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

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.

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.

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.

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.