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.
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.
United Way’s New Brand Strategy to Reflect Its Transformative Approach Forward
United Way of Lake County (UWLC) joins United Way Worldwide (UWW) to announce a refreshed brand to reflect the organization’s reach and impact in communities as one of the world’s largest and oldest privately funded charities that helps over 48 million people annually, including all 714,000 community members in Lake County.
“The global brand refresh is a significant milestone in our organization’s 137-year history and represents our commitment to evolve and innovate in order to meet the changing needs of our communities worldwide,” said Angela F. Williams, president and CEO of UWW. “It signifies our organization’s longstanding journey, while also embodying our transformative approach to remain relevant, sustainable, impactful now and in the future.”
United Way’s global brand refresh effort comes at a time when data reveals a decline in the number of Americans who volunteer or contribute to nonprofit organizations. Through this renewed strategy, United Way aims to spur greater engagement and action among the public and reinforce what United Way stands for, how it’s different, and why audiences should be engaged with the work of United Way.
“By aligning with the global brand refresh, and further unifying with our global network, our United Way will be better equipped to tackle the unique needs of our community and drive meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families here in Lake County,” said Kristi Long, president and CEO of UWLC. “This strategic branding approach helps us to better amplify the impact we are having in Lake County.”
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.
Kristi Long Announces Retirement
United Way of Lake County’s longtime President and CEO Kristi Long will retire from her position effective May 1, 2025, after more than two decades leading the nonprofit. The UWLC Board has launched a national search for Kristi’s successor and expects to announce a new president and CEO by March.
“Kristi Long is an exemplary president and CEO who has led the transformation of the organization into an impactful, sustainable United Way committed to improving the lives of children and families in Lake County,” said Joe Garnett, UWLC Board Chair. “She has united nonprofits, businesses, and individuals to take action to strengthen our community so all can thrive.”
“It’s been a deep privilege to serve this community and make a difference right here where I live and work,” said Kristi Long. “I know the future is bright for the lucky next person who gets to lead this fabulous organization.”
To learn more about Kristi’s career and her many wonderful contributions to United Way of Lake County over the years, please click below.
Power of the Purse Raises Funds for Early Education
On November 3, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. A sold-out crowd of more than 200 women joined forces to celebrate women, friendship and philanthropy. They enjoyed an afternoon of brunch, bubbly, purses, raffles and more. This year’s event raised more than $70K, which will support critical, local early education programs that focus on building the foundation for strong and successful academic futures.
Power of the Purse was a resounding success, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, members, and attendees, including many first-timers as well as valued returning guests. The room buzzed with energy as attendees engaged in meaningful conversations and raised their hands in support of early childhood education. The event showcased the incredible impact that can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for positive change.
Attend Women United’s Lunch & Learn
If you are looking for new ways to connect with amazing women in our community, new opportunities to volunteer and socialize, or new ways to make a measurable difference for children and families in Lake County, please join Women United for a prospective member Lunch & Learn on November 21 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP by emailing Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org.
Women United mobilizes more than 140 amazing women to ensure children living in Lake County are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. In addition to caring deeply about this collective effort, they have a vibrant calendar of social, volunteer and philanthropic events to make it fun and doable regardless of your busy schedule.
Youth Success Update
Leaders United was thrilled to kick off another year of our before-school mentorship program, Breakfast Club, with a new cohort of students at Robert Abbott Middle School. We had the privilege of welcoming them with the help of Breakfast Club alumnus, Brent. Brent shared his personal journey of how being part of Breakfast Club made a positive, lasting impact on his high school years, his relationship with his mentor, and how the program gave him a strong foundation for success. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship and community. We’re excited to see what this year brings as we support the next generation of students.
As part of our Career Exploration program, we invited Anton Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District, Leaders United member, and team member at the Office of Congressman Brad Schneider, to speak with Robert Abbott Middle School’s National Jr. Honor Society. Anton shared his high school journey with honesty; covering the good, the challenging, and the fun. He emphasized the importance of building a strong support system, dreaming big, and the power of staying coachable.
Interested in volunteering to mentor local students or share about your career? Please contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.
Double Your Donation for Children and Families
We are pleased to share that your year-end donation, made between November 19 – December 31, will be matched up to $10K thanks to our generous matching gift sponsor!
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