United Way of Lake County | United Way of Lake County Archives - Page 17 of 23

18 Dec

December 2017 e-Newsletter

Celebrate the Season of Giving

We are thrilled to share that we exceeded our goal of $13k, raising $13,213 on #GivingTuesday. 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 those individuals who made a Giving Tuesday gift and recognize our Matching Gift Sponsor, P&G for pledging to match all gifts made up to $6,500.

If you missed out on #GivingTuesday, consider making a tax-deductible, year-end gift to support our education programs. NRG will match 100% of year-end donations up to $6,500. A matching gift means that your impact doubles for children that need and deserve our help.

	Holiday Donations 2017 ‘Tis the season of giving! Click the button below to see all of the donations that we have already received this holiday season. Thank you to all the companies, organizations and individuals who have brought smiles to our Lake County children and families through the spirit of giving.
	New Year, New You: Become a Volunteer Reading Tutor Our Reading Success Program is designed to improve literacy skills for Waukegan elementary students who are unable to read at grade level. After six months of one-on-one tutoring, 99% of students improved their reading skills and, on average, those within the program showed a 17-point increase on their standardized reading test scores. We are looking to add more volunteer classroom tutors in the new year. If you would like to become a reading tutor, all that is needed is an hour a week and a love of reading! We welcome both English and Spanish speaking volunteers. To learn more about the program, click the button below.
	File Your Taxes for FREE with MyFreeTaxes Tax season is right around the corner! We are very excited to offer the My Free Taxes 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 2018 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.
	Give Back This Holiday Season 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.
	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.

15 Dec

Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Strom

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

Introducing Jennifer Strom, our Manager of Digital Media and Graphic Design. Continue reading to learn more about Jennifer.

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

I started on September 5, 2017.

What is your title and role?

In my role, I work with my team to maintain an integrated, strategic marketing and communications program; including web content, print and electronic materials, social media, donor communications, multimedia applications, special events, and more.

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

It was my goal to find an environment that was supportive and collaborative and to find work that was creative, inspiring and fulfilling. United Way of Lake County ticked all those boxes and felt like a great fit from the start. I love the work that United Way does and I’m grateful to be a part of such a caring and hardworking group of individuals.

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

I love all of our programs, but the one I want people to know about most is 211. Everyone in Lake County can use 211 to get connected to health and human services in their area. It’s free, confidential, 24/7, with English and Spanish-speaking staff and translation to 150+ languages. This is a wonderful way for people across our community and across the country can get access to critical resources.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

Being in the Marketing department, I get a chance to work on projects and initiatives with every department. I love learning more about the work UWLC does and getting to know everyone at this organization.

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

My favorite things to do are spending quality time with my family and friends, exploring nature, creating art, singing, dancing, and playing games.

Thank you for joining us for another Staff Spotlight. To meet more people on staff, click here.

11 Dec

Better Together: A Parent’s Perspective

by Jennifer StromCategories: News

To share another glimpse into our Better Together Program, we interviewed Rosio, a mother participating in the program with her son, Leonardo. The 2017 fall session, taking place at Green Bay Elementary School in North Chicago, began September 7 and continues until December 21.

HOW HAS THE BETTER TOGETHER PROGRAM BENEFITED YOU AND YOUR SON?

In a lot of ways. First and foremost, my child knows a lot more. He has learned how to be with other kids and is surrounded by other adults other than myself. For me, it has given me more time to dedicate to him.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN YOUR SON?

Now he likes to read. With the support of our teacher, Ms. Sharon, I have learned several new approaches to help him like being read to.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR YOUR SON?

I want him to be a successful man in every sense and to be a good man.

WHICH SESSION HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL AND HOW DID IT BENEFIT YOUR SON?

All of them have been good, but the most impactful one was the first session. I remember coming to the classroom and being marveled by everything both my son and I saw; it was a new experience for both of us. He was very curious and especially enjoyed the art area. It was something new and beautiful. He was very happy.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION?

I’m very appreciative of the teacher, Ms. Sharon, and the two staff members from United Way of Lake County, Ms. Rosa and Ms. Katherine, because they all observe and want to help me. I always enjoy that they have something new at every session and I learn new ideas to teach my son.

To read our past Better Together blog posts and learn more about the program, click here.

20 Nov

November 2017 e-Newsletter

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

Sold-Out Power of the Purse Raises $49.5k for Early Literacy Programs

On November 5, our Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) held their 12th 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, wristlets and much more. This year’s event raised $49,500, which is a 25% increase over last year.

Power of the Purse raises funds for critical early literacy programs that ensure a strong and successful future for Lake County’s most vulnerable children. As of 2017, nearly $235,000 has been granted to worthy nonprofits. Power of the Purse ensures that more children receive the support they need to be prepared for kindergarten and are ready to succeed.

Power of the Purse

To read more about this year’s Power of the Purse event, click the button below.

	Here’s What Your #GivingTuesday Gift Will Do For Lake County’s Youngest Learners Funds raised this #GivingTuesday, November 28, 2017, will go towards expanding our Home Visiting Program to more families throughout Lake County. Home Visiting provides free early intervention services and health care to high-risk children to ensure they reach age-appropriate developmental milestones and begin life on equal footing with their peers. For the third year in a row, Procter and Gamble will be matching 100% of Giving Tuesday donations up to $6,500. A matching gift means that our impact will double for children and families that need and deserve our help. Click the button below to learn more about #GivingTuesday and what your gift will do for Lake County’s youngest learners.
	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.
	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.
	Meet Our Staff! Every Friday we introduce one of our staff members on our blog and social media. It’s an excellent opportunity for our community to meet the faces behind the work we do at United Way. Click below to check out all of our staff spotlights to-date.
	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.
	Subscribe to Our Blog Never miss a beat! On each of our blog posts, we now have a sign-up form to have our latest blogs sent right to your inbox. Visit our latest blog post to sign-up!

17 Nov

Staff Spotlight: Dennis Burke

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

Good morning and welcome to Familiar Faces Friday! It has been such a pleasure for us getting to introduce you to our staff here at United Way of Lake County. This week we are excited to introduce Dennis Burke who is our Manager for New Business.

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

July 1, 2017.

What is your title and role?

Manager, New Business. I’m here to secure new business partners, introduce new products and services such as 211, while also enhancing relationships with existing clients.

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

I had an awareness of United Way and had long been a supporter including serving as a departmental campaign coordinator when I worked at Abbott Laboratories. I was introduced to UWLC by a member of the Finance Committee. I was struck by the passion of the people that I met 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 the health education and financial stability of all Lake County residents that resonates with me. I have had the opportunity to attend campaign kick-offs featuring speakers from sponsored agencies as well as various volunteer engagements, and each is inspiring in its own way.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

As a resident of Lake County, I am awe struck by the tremendous need for services that exists within our community. I am proud to be affiliated with UWLC and the energetic and committed staff that work here. It is also invigorating to share our mission with future supporters.

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

My wife Jan and I enjoy the Cubs, golf, cycling for pleasure and spending time with our adult children, extended family, and friends. Fun fact – we really dig snow shoeing and cross country skiing in the Lake County Forest Preserves. Bring on the blizzard!

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

10 Nov

Staff Spotlight: Rita Zaluzec

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

Welcome to another Familiar Faces Friday! This week’s Staff Spotlight is highlighting Rita Zaluzec, our Director of Human Resources and Facility.

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

16 years ago in 2001.

What is your title and role?

Director of Human Resources and Facilities.

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

The opportunity to join United Way in this role came at a time that the Company I was working for was sold and all the Employees (including myself!) were out of a job. My first job out of college was working for a United Way funded agency so I was familiar with what a great organization this was. The job gave me the opportunity to combine my love of HR work with the Facility Management work, which I also enjoy. I was also responsible for building out our new building (at the time), which I found to be an extremely challenging but rewarding experience. Our facility gives other non-profits in the area a wonderful space to use for meetings and trainings.

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

Success By 6! I grew up in Waukegan and was an avid reader! This is essential! I feel this program is instrumental in helping Waukegan residents be successful in school, in their future careers and in their lives.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

The variety. It’s never dull!

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

My husband is a Wildlife Artist and I work to handle the business end of his work.

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

08 Nov

Photo Recap: Power of the Purse

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

Here are photos recapping our Women’s Leadership Council’s signature Power of the Purse fundraising event held on November 5th at the Royal Melbourne Country Club to raise funds for early literacy programs in Lake County.

To view the full photo album, click here.

08 Nov

Event Recap: Power of the Purse

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

On November 5^th, our Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) held their 12^th 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 and an assortment of games to win purses, jewelry, wristlets and much more.

The Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of Lake County is a group of 90+ women with a common commitment to making a difference through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism. As women who give at the Leadership Level of $1000 or more, this group uses the power of their time, talent and resources to ensure children are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

The event raises funds for critical early literacy programs that ensure a foundation for strong and successful academic futures in Lake County. As of 2017, nearly $235,000 has been granted to worthy nonprofits. Power of the Purse ensures that more children receive the support they need to be prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

To view photos from this year’s event, click here.

We’d like to thank the following event sponsors for making Power of the Purse possible:

Gold Sponsor

Program Sponsor

Purse Sponsor

Buy a Book, Build a Future Sponsors

Invitation Sponsor	Premium Sponsor	Fashion & Style Sponsors	Wristlet & Wallet Raffle Sponsor

Drop To Shop Game Sponsor	Thank You Sponsor	Floral Centerpiece Sponsor

Buy a Toy, Build a Learning Center Sponsors

Judge Valerie Boettle Ceckowski

Thank you to the additional Game, Raffle and Decor Sponsors: Arlington Insurance Services, Inc., Zengeler Cleaners, Gentle Dental Care, Peak Performance Action Coach, The Law Office oF Judy K. Maldonado, photos.by.dev and Judge Christy Bishop.

27 Oct

Staff Spotlight: Karen Nordgren

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

Welcome back to Familiar Faces Friday! On today’s Staff Spotlight we are introducing Karen Nordgren, our Donor Relations Account Manager. Continue reading to learn more about Karen and her role here at United Way of Lake County.

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

I began in July, 2013 as a Campaign Associate working with Corey Bruser! Happily I was asked to go full time in May, 2014.

What is your title and role?

My title is Donor Relations Account Manager. I work with local corporations, small businesses and individuals to raise funds for UWLC programs and initiatives. I also solicit for corporate contributions and sponsorships.

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

I’ve worked in the corporate setting for most of my working career. I knew I wanted to do something that was more fulfilling and would make me proud to go to work every day so I switched to the non-profit world. Since I moved to Lake County when I got married, I knew I wanted to do something that would make a difference in the community where I live and what better place than United Way of Lake County?

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

I really enjoy working the most with our Community Impact (CI) staff and United Way Days. I feel like I really get to know our donors when I can spend the day painting an Early Learning Trail, cleaning up a beach, or passing out holiday gifts to kids at Catholic Charities. I also feel like our donors really appreciate being a part of their community and helping both financially as well as with their time!

What is your favorite part of your job here?

I love my time here at United Way! I enjoy working with different companies but I really love working with my co-workers who are like family to me!

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

My husband and I love road trips! From WI to AZ, we love driving (and we can take our daughter Kallan and our four legged daughter Ginger too!). We are planning our next trips already, to drive around Lake Michigan and then a trip to Mt. Rushmore. I also enjoy spending time with my brother and sister and their families!

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

23 Oct