources. Learn more at 211LakeCounty.org.

Thank you, North Shore Gas!

Thanks to North Shore Gas, the enthusiastic young learners in our Better Together program made the nice list and were rewarded with holiday cheer and gifts for all! Each family received a toy, warm weather gear and a gift card.

Welcome, Jessica Gomez!

Jessica Gomez recently joined our United Way family as Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator. Jessica is our Better Together teacher and assists with Success By 6’s many initiatives, including Kindergarten Countdown Camps.

Get to know Jessica—why she joined United Way, her favorite part of her job, what she does in her free time, and more—by clicking below.

22 Dec

December 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Despite the many challenges and changes this year, you helped us accomplish so much! Thank you for supporting our mission to create lasting change in the Lake County community. We are grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

Each holiday season, we publish our Holiday Guide that includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County. The guide also includes agency wish lists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Families

Volunteers from Snap-On Credit and ITW came out to spread holiday cheer through the Catholic Charities Christmas gift program by distributing gifts, toys and necessities to families who might otherwise not be able to celebrate the holiday season. This volunteer event is an annual favorite and everyone was so happy to participate again after taking a year off.

Thank you to all our “elves” who came out to help distribute gifts and for making the holidays so special for these families! With donor and corporate support, Catholic Charities was able to grant holiday wishes to more than 8,000 children and families this year.

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people, especially this year. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with rent and utility assistance, food, mental health services, or other health and human services—call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to available resources.

A Gift to Support Children and Families in Lake County

Now through December 23, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.

A gift to United Way of Lake County will make it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community to improve and save lives. This year, your gift goes further thanks to Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County who is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K through December 23.

The tough work that is needed to help Lake County recover and rebuild is the work we do every day. We’re equipping local children, youth and families with tools to build a path to education and lifelong success, and we’re connecting people with life-changing support. When we put it all together, we’re reimagining a more equitable, resilient Lake County where everyone can thrive.

Company Spotlight: Buehler

United Way of Lake County is proud to highlight our partner, Buehler, and all that their colleagues have been doing to help improve lives in Lake County.

Despite a challenging year, Buehler colleagues found ways to get involved and make a difference. Recently, Buehler partnered with us and Family Focus to spread holiday cheer by collecting gifts to fulfill local families’ wish lists.

Earlier this year, Buehler held an employee giving campaign in support of United Way of Lake County. Buehler’s HR Generalist, Stephane Antonopoulos and her team did an incredible job creating unique and exciting ways to engage their colleagues. They had a Food Truck onsite on kick-off day, balloon dart games, and even cooked their own bacon outside to sell fresh BLTs. Together, these unique events raised over $5,900 for United Way of Lake County’s programs, which will be generously matched by the ITW Foundation.

We are grateful for our partnership with Buehler and their ongoing commitment to support United Way of Lake County. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of many children and families in Lake County.

Introducing New Team Members

We recently welcomed three new women to our United Way family; Michelle Sanchez joined us as our Donor Relations Account Manager, Alina Mozo is Executive Assistant to our President and CEO, and Jessica Ceisel joined as our Community Engagement Coordinator.

Learn more about their roles, what they like to do in their free time, and how they connect with our programs by clicking each of their names below.

03 Dec

November 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

UWLC Welcomes New Board Members

United Way of Lake County recently welcomed three new members to our 2021-22 Board of Directors: Sandi Johnson, Principal of Clearview Elementary School; Tara Thomas, Academic Enrichment Coordinator at Zion Elementary School District; and Capt. Jason J. Williamson, Commanding Officer at the Great Lakes Naval Station.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest board members,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO. “Their leadership skills, talents, expertise and genuine interest in our mission make them an asset to our diverse board and the organization.”

Expanding the board has also been a key component of our DEI efforts, and we are honored to introduce our newest board members who bring a wealth of experience and offer deep connections to the communities we serve. We are proud to have such an accomplished group of leaders help steer United Way of Lake County forward and advance our commitment to building a more equitable Lake County.

Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

Save the Date! Double Your Impact for Our Neighbors in Need

Starting November 23, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.

Watch for details next week!

United Way Ranked #1 Charitable Organization

United Way was recently ranked number one charity by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The NonProfit Times also announced that United Way has moved up to the number two spot on their revenue rankings list for FY2020, and is number one in public support.

Power of the Purse Raises Record $67K for Early Education

Nearly 200 generous women joined forces both in person and virtually on Sunday, November 7, to raise a record total $67K in support of early education programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children.

The money was raised through Women United’s signature annual fundraising event, Power of the Purse, which celebrates women, friendship and philanthropy. This year’s Power of the Purse was a first-ever hybrid event with both a sold-out champagne brunch at Royal Melbourne Country Club and an online buying and bidding shopping experience featuring dozens of trendy designer bags, silent auction purses, baskets and items. In addition, women also had the opportunity to send underserved children to Kindergarten Countdown Camp for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience, as well as buy books and toys for preschool learning centers in Lake County’s low-income communities.

“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this year’s event,” said event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos. “It’s our most successful Power of the Purse to date and the first time we have held an in-person event with an online option. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm from our members and friends who truly care about early childhood education in Lake County.”

‘Wine and Learn’ About Women United

Finish 2021 with new possibilities! You’re invited to join Women United on December 7 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Zoom for our last Wine and Learn prospective member meeting of 2021.

Whether you have been wanting to learn more or just learned about Women United, we hope you will join us to hear how WU bring together amazing women, serves the community and has so much fun making a difference.

There is so much to share about this great group and the amazing women who make it special. Please RSVP by December 3 to Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org and she will send you the details.

Alight Adds Sensory Paths to Waukegan School

Volunteers from Alight installed two sensory paths at Glen Flora Elementary in Waukegan. A sensory path is a multipurpose tool for educators. It can help an overwhelmed student refocus and redirect nervous energy, enrich math and reading skills, and can be used as a reward or even for indoor play.

The Alight volunteers spent several hours preparing the components then placing them in a fun and engaging arrangement so that students can best benefit from these wonderful spaces. Thank you, Alight, for this wonderful gift to Glen Flora Elementary!

Hispanic Heritage Books Delivered to Schools

Our Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive was a success! Funds from this drive allowed us to share more than 50 Spanish language books with East Elementary in Zion and Oakdale Elementary in Waukegan.

This drive helped to increase access to books promoting a positive equity message for young readers. Stories in a familiar language or with relatable characters only encourages the love of reading. Reading is one of the great equalizers in our society. A great book opens so many possibilities for children.

Thank you to all the donors who made these gifts possible.

211 in the News

Thank you to Comcast for shining a spotlight on United Way of Lake County’s 211! Watch Community Connection host Cindy Bravos interview Kristi Long to learn more about this vital community resource and the tremendous impact 211 has made in just two years. The segment is currently airing on Comcast OnDemand and CN100.TV.

We’re Hiring: VP, Community Impact

We are looking for an excellent leader to join our team as Vice President of Community Impact. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them.

17 Dec

December 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Brighten Countless Lives in Lake County

Through December 24, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.

Your gift will make it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community to improve and save lives. Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County is matching all new or increased gifts up to $7,500.

The tough work that is needed to help Lake County recover, rebuild and thrive is the work United Way of Lake County does every day. We create lasting change to break the cycle of poverty through education, by empowering families to become and remain self-sufficient, and connecting people to life-changing support.

Together, we can achieve long-lasting results for our community, neighbors and children.

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

P.S. View our holiday card video below.

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people, especially this year. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with mental health services, food, shelter, transportation, or other health and human services—call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected.

Winter Break Boxes for Local Students

Women United funded, decorated, and assembled Winter Break Boxes for students in our Reading Success program and their families. Each box contains a grade-appropriate book and a winter break packet containing winter-themed activities in reading, writing, and math that will keep kids on track during the break. It also includes healthy snacks, a Walmart gift card for parents, a pack of 5 reusable face masks, a 211 card, and a handwritten note of encouragement and good wishes.

All boxes will be delivered in time for winter break and are guaranteed to make the season a little brighter!

Register for Your COVID-19 Vaccine

A COVID-19 vaccine is coming soon and the Lake County Health Department’s AllVax Portal is now open. Register to be notified when it is time to make your appointment for the vaccine. It is free, easy and secure.

An Interview with Leaders United

Leaders United is a group of young professionals within United Way of Lake County who strive to make a difference in our community through philanthropy and volunteerism. Learn more about Leaders United and what makes the group special by watching this new interview with co-chairs, Alecia Hollen and Anton Mathews.

Follow Leaders United on Facebook for invitations to future events and updates on the meaningful work they’re doing in the community. Interested in joining? Contact Bobbi Selvik via email at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Check Out Our Holiday Guide

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

Tag: Happy Holidays

Brighten Countless Lives in Lake County

December 2024 e-Newsletter

November 2024 e-Newsletter

Kristi Long Announces Retirement