Tag: Lake County IL

07 Dec

Power of the Purse 2020

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News

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On Sunday, November 8, more than 165 generous women joined together virtually for Women United‘s signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. The event raised $62,000, which will support early literacy programs in Lake County, IL. Those funds will help ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children.

In past years, Power of the Purse has been an in-person fundraising event with games and a champagne brunch. Due to COVID-19 and to ensure all attendees’ safety, we adapted Power of the Purse into an online buying and bidding shopping experience. The event featured 50 designer bags, 20 silent auction purses, baskets, and items. Additionally, women could help send underserved children to a Summer BOOST Learning Program for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience. Furthermore, books and toys for preschool learning centers in Lake County’s low-income communities were also available to be bought and donated.

“We are thrilled about the success of this year’s Power of the Purse event, which surpassed our fundraising goals,” said event chair Judy Kotsiopoulos. “While we were not able to be together in person due to the pandemic, we worked hard to transform this year’s event into a fun online experience knowing that our local children have never needed us more. We are extremely grateful for the generous support of Women United members and their friends who make this event possible every year.”

Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund is directed by members and since 2014 nearly $700,000 has been raised and granted for early literacy programs with the goal of creating lasting change in Lake County

United Way of Lake County recognizes the sponsors for 2020’s Power of the Purse:

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To learn more about Women United, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/wu.

29 Jan

January 2020 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

New Year, New Volunteer Opportunities

Want to get involved and make a difference in your community this year? We organize year-round volunteer opportunities that you or your company can get involved in. Check out these two current opportunities:

Dr. Seuss Readers

Join us on Monday, March 2 or Friday, March 6, 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.

Career Speakers

Career Speakers are successful local professionals who demonstrate the value of staying in school and illustrate the direct connection between academics and future success. Career Speakers engage students in discussions focusing around career exploration, creating future pathways, and encourage leadership and success in school. Speakers will visit Waukegan schools now through the end of Spring.

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.

Thank You for Your Support!

In December 2019, our Board of Directors sponsored our end of year campaign and matched all gifts up to $7,000. We are thrilled with the support of our community and happy to announce that we exceeded our goal! A huge thank you to everyone who made a gift and to our Board.

The funds raised will support children and families right here in Lake County and make it possible for us to make an even bigger impact on our local community to help improve and save lives. Together, we are achieving long-lasting results for our community, our neighbors, our children.

Give the Gift of Reading – Dr. Seuss Book Fundraiser

We are raising money to purchase Dr. Seuss books to be donated to classroom libraries at local elementary schools.

On March 2, dozens of volunteers will go to classrooms across Lake County for Read Across America Day and read Dr. Seuss books to the young students. Books will be donated for ongoing use in these classrooms.

You can give the gift of reading today—every little bit helps. Thank you for your support and helping us foster a love of reading in our youngest learners!

You’re Invited to Women United’s Windy City Bingo Bash

Join Women United on March 7 for their co-ed Windy City Bingo Bash fundraiser at the Merit Club in Libertyville. Tickets are now available!

Attendees will enjoy a fun night of Juke Box Bingo*, Chicago-style snacks and desserts, beer, wine and cocktails (with and without alcohol), sports-themed games, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and prizes galore.

All proceeds from this event will support early literacy programs through the Little Kids, Big Futures Fund.

*Juke Box Bingo is a combination of “Name That Tune” and traditional BINGO. Instead of listening to numbers being drawn (B-1, I-17, yawn!), you and your friends will be tapping your toes to the beat of the music, sipping your favorite beverages, and stamping bingo cards to win prizes!

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Sip, Chat and Learn with Leaders United

Join Leaders United of Lake County on Thursday, February 6, from 6 – 8 p.m. at North Shore Distillery (13990 Rockland Road, Green Oaks) to talk with current and prospective members and learn how to get involved. Enjoy drinks and snacks while learning more about how to create positive change in Lake County.

Leaders United is a group of volunteer young professionals who strive to help local students achieve success and become the future leaders of tomorrow.

Interested in joining? Contact Bobbi Selvik via email at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

The 2020 Census and Lake County

This spring the 2020 Census will take place. The goal is to count every person living in the country and it is done every ten years. The Official Census Day is April 1, 2020.

A full census count is very important to the future of our children in Lake County.

The number of people counted in our state by the Census Bureau will determine where schools, roads, hospitals, childcare centers and senior centers will be built. It will also determine how much money Illinois will get to help pay for All Kids insurance, school breakfast and lunch programs, finical aid for college, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as SNAP or food stamps) and many other programs that are important to keeping our children healthy, strong and well educated.

Children are often missed in the census count.

It is important that you count everyone who is living in your house on April 1, 2020. This includes you, all the children living with you whether they are yours or someone else’s, and anyone else like grandparents, cousins or even friends who are living in your home. You should count everyone, even if they are not U.S. citizens (the Census Bureau does not ask about citizenship). The information you provide to the U.S. Census Bureau is safe and secure and cannot be shared with anyone else by law, including any other government agencies.

Responding to the 2020 Census is an easy, safe and very important way to help provide resources for our children and our communities over the next 10 years.

How to make sure your family is counted.

You will get information from the U.S. Census Bureau in the mail in March and April on how to respond by phone, online or with a mail-in paper questionnaire. You can answer the census questions anytime between March and June.

If you do not answer before the end of April, a Census Bureau worker will knock on your door and ask you the questions face-to-face. The best way to avoid a visit is to respond by phone, online or with the mail-in questionnaire before the end of April.

Women United invites you to attend their Wine & Learn on Thursday, February 20, at 6 p.m. in Libertyville to learn more about membership and how 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. Become a part of something bigger!

Want to attend? Please RSVP to Janice at Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org by Monday, February 17.

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

File for FREE with My Free Taxes

No need to stress. United Way and H&R Block have teamed up to bring you free tax prep you can trust. File your state and federal taxes for $0 at MyFreeTaxes.com.

New for 2020: Filers of all incomes can now use MyFreeTaxes!

 

08 Jan

December 2019 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

 

Help Local Children and Families with a Year-End Gift

As we celebrate the season of giving, we invite you to join us by supporting children and families here in Lake County. Your gift will make it possible for us to make an even bigger impact on our local community to help improve and save lives.
We hope we can count on your support this holiday season. This year, your gift goes further thanks to a matching gift from our UWLC Board, who will match all gifts up to $7,000.

In 2019, our early learning programming prepared more children to succeed in a changing world and break the cycle of poverty. Some highlights:

  • Our Kindergarten Countdown Camps—for incoming kindergarten students with limited to no preschool experience—expanded to new communities, enabling even more children to learn key readiness skills and thrive in school.
  • Our Reading Success program expanded to new schools and classrooms, helping kindergarten through 3rd grade students develop strong reading skills with improvement rates 25%-33% greater than their peers.
  • We introduced a new volunteer opportunity—Stuff the Bus—partnering with 19 companies and collecting 861 backpacks with essential school supplies to help children from low-income families start school ready to succeed.

Finally, thanks to the incredible support and collaboration of many individuals, community leaders, and partners, we fulfilled a decades-long vision to bring a best-in-class 211 solution to Lake County. Our new 211 helpline is now Lake County’s one-stop shop for help connecting everyone in our community to critical services. Since late September, our 211 specialists have answered more than 1,000 calls and texts guiding people to the life-changing help they need.

Together, we are achieving long-lasting results for our community, our neighbors, our children.

Wishing You a Warm and Bright Holiday Season!

You helped us accomplish so much this year! 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 safe and happy holiday season.

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

Thank You, Reading Success Tutors!

Reading Success volunteers recently came to United Way to meet other volunteers, share tutoring insights and tips, enjoy light refreshments and pick up their winter break book selections to give to the students they tutor. Giving a book to students prior to break helps encourage them to continue reading over the holidays.
Thank you to all our amazing volunteer tutors for helping students develop strong reading skills and improve reading performance so they can be on track to succeed in school. You all truly embody what it means to LIVE UNITED!

Celebrate the Season of Giving

This GivingTuesday, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County (HFNLC) sponsored our campaign and matched all new or increased gifts up to $5,000. We are thrilled with the support of our community and happy to announce that we exceeded our goal! A huge thank you to HFNLC and everyone who made a GivingTuesday gift.
The funds raised will sustain our new 211 program for years to come. That means that all 703,000 Lake County residents will have access to critical information and resources in their times of need.
Everyone who made a gift of $211 or more is now a part of our 211 Club. You can join our 211 Club or learn more here.
If you missed out on GivingTuesday, consider making a tax-deductible, year-end gift to support our programs. This year, your gift goes further thanks to a matching gift from our UWLC Board, who will match all gifts up to $7,000. Click below to make a gift or learn more.

Now Recruiting: Leaders United of Lake County

Leaders United of Lake County (LULC) is a new group of volunteer, young professionals who strive to help local students achieve success and become the future leaders of tomorrow.

At the end of November, LULC started a new morning program with Robert Abbott Middle School (RAMS) in Waukegan. Members meet with students before school and focus on tutoring, academics and mentorship. Working one on one or in small groups with RAMS scholars helps students achieve success and gain confidence to build leadership skills. These leadership skills help students navigate through the remainder of the school year and will prepare them for success in high school.

On December 5, LULC held their first recruitment event at Bosacki’s Brewery in Mundelein where they sampled brews and spoke with potential new members about how this new group creates positive change in Lake County. They have recruited seven new young professionals, for a total of 17 members!

Follow LULC 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.

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Meet Our New Interns

United Way of Lake County relies heavily on the work of volunteers to help make an impact on our 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.

Our Success By 6 program has welcomed two new interns to their team: Maria Martinez and Monica Carrasco. Click on their names to learn more about them and their projects.

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

 

 

25 Nov

November 2019 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

 

Sold-Out Power of the Purse Raises $66k for Early Literacy Programs

On November 3, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse, at the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. Over 200 women joined for an afternoon filled with a champagne brunch, an assortment of games to win purses, jewelry and much more. This year’s event raised a record $66,000!

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support six critical early literacy programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County children. Since 2014, Women United has granted over half a million dollars to worthy early literacy programs. Power of the Purse ensures that more children receive the support they need to be prepared for kindergarten and are ready to succeed.

“We are so excited to have another successful Power of the Purse event and raise even more than in 2018. We work hard to create an exciting and memorable event that builds enthusiasm and increases dollars year over year. The generosity and support from Women United members truly makes this event possible.”

-Judy Kotsiopoulos, POP Event Chair

To view photos from this year’s Power of the Purse event, click the button below.

Double Your Impact to Help Improve and Save Lives this GivingTuesday

All of the funds raised this GivingTuesday, between November 26 – December 10, will help us sustain our new 211 program in Lake County, IL.

211 is a powerful information and referral service that helps people in need connect to a wide range of available community resources to improve and save lives. 211 provides access to critical services like shelter and affordable housing options, utility assistance, supplemental food programs, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, employment and education support, health care and mental health, and more!

Thanks to the support of many local partners and individuals, United Way of Lake County is proud to have launched 211 for everyone in Lake County on September 24, 2019!

But our work is not over! We need your help to provide this vital service for many years to come so 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.

The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County will be matching 100% of all new or increased GivingTuesday donations up to $5,000.

Please consider making a gift between November 26 and December 10 to help improve and save lives in Lake County, IL.

Be sure to check if your company will match your donation to TRIPLE your impact.

Click below to learn more about our GivingTuesday campaign.

Check Out Our Holiday Opportunities

Looking for giving and volunteer opportunities this holiday season? View our Holiday Opportunities Guide! It’s an easy-to-use guide filled with holiday volunteering and giving opportunities throughout the Lake County community.

Donate as an individual or unite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to spread the holiday cheer with children and families in need and deserving of our help. Click the button below to view this year’s guide.

Sign Up for our TAKE ACTION! Advocacy Email

At United Way of Lake County, we believe advocating for good public policy is critical to our mission to improve the lives of children and families in Lake County. United Way engages in public policy advocacy because we recognize our experience, knowledge, partnerships and influence can help inform policymakers’ decisions regarding the policies affecting our community.

Our new, periodic TAKE ACTION! advocacy email will provide a nonpartisan platform for people to take meaningful action that will make a difference.

Sign up for our TAKE ACTION! advocacy email by clicking below.

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You’re Invited to Women United’s Wine & Learn

Women United of Lake County invites you to attend their Wine & Learn on December 4 at 6 p.m. in Libertyville to learn more about membership with Women United and how 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. Become a part of something bigger!

Want to attend? Please RSVP to Janice at Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org by Sunday, December 1.

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

Sip, Chat and Learn with Leaders United

Join Leaders United on Thursday, December 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Bosacki’s Brewery (610 East Hawley Street, Mundelein) to sample some tasty brews and learn from current members how this group creates positive change in Lake County.

Leaders United is a group of volunteer, young professionals who strive to help local students achieve success and become the future leaders of tomorrow.

Register for this free event below or contact Bobbi Selvik via email at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Volunteer Opportunity: The Real Deal

You’re invited to be a part of a wonderful opportunity to help educate, support, and enrich the lives of Waukegan high school students. Waukegan High School (Brookside Campus), in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, is hosting an event on December 6 called “The Real Deal.”

The Real Deal is essentially The Game of Life in an interactive form. Students assume the life of a 25-year-old and learn the value and challenges of financial responsibility, how choices such as smoking, teen pregnancy, and drinking/drug use can dramatically impact their future, and the benefits of education on their career goals and life satisfaction through visiting a variety of different “hands on” stations. They receive real life advice on setting goals and avoiding high-risk behaviors from community members and learn about available resources.

There are two sessions; one in the AM and one in the PM. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Bobbi Selvik at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1022.

UWLC Wins Award for Bringing 211 to Lake County

On November 13, Reflejos, the local bilingual Latino publication, honored United Way of Lake County (UWLC) at their Reflecting Excellence Awards. We were recognized in their “Making a Community Difference” category for our work in bringing 211 to Lake County. United Way staff members, Karla Medina Alamar and Susan Mendoza, attended the event and accepted the award on UWLC’s behalf.

We are honored to be recognized and grateful to Reflejos for helping spread the word about 211 in Lake County!

 

30 Oct

October 2019 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

211 Helpline Now Live in Lake County

211 has officially launched in Lake County!

Anyone in Lake County can now call 211 or text their zip code to 898211 for free, confidential, 24/7 information and referrals to essential services. 211 is Lake County’s one-stop shop for help!

Thank you to everyone who attended the 211 launch event. Nearly 250 community members came out to support and learn more about this critical service, including people from across the county representing business, government and nonprofit sectors. We are grateful to our panelists and speakers who shared from their perspective how 211 will benefit our community including real-life stories and the impact 211 is already making. View photos from the event by clicking here.

Visit the official 211 Lake County website: 211LakeCounty.org.

View our 211 funding partners here and task force members here whose support made 211 possible.

Watch our 211 video (available in English and Spanish) by clicking below.

Women United’s Successful No Small Matter Screening

Women United of Lake County‘s screening of the documentary film No Small Matter was a huge success! More than 200 community leaders, educators and volunteers gathered at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest to rally around the importance of early childhood development.

No Small Matter is the first feature documentary to explore the most overlooked, underestimated, and powerful force for good in America today: early childhood education. Through poignant stories, the film lays out the overwhelming evidence for the importance of education in the first five years, and reveals how our failure to act on that evidence has resulted in an everyday crisis for American families, and a slow-motion catastrophe for the country.

Thank you to everyone who came out to see the film, to the amazing panel of experts who spoke about the importance of quality early care and education, and to the wonderful team of Women United members who were instrumental in bringing this film to Lake County!

Check Out Our Holiday Opportunities

Looking for giving and volunteer opportunities this holiday season? View our Holiday Opportunities Guide! It’s an easy-to-use guide filled with holiday volunteering and giving opportunities throughout the Lake County community.

Donate as an individual or unite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to spread the holiday cheer with children and families in need and deserving of our help. Click the button below to view this year’s guide.

Save the Date: Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global holiday dedicated to giving back to your local community and takes place annually 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 sustain our new 211 program! 211 is a powerful information and referral service that helps people in need connect to a wide range of community resources to improve and save lives. Thanks to the support of many local partners and individuals, United Way of Lake County is proud to have launched 211 for everyone in Lake County on September 24, 2019!

But our work is not over! We need your help to provide this vital service for many years to come so 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.

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 when it comes to improving and saving lives in Lake County.

Please consider making a gift between November 26 and December 10, 2019. Click below to learn how to get involved with Giving Tuesday this year.

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Leaders United Join Facebook

Recently, we introduced a new affinity group for young professionals within UWLC called Leaders United. Their mission is to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism among their peers and their goal is to impact issues that affect students and families across Lake County. This is an outstanding opportunity for those who are seeking to build leadership experiences.

Leaders United has launched their Facebook page. Check it out by clicking here. Learn more about the group and membership by clicking here.

 

30 Sep

September 2019 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!

Join Women United for their signature fundraising event, POWER OF THE PURSE, on Sunday, November 3 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 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.

Purchase your tickets by Friday, October 11, to be entered to win a Kindle Fire 8.0 with Travel Case!

Space is limited. Get your tickets below.

Women United Brings No Small Matter to Lake County

Women United of Lake County is proud to host a screening of the documentary film No Small Matter on Wednesday, October 16, from 6 – 8:30 p.m., at the Gorton Community Center (400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest).

No Small Matter is the first feature documentary to explore the most overlooked, underestimated, and powerful force for good in America today: early childhood education. Through poignant stories, the film lays out the overwhelming evidence for the importance of education in the first five years, and reveals how our failure to act on that evidence has resulted in an everyday crisis for American families, and a slow-motion catastrophe for the country.

But there is hope — us! This film seeks to re-define the public’s understanding of what’s going on in children’s brains from birth to five — and push their needs to the top of our social agenda. Although this film is making its way across the county, this is the first and only screening in Lake County. Visit www.nosmallmatter.com or https://youtu.be/Shm-KRh4LFg to watch the trailer and learn more!

The screening is free and open to the public but you must register if you’d like to attend. Click the button below to register.

Step Up to Women United

Are you 36 or younger and passionate about early childhood education and making a difference in your community? Then you are eligible to participate in Women United’s Step Up program!

Learn more about Step Up here and click below to view a video.

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 packaging food at Illinois Food Bank to cleaning Illinois Beach State Park to organizing a bingo game at a nursing home.

Thank you, Baxter, for encouraging your employees to take time out of their workday to make Lake County a better place!

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

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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.

To apply, send your cover letter and resume to Robert at Robert.Szarzynski@uwlakeco.org.

Learn more about the internship by clicking below.

 

26 Aug

August 2019 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

211 to Officially Launch September 24

You’re invited to celebrate the official launch of United Way of Lake County’s 211 on Tuesday, September 24 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Independence Grove Visitor Center (16400 West Buckley Road, Libertyville). We’re proud to celebrate the official launch of 211 services for our community! 211 will go live on September 24 for everyone in Lake County.

Join us over breakfast to learn how 211 is transforming the way United Way of Lake County helps thousands of individuals and families connect with essential health and human services.

Jackie Bange with WGN-TV will moderate a panel of local leaders discussing how 211 more efficiently connects people in need to a wide range of available resources to improve and save lives.

Help us recognize the incredible support and collaboration of so many individuals, employers, community leaders and partners who have joined with us to bring this vital service to our community.

For more information, contact Cynthia Zimmerman at Cynthia.Zimmerman@uwlakeco.org.

Local media will be covering this event.

Space is limited!

General Admission: $25
Table of 10: $250

Daily Herald Front Page Features ‘Success By 6’

On July 30, United Way of Lake County’s Success By 6 program was featured on the front page of the Daily Herald. The article spotlighted our work in the Round Lake area, including our Kindergarten Countdown Camps.

Find out how United Way’s programs are preparing at-risk kids in Lake County to begin school ready to succeed.

‘Stuff the Bus’ Exceeds Expectations

Our Stuff the Bus school supply drive was a major success! A huge THANK YOU to all the individuals and organizations that collected and donated supplies and/or gave monetary donations to our school supply drive! And a huge thank you to all the volunteers who picked up and/or helped sort the supplies!

As of today, we’ve collected a total of 861 backpacks! We would like to thank Carolina Fabian and Eric Thompson from Waukegan Public Schools as well as Illinois Central School Bus for providing the two buses that collected all the corporate donations on July 26. It was such a fun day!

On August 10, Stuff the Bus was able to provide 714 backpacks to support Waukegan Public School’s Back to School Resource Fair.

View photos from Stuff the Bus by clicking below.

Sip & Shop with Women United

You’re invited to Women United‘s Sip & Shop event at the Jade & Renee boutique at 1821 St. Johns Ave. in downtown Highland Park on September 6 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. for an evening of socializing, shopping and supporting early childhood literacy in Lake County!

Jade & Renee, a new women-owned artisan boutique in Highland Park, will donate back 25% to Women United‘s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund that supports early literacy in Lake County.

This event is open to the public so invite your friends! Wine (and other non-alcoholic libations) and light appetizers will be served. No formal RSVP is necessary but if you use Facebook, please click below and indicate that you are “GOING”.

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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 their peers from higher income families. 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 127 students at 4 schools throughout Lake County. Now 127 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 and volunteers, by checking out the blog series linked below.

We also had the opportunity to film a KCC classroom participating in an interactive activity focused on our five senses coordinated by Kohl Children’s Museum.
View the Facebook LIVE video here.

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.

 

29 Jul

July 2019 e-Newsletter

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Newsletter

Premier Leadership Event Raises Over $207,000 for Our Education Programs and 211!

On June 26, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our sixth annual Premier Leadership Event at The Shanty in Wadsworth. We are proud to share that over $207,000 was raised to support United Way’s education programs and the launch of 211 thanks to the generosity of our guests and sponsors.

We would like to recognize and thank our guest speaker, Kathleen O’Connor, Libertyville Township Supervisor. Her remarks on 211 underlined the importance of this vital service being launched in Lake County this coming fall.

“211 is a simple idea. Frequently, simple ideas have the greatest impact. In a day, where we can literally “google” anything and receive the desired answer – it’s not the same experience when seeking help. A “google” search may begin the exploration of finding a much needed social service but it has limitations…

For over 30 years, I’ve worked in social services and it is an extremely difficult system to navigate. People are often connected to resources by trial and error. As a Township Supervisor, I have observed how incredibly frustrating it is for folks when they are told they don’t live in our Township and need to contact another one…The social service “run around” adds to their anxiety. All too often, families will stop seeking help because it’s just too difficult.

Imagine a system that allows a family to speak to a person who will help them identify their needs, narrow their search, explain how they can connect to that much needed resource, help them begin to feel hopeful again. Imagine if that conversation could begin with a simple call to 211. Imagine how much healthier of a county we would be!”

We are very grateful to our event sponsors for their support:

To view pictures from this exciting event, please click the button 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 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.

Welcome LEADERS UNITED to Lake County

LEADERS UNITED of Lake County (LULC) is a group of caring and committed young professionals on a mission to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism among their peers. The goal of LULC will be to impact issues that affect students and families across Lake County. This is also an outstanding opportunity for those who are seeking to build leadership experiences.

Interested in becoming a member?

Your gifts of time, talent and resources will ensure children and families living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are supported with access to the resources they need to thrive.

Learn more by clicking below.

Women United Invites You to Next Wine & Learn

Women United of Lake County invites you to attend their Wine & Learn on August 22 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. Become a part of something bigger.

Want to Join? Please RSVP to Janice at Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org before August 19.

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

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It’s Not Too Late to Help Stuff the Bus!

United Way will be driving a school bus around Lake County to pick-up all donations this Friday, July 26. A big thank you to everyone who has donated school supplies so far! We will share the results of the donation drive in next month’s e-Newsletter.

You still have time to donate!

If you would like to drop-off school supplies, you can do so at our office’s reception desk. Address: 330 S. Greenleaf St., Gurnee, IL 60031.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, please click here. Learn more about our Stuff the Bus donation drive by clicking the button below.

Staff Spotlight: Maria Gray

Recently, we welcomed Maria Gray to our United Way family! We are thrilled to have her as our new Senior Relationship Manager on our Resource Development team. Maria’s role is to manage corporate campaign accounts and individual donors.

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

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19 Jul

November 2018 e-Newsletter

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Newsletter

Sold-Out Power of the Purse Raises $59.8k for Early Literacy Programs

On November 4, Women United held their 13th annual Power of the Purse fundraising event at the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. Over 200 women joined together for an afternoon filled with a champagne brunch, an assortment of games to win purses, jewelry and much more. This year’s event raised $59,800, which is a 20% increase over last year.

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund, to support six critical early literacy programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for children in Lake County. Since 2014, Women United has granted $370,000 to worthy early literacy programs. Power of the Purse ensures that more children receive the support they need to be prepared for kindergarten and are ready to succeed.

To view photos from this year’s Power of the Purse event, click the button below.

Help Brighten Children’s Futures this Giving Tuesday

All of the funds raised on Giving Tuesday, November 27, 2018, will go towards expanding our Home Visiting Program to reach more families throughout Lake County.

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. Funding will support more high-risk families in North Chicago, Waukegan and Zion with their most critical needs.

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

Save the date for #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, November 27,
to help brighten children’s futures in Lake County.

Learn more about Home Visiting here and click below to learn more about our Giving Tuesday campaign.

Check Out Our Holiday Opportunities

Looking for giving and volunteer opportunities this holiday season? View our Holiday Opportunities Guide! It’s an easy-to-use guide filled with holiday volunteering and giving opportunities through the Lake County community.

Donate as an individual or unite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to spread the holiday cheer with children and families in need and deserving of our help. Click the button below to view this year’s guide.

Happy Holidays!

As we approach the holiday season, we’d like to say thank you for supporting our mission to create lasting change in our Lake County community.

None of our work would be possible without donors, volunteers and supporters—like you. From all of us at United Way of Lake County, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Staff Spotlight: Shareny Mota

Recently, we welcomed Shareny Mota to our United Way family! We are thrilled to have her as our new Initiative Coordinator for Success By 6. Shareny’s role is to collaborate with the community and encourage healthy child development and readiness through our early learning programs.

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

Support United Way As You Shop This Holiday Season

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support United Way of Lake County (UWLC) every time you shop, at no cost to you. You’ll find the exact same shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to our organization.

Before you begin shopping, select United Way of Lake County in Gurnee, IL to receive donations from eligible purchases. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation to UWLC!

Click below to select UWLC as your AmazonSmile charity of choice.

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.

 

19 Jul

December 2018 e-Newsletter

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Newsletter

Forbes Ranks United Way as America’s #1 Top Charity

Forbes recently released its list of America’s Top Charities and United Way is #1. Forbes ranks the charities based on several financial-efficiency metrics, proving again that a donation to United Way is going to do the most good for the most people! Click here to view Forbes’ list.

United Way was also ranked #1 on The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s new list of America’s Favorite Charities. Click here to learn more.

Your Gift Makes a World of Difference in Lake County

If you choose just one charity worthy of your heart, time and generosity this year, please choose United Way of Lake County.

Your gift to United Way of Lake County funds vital programs, like our Kindergarten Countdown Camp, where children are able to build key kindergarten skills, such as recognizing shapes and letters, counting and writing their names. Getting off on the right food is everything.

You can also support the new 2-1-1 Lake County, a 24/7 helpline (call, text and chat) for local residents needing assistance with everything from food, shelter, clothing, job training, physical and mental health services, elder care and more. Connecting people to the right services at the right time makes a world of difference.

By supporting United Way of Lake County, you help create lasting change by focusing on long-term solutions, not short-term charity. And your gift goes further this year thanks to NRG, who will be matching 100% of all donations up to $7,000.

Please give today by clicking the button below.

Thank You, Keurig Dr. Pepper and American Hotel Register Company

We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Keurig Dr Pepper and American Hotel Register Company. American Hotel graciously received, stored and moved 55 pallets of sporting goods and apparel donated by Keurig Dr. Pepper (nearly 5 semi-trailer loads) that were distributed to more than 30 agencies, schools and park districts across Lake County in just 3 days.

Our special thanks to the American Hotel Register team at the Chicago Regional Distribution Center and our community partners who participated in this event.

Pictured (left to right): Dennis Burke (UWLC), Danielle Mallizzio (DC General Manager, American Hotel Register), Michelle Crombie (UWLC), Julie Baker (VP HR, American Hotel Register), Deidre Schwartz (Director Corporate Social Responsibility, American Hotel Register).

Celebrate the Season of Giving

We are happy to share that we raised $10,836 on Giving Tuesday this year! These funds will be used to sponsor more families in our Home Visiting Program that provides free early intervention and health care services to the highest-risk families in Lake County.

We would like to thank the individuals who made a Giving Tuesday gift and recognize our matching gift sponsor, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, for pledging to match all new or increased gifts made up to $5,000.

If you missed out on Giving Tuesday, consider making a tax-deductible, year-end gift to support our programs. Click below to make a gift or learn more.

Meet Our New Staff

Recently, we welcomed Bobbi Selvik to our United Way family! We are thrilled to have her as our new Manager of Community Impact. Bobbi’s role includes providing year-round volunteer engagement opportunities as well as implementing the Young Leaders United group.

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

File Your Taxes for FREE with MyFreeTaxes

Tax season is right around the corner and we are excited to offer the MyFreeTaxes Program to Lake County residents once again.

MyFreeTaxes is an easy, safe, and free way to file your taxes online. Available for residents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, you can file your federal and state returns for free at MyFreeTaxes.com. United Way promotes MyFreeTaxes to help support the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community, and maximizing your tax refund is a key step towards that goal.

The income cap for tax season 2019 will be $66,000 for individuals and households. Similar to last year, MyFreeTaxes will use H&R Block’s premium product. Stay tuned for more information in January!

Learn more about MyFreeTaxes by clicking the button below.

Happy Holidays!

As we approach the holiday season, we’d like to say THANK YOU for supporting our mission to create lasting change in Lake County. None of our work would be possible without donors, volunteers and supporters—like you.

From all of us at United Way of Lake County, we wish you a safe and happy holidays!

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.

 

 

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