Tag: United Way of Lake County

04 Sep

Mark and Sarah Schweitzer Choose United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

United Way’s mission is a balanced approach to fill gaps that many of our communities are facing. Having that balanced approach is a critical success factor if we want our community to grow and thrive. While my wife, Sarah, and I have a passion for increased educational opportunities, we cannot just focus on education alone. It is tough for a child to learn if they have inadequate or no housing, limited or no food, and no access to health care. United Way cannot play a role in all those issues given resource constraints; however, their effective leadership of inclusion and collaboration brings other communities, governmental and private organizations together to meet those needs of our community. The need in Lake County is great, and we must use all of the tools in our toolbox to have an impact. In my mind, the mission of United Way embodies the right approach to make it happen.

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

Sarah and I have been supporters of United Way of Lake County for over two decades through donations and volunteer activities. I’ve had the opportunity to see United Way’s programs “live” in the classroom with students in our area, which truly made me understand the value of our United Way. Engaging with the students and seeing the impact brought the value of our support into greater focus. The integrated approach that United Way offers – providing real time/acute support to families but also ensuring support through long-range programs that provide our students and families increased opportunities to gain a brighter future – is key to the successes shown by the involvement of United Way. Seeing the success of United Way’s programs, along with data-driven information showing that every dollar spent in our community has a positive impact on the lives of families struggling to succeed in our county, drove us to become more active in supporting United Way and its mission.

As a board member and current member of the executive committee, it is rewarding to see that our efforts are continuing to have a positive impact on our community. Being part of the team that can increase the reach of United Way in the community is what drives my engagement and involvement. We have so much untapped potential waiting to be released, to do so only takes more resources and commitment.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

We have a passion for enhancing the tools children use to learn and develop. Sarah and I were blessed with tremendous educational opportunities and learning environments that stimulated critical thinking and creativity. Our parents instilled a passion for reading. They and the teachers and faculty that we were fortunate to have in our educational careers fostered a passion for life-long learning. A strong foundation in reading is so critical in every career that we should be doing whatever we can to ensure all children have the same foundation that will enable them to pursue new and exciting challenges throughout their lives.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

04 Sep

Dennis Burke Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign.  

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

I enjoyed a successful career with Abbott Laboratories and spin–off Hospira Worldwide, where community service and support for United Way were simply a part of our culture. I had long been a supporter, albeit from afar, as a contributor as well as serving as a departmental campaign coordinator in multiple locations.  I had confidence in my employer’s choice of United Way as an ethical charitable partner that was worthy of their matching contributions, and I was inspired by others to participate.

I was introduced to United Way of Lake County (UWLC) by a former Abbott colleague and a current member of the UWLC Finance Committee – another Abbott-United Way connection!  Although I have been a resident of Lake County living in Deerfield for more than 20 years, I had no idea of the depth of need that exists within the region until I met with the leadership team.  I was struck by their passion and their commitment to the children and families of Lake County.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

There is no special program, but rather our overall mission to advocate for basic needs of all Lake County residents that truly resonates with me.

I have learned the fundamental importance of kindergarten readiness as served by our Success By 6 program that truly sets the table for reading at grade level by grade 3, supported by our Reading Success program which then provides students with the tools and abilities to successfully complete high school, further supported by our Stay in School program.  Since joining United Way, I have had the privilege of witnessing these programs first hand, and experiencing the joy that these programs bring to children, their families and volunteers alike.

I have also discovered the tremendous value of 2-1-1, our proposed confidential helpline that will connect all residents of Lake County to services. Across the country, individuals of all ethnicities and socioeconomic status connect to 2-1-1 in times of crisis or need. It is inspiring to know that through this service we might help someone find shelter or food for their family, secure resources during a flood or disaster, or even intervene in a mental health crisis. 2-1-1 will be there for all Lake County residents when needed most!

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

As a resident of Lake County, I am awe struck by the tremendous need for services that exists within our community. United Way connects the people, programs and resources with those that need them most and produces measurable results that improve Lake County for all who live and work here.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

30 Aug

Women United Spotlight: Wygenia Brisco

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, WU Member Spotlights

Welcome to Women United’s Member Spotlight series. This week, join us in learning more about Wygenia Brisco and her connection to Women United. If you would like to learn more about Women United and the work they do, click here.

What year did you join Women United?

2016

What is your professional background?

My professional background is pharmaceutical. I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry since 1985 at various pharmaceutical companies and recently retired from AbbVie as a Associate Director after 18 years of service.

What inspired you originally to be a part of Women United?

After retiring, I was looking for volunteer work in the community. A member of Women United invited me to one of the Wine & Learn gatherings. After hearing the mission of the program and meeting the women conducting the meeting, I decided this organization would be a good fit for me. I am currently involved in many volunteering opportunities and very selective with my time. However, knowing how this organization gives back to the community, it is a win win for me.

What does early childhood education mean to you?

Early childhood education is critical for a child to successfully understand the basic principals when entering into kindergarten. Over the past couple of years, I have visited schools to read and lead arts and crafts projects with four-year-old children. They have been so eager to learn how to use school supplies and to listen while being read to; it has been so fulfilling and rewarding.

What has surprised you most about being involved in Women United?

What has surprised me the most are the number of women who eagerly volunteer for activities and are very passionate no matter what the task might be. We have filled backpacks with supplies, painted school grounds, volunteered at schools, participated in games with the kids, and much more.

What does Women United mean to you?

Women United is a place that gives back to the community while also creating a place for women to socialize.

What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a member of Women United?

If you are looking for a place to volunteer to help the community, this is the place. It’s also a place to meet great women and socialize.

Women United has periodic informational meetings, called Wine & Learns. The next Wine & Learn is on December 5, 2018 from 6-7:30 PM in Libertyville at a member’s home. Interested? Contact Diana Nielander at diana.nielander@uwlakeco.org.

Learn more about Women United here.

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29 Aug

Azita Saleki-Gerhardt Chooses United Way of Lake County

by Jennifer StromCategories: Article Mentions, News

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

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What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

Everyone deserves a chance to succeed, no matter where you come from or the environment in which you were raised. United Way of Lake County does just that. I love that it gives kids a chance to succeed through valuable early education, reading success and stay-in-school programs, all while striving to enable healthy, safe and stable family environments. I believe the next generation of scientists, researchers and so many other critical professions needs to be supported to ensure their success.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

Every day, I drive to work through communities that are in desperate need of help. United Way’s mission to prepare at-risk kids to succeed in a changing world is incredibly important to me because I see first-hand the impact it makes. It doesn’t take a lot to move the needle. But when you combine the passion of volunteers, the know-how of the staff, and the resources of Lake County businesses and philanthropic-minded organizations, the difference we can make is remarkable.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

AbbVie’s mission is to make a remarkable impact on the lives of our patients. But as a company, we can’t forget that we have a responsibility to the communities in which we do business. United Way makes a significant difference with at-risk kids in communities right around the corner from our offices. The impact of United Way is local, and where it’s needed most. I’m proud of our company’s commitment to this incredible organization.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.

28 Aug

August 2018 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

Introducing Our 2018 Campaign Video

We are thrilled to share our new campaign video! Because of you, we are helping alter the trajectory of a child’s life by investing in them during the most critical years of their development and creating a path towards prosperity.

A special thank you to Daugherty Business Solutions for their time and work to bring our programs to life in this video. Check it out below!

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Caterpillar: New to Lake County and Already Giving Back

On August 14, a group of 20 volunteers from Caterpillar created an Early Learning Trail at East Elementary in Zion. Early Learning Trails are great because they can spark meaningful learning moments for a child as they begin their first day of school.

Welcome to Lake County, Caterpillar, and thank you for making a difference in the community!

Watch a slideshow of photos from the volunteer event by clicking below.

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Lake County Townships Come Together to Invest in 2-1-1

United Way of Lake County is engaging local townships to invest in 2-1-1, an information and referral service available 24/7 through phone, chat and email.

Currently, 94% of the United States has an established 2-1-1 program. Unfortunately, Illinois has less than 30% coverage with no coverage in Lake County. Implementing 2-1-1 would transform the way Lake County residents access critical information and resources in time of need.

United Way, alongside participating townships, have begun building a coalition of support for 2-1-1.

Currently, over $42,000 has been raised from the following townships:

  • Benton Township
  • Libertyville Township
  • Vernon Township
  • Warren Township
  • Waukegan Township
  • West Deerfield Township
  • Zion Township

In addition to building the township coalition, United Way is working with the Lake County Government, local businesses and individual donors in the community to fund the launch of 2-1-1.

Working together, we can bring 2-1-1 to Lake County and transform the way our residents get help and set the new standard for 2-1-1 in Illinois. To learn more about bringing 2-1-1 to Lake County and ways to get involved, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/211. To support the pending launch of 2-1-1, click below.

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Volunteer as 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!

Learn about the requirements to become a tutor and more in this NEW video!

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 and runs through the end of May.

For more information, please contact Sue at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1032.

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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 students who are non-low-income. 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 100 students at 4 schools throughout Lake County. Now 100 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, parents and volunteers, by checking out the blog series linked below.

We also had the opportunity to film a KCC classroom participating in an interactive mud and water activity coordinated by Kohl Children’s Museum. View the Facebook LIVE video here.

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Women United Raised $12,500 at Bingo Event

On August 4, Women United’s “Booze, Bites, Beats & Bingo” fundraising event raised $12,500 to support critical early literacy programs through their Little Kids, Big Futures Fund! Since 2014, Women United has distributed over $370,000 to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Thank you to all of the donors and attendees who helped make the event a success, and a special thank you to the following sponsors:

View photos of the event by clicking the button below.

Summer Intern Spotlight

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

This summer, we had the pleasure of working with three bright, young women: Amy Juarez, Emma Paukert, and Anna Kedjidjian. Click on each of their names to learn more about them and the work they did for us.

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

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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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16 Aug

KCC Teacher Spotlight: Rhonda Galvan

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Kindergarten Countdown Camp, News

Here at United Way, we are fortunate to work with some of the most service-oriented, internally-driven and compassionate people in the community. Today, we’d like to spotlight Rhonda Galvan, one of the teachers participating in Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC).

Pictured above is Rhonda during a Kindergarten Countdown Camp.

What is your role at the camp?

Classroom teacher.

What benefits does Kindergarten Countdown Camp have for the children that attend?

Kindergarten Countdown Camp provides significant benefits to students who are able to attend and their families.  It prepares them to begin kindergarten with some experience. Most of our KCC students have very little exposure to a school environment. At KCC, we introduce them to structure and school routines.  In addition, children learn to hold a pencil and scissors, identify their name, and begin to learn letters and numbers.  This experience is a real “jump start” to their whole education.

Why is it important for children to be on track and ready to learn when first starting kindergarten?

In kindergarten, we have rigorous learning standards.  Students are expected to finish the year knowing how to read and write. Those children who have not had the opportunity to attend a preschool program and are not prepared for kindergarten are at a disadvantage, as compared to the children who have.  They do not understand the expectations as a learner in a school environment. A great deal of time must be spent helping them to catch up to their peers before academic content can be introduced.

What obstacles and challenges do children and families in our community face that prevent children from being prepared for kindergarten?

The greatest obstacle that families and children in our community face is not having access to affordable preschool programs. Many preschool-aged children spend time with a babysitter prior to beginning school.  They are not exposed to a structured environment that supports learning and therefore prevents these children from being prepared for the school year.

How does Kindergarten Countdown Camp help prepare children for success in school?

Kindergarten Countdown Camp provides exposure to a school environment that helps the children successfully transition into a kindergarten class.  It helps them begin to develop learning skills such as holding a pencil, following directions, and engaging in conversations. It also gives children a chance to experience separation from their families. Many children have not been away from their homes and parents for any length of time. KCC provides a safe environment for them to discover the excitement of going to school.

What does education mean to you?

To me, education means opportunity.  It opens doors for obtaining goals and following one’s dreams. Providing education to our children prepares them to become responsible citizens who will one day take over the roles now held by adults. Education empowers us to make changes where changes are needed. Without education, anyone’s future is limited.

To support more programs, like Kindergarten Countdown Camp, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/give.

13 Aug

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty through Education

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Article Mentions

26% of Lake County residents are living in poverty. Among them, many are children.

United Way of Lake County believes that education can change the trajectory of a child’s life and break the cycle of poverty. Since 2006, over a dozen key education initiatives and preventative programs have been developed to ensure children are thriving, from birth all the way to graduation day.

United Way focuses its programs in North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion – where the need is greatest for young children and their families. In these communities, there are 7,200 children ages birth to 5 and 70% of these children and their families live in poverty.

Together, we can break the cycle of poverty in Lake County. Your donation to United Way will close achievement gaps and ensure families have a safe and healthy home.

13 Aug

Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Success

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: Article Mentions

United Way of Lake County believes that education can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Since 2006, over a dozen key education initiatives and meaningful programs have been developed to ensure children are thriving, from birth all the way to graduation day.

United Way focuses its programs in North Chicago, Round Lake, Waukegan and Zion – where the need is greatest for young children and their families.

Together, we can help every child succeed. Your donation to United Way ensures children in Lake County have a foundation for lifelong success.

13 Aug

Staff Spotlight: Karla Medina Alamar

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

This Familiar Faces Friday, we are introducing Karla Medina Alamar. Karla is our Community Impact Initiative Coordinator. Learn more about her role, what she likes to do in her free time and how she connects to the programs we offer at United Way of Lake County (UWLC)!

Karla Medina

When did you start working at UWLC?

I started on June 11, 2018.

What is your title and role?

I am the Community Impact Initiative Coordinator and I am mainly responsible for volunteer engagement and project outreach.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

I was a summer associate in 2017 and found that United Way programs really do make a difference, children do take notice and when they’re there they are visibly excited. Also, the team atmosphere that people establish creates a work environment that I knew I wanted.

Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?

United Way Days because revitalizing schools does a whole lot of good towards children’s educational experience.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

At the end of the day of a long school re-enhancement project, there is a visible and finished product that everyone can admire and shows the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

For now, I am trying to publish my senior year Anthropology & Sociology thesis and keep my younger siblings active for the summer.

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

03 Aug

Staff Spotlight: Robert Szarzynski

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

Welcome to this week’s Familiar Faces Friday! Today we are introducing Robert Szarzynski who works as our Manager of Donor Services. Read on to learn more about Robert and his work here at United Way of Lake County!

When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?

I began as a Loaned Executive working on campaigns, part-time, in August of 2017. Subsequently, I was lucky enough to begin full-time in January of 2018.

What is your title and role?

As Manager, Donor Services, I am responsible for providing operational and business support for the Resource Development team in the areas of reporting, analysis, data tracking, and research, benchmarking.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

I have always been a big fan of the United Way of Lake County and the work we do. I jumped at the opportunity to add my talents to the mix.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

They are all amazing, but Reading Success is my favorite. Perhaps I am biased because I have been a volunteer with Reading Success for a few years now. I live in Waukegan. Unfortunately, sometimes schools and students in Waukegan get a bad rap. Living here, I know this isn’t true and it is so great to confirm that by spending time with these extraordinary students.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

I like the work but I love the people. I have never worked with a more diverse and talented group. The employees at United Way of Lake County really care about the community we serve as well as their co-workers.

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

My wife and I are big time music fans. We travel to Chicago and Milwaukee as often as we can to see live music. I like smaller venues but we have also been to large fests such as Lollapalooza and Riot Fest in Chicago and Jazz Fest in New Orleans. I also enjoy spending time with my three daughters Taylor (24), Ella (18) and Vaughan (15) and giving them the business as often as I can.

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

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