Tag: United Way of Lake County

25 May

Better Together: Building a Community for North Chicago Mothers

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

North Chicago is a city that faces many problems and challenges. Composed of hard-working families who generally earn a lower income than its neighboring towns, the city has long been negatively stigmatized and stereotyped. With fewer resources and more trials in front of them, the children from North Chicago face a great disadvantage. Despite this, the community is dedicated to changing the situation by providing opportunities for children to gain the skills necessary for success.

United Way’s Better Together Program was developed to increase the services available for North Chicago families with children birth to 3-years-old. This initiative started in the winter of 2016 and has been made possible through the joint support and effort of the Green Bay Early Childhood Center, Women United of Lake County, and United Way of Lake County’s Success By 6 Program.

And today we reflect on the impact of this program…

Initially, the Better Together program’s main goal was to educate parents on the important role they play as their children’s first teachers by providing a safe place where their children could play and develop the readiness, physical and cognitive skills crucial to their education. Yet, the program began so much more, moving beyond barriers—such as culture—giving the mothers a true sense of community.

Better Together became a place where parents focused on the growth and well-being of their children, as part of the transition to preschool.

Meet some of our current and past participants of Better Together:

Juana and her daughter Camila play using blocks.

Charlyn teaches Gavin the food groups.

Mothers Viridiana, Carolina, Martha, and Juana (left to right) socialize while their children play.

The strength of this program comes from the support of our partners, volunteers, and Better Together teacher, Ms. S. Click here for her reflection of the program featured in the next Better Together blog post.

03 Jun

Thanks and Goodbye from an AmeriCorps VISTA

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

My year of serving as the Success By 6 AmeriCorps VISTA at United Way of Lake County is drawing to a close, so I’d like to say thank you to everyone who made it possible and helped me have such an impact. When I started back in June 2015, I jumped right in working with Kindergarten Countdown Camp, which started just a couple weeks after I started.

VISTA Nicole Delaney helps a child read at Kindergarten Camp

AmeriCorps VISTA member, Nicole Delaney, helps a child read at the Kindergarten Countdown Camp.

Kindergarten Camp was a great experience to start my time at United Way of Lake County because I was able to dive right into the community as well as work behind the scenes to ensure the program ran smoothly while measuring results. From there, I kept busy with exciting and meaningful projects such as the Waukegan Kindergarten Readiness Assessment and much more. For my work throughout this year, I received the New Volunteer Award at the Annual Meeting, which was a big honor. I was even persuaded to take a selfie with Kristi Long, our CEO, and Scott Jones, our Board Chair, to celebrate the award.

Nicole at the Annual Meeting 2016 with United Way of Lake County

Nicole receiving the Outstanding New Volunteer Award at United Way of Lake County’s Annual Meeting in May 2016.

The chance to have an impact in my community has been so meaningful, but it has only been one of the great parts of my year of service. I have also learned so much from my coworkers and supervisor at United Way of Lake County.

Volunteer Event at AbbVie

United Way Day, last summer, painting an early learning trail at the North Chicago Public Library.

Reflecting on my year, I want to thank everyone at United Way of Lake County who made my service year so meaningful, educational, and fun. I have learned so much while working here at United Way of Lake County and can’t wait to take that with me!

Now that my time here is ending, I am enrolling in graduate school. I have decided to pursue a Master of Public Service Administration at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service. I am very excited about this opportunity, but I know it would not have been possible without everything I learned here at UWLC. A million thank yous go out to everyone who has supported me and made this such an incredible experience!

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03 May

Donate to Help Our Neighbors in Need

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

The state budget has severely impacted local organizations’ abilities to serve people in our own backyard. For 10 months, agencies have not received state funding due to the budget impasse.

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United Way of Lake County is responding to that need, but we need your help.

Starting today through May 13th, we are running the “Help Our Neighbors in Need” campaign to mitigate cuts made due to the state budget impasse. All proceeds will remain in Lake County and fund community organizations that align with our mission to unite leadership and to create lasting change in Lake County, IL.

By contributing to this campaign, you are helping support our local partners so that they can continue to serve our neighbors in need. To learn more, go to www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/neighbors.

25 Mar

A Reflection of My Volunteer Experience

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

I moved to the United States with my husband to accompany him for his work. Having worked for four years in India as a marketing communications professional, with leading global Public Relations firms, it was a challenge coming here and not being able to work due to the legalities. While I thought, I can do away with vacationing in the U.S. and watching Netflix while my stay here, even Netflix eventually started asking me “Are you still watching?” Soon the realization came to rather use my time constructively. I thought of social responsibility and started looking for volunteer opportunities. Thanks to my husband and his senior colleague at Trustmark Companies, I found myself at United Way of Lake County.

For nearly a year and a half, I had the privilege to work with the marketing team of United Way of Lake County.  I can truly say that this experience doesn’t feel at all like volunteering, but more like being a part of another family. United Way’s employees are such nice people, so accepting, so accomplished but down to earth, passionately working for the well-being of others and I am really happy that I got a chance to do my bit in wake of them all.

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At WLC Power of the Purse 2014

Under the guidance of the marketing team, I worked on strategic public outreach initiatives to address the most critical local need of children in Lake County and in shaping positive opinion of United Way in mind of its key media influencers.

This by far has been the best work experience I have had. Not only have I learned how education and working together is the key to a strong community, but I also got an opportunity to learn about U.S. work culture, how the media operates here, network with my peers, and learn about the Lake County community and its needs.

Annual Community Celebration Event 2014-2015

From my America experience, United Way of Lake County will hold a real special place. I plan to utilize the skills and experience that I gained during my volunteer experience here in my next job and take some of the good practice back to India too with me.

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Red Nose Day Fun with the Social Media Team

There are many reasons to consider volunteering or interning with United Way of Lake County, but perhaps none is more worthwhile than being a part of something greater than yourself.  The work being done here s truly creating lasting changes for lives in Lake County. I would highly recommend for anyone interested in social responsibility to apply. Be part of a great team, have your voice be heard and make a difference in the Lake County community.

01 Mar

Kindergarten Readiness Assessment in Waukegan

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

In fall 2015, United Way of Lake County conducted the fourth Kindergarten Readiness Assessment in Waukegan, IL.  We are pleased to be able to share the full report of results with you here. The assessment wouldn’t be possible without the support of the teachers, staff, and principals in Waukegan School District, United Way of Lake County’s Women’s Leadership Council, and all our volunteers.

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So how does the assessment work? The graphic below outlines the 2015 assessment process in Waukegan.

KRA Graphic

After completing the assessment, we calculated scores for students on all 15 skills and here are the results:

Overall Kindergarten Readiness Scores

We spoke with educational professionals in Waukegan before completing the first assessment in 2006, and based on their input, “ready” is defined  as being able to score ‘In Progress’ or ‘Proficient’ in five key kindergarten readiness skills – recognizing shapes, letters, colors, being able to write your name, and count 10 objects. Over time, the percent of kindergarteners in Waukegan who have met that threshold has continued to increase:

Ready to Start School Graph

One of the purposes of the assessment is it allows us to measure the effectiveness of our Success By 6 Initiatives in promoting Kindergarten Readiness. The chart below shows how children who participated in different Success By 6 Initiatives were more ready for kindergarten than those who did not.

UWLC Comparison Graph

The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment not only helps United Way of Lake County measure progress, but it assists in developing future programming. In Waukegan, we have developed specific goals for the upcoming year that reflect the results of the assessment:

SB6 Goals

The Success By 6 Program is very excited to continue its efforts to increase kindergarten readiness in Waukegan and is grateful to every who made the 2015 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment possible!

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18 Feb

My Experience as a Career Speaker

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

For the second time, I had the opportunity to talk to the Young Men of Vision student group at the Abbott Middle School in Waukegan. Doug Basler and I, work for UCC Environmental and were asked by United Way of Lake County to spend some time sharing key experiences with the young men.

The Young Men of Vision group has a strict behavioral and attendance code. Not everyone can get into this group in the first place, and of those that do, Mr. Michael Washington, Dean of Students at Abbott Middle School and also the Advisor for the group explained, not all can keep up the discipline to stay in the group. However, for those that do, get special learning opportunities and meet exemplary people from the community. So getting through the Young Men of Vision program is a major achievement.

Since I had spoken a year ago to these young men’s predecessors in the group, I was prepared for what we were in for. Doug and I took the opportunity to share our stories about what we had done and what led us to speak with this group. We explained what it was that motivated us to do the work that we do, talked a little about our business and the sorts of people that are on our team, and how they got to where they are. Through our narrative, we tried establishing the fact that education, hard work, and finding a job in an industry you love will help you succeed in your career and life.

If you are working only for pay, then that will make a long day. However, like Doug and I, if you truly do work that you love, then the hours fly by and the best part of it is that you get paid for having fun! This was the message that we tried to get over to the group.

Speaking as an immigrant to this country, it was nice to hear that many in the group were born outside of the United States. We talked a little about the fact that people have widely different economic circumstances and advantages. However, since Doug and I have both had the opportunity to travel widely in our work, and the USA is definitely a place where, even if you are not from a privileged background, compared to most places in the world, you can get a good education for free and have a great chance to make opportunities for yourself.

We left Abbott Middle School with the impression that this group of Young Men of Vision was very likely to get themselves good education, work hard and put passion into their future jobs for a successful life ahead.

Thank you United Way of Lake County for helping connect the vulnerable students of Lake County with special learning opportunities that help them succeed in a changing world and thanks to the efforts of their parents, teachers, family, friends, but most importantly of all – themselves.

Andrew Warrington
President, UCC Environmental

 

20 Jan

Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy of Service

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” He lived his life by that statement, and so to honor his memory and his legacy, every year on his day Americans across the country use their day off to perform acts of service to better their community.

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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

As an AmeriCorps VISTA, a full-time volunteer that serves for a year with an organization fighting poverty in exchange for a modest living stipend and an education stipend, I participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (MLK Day). Together, with staff members from Waukegan Public Library who organized the event, I chaperoned 24 Waukegan High School students as they went on a field trip to a service activity and a celebration of Dr. King’s legacy. We went to Highland Park’s 7th Annual MLK Day of Service, where the students could participate in a number of small service projects.

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Waukegan High School students getting ready for their day of service.

To be honest, at first, the students did not seem very excited about their day of service. There were probably a number of reasons, including that they were spending their day off learning and working or the fact the temperature was zero degrees when they arrived. The bus ride down to the Highland Park Rec Center, where the event took place was cold, and there was not a lot of enthusiasm amongst the students.

However, once we got there, the students quickly got into the service projects. The library hosted a table where the students and visitors could write Valentine’s Day cards for seniors. In addition, 25 other organizations hosted stations at the event that included writing letters thanking veterans for their service, making quilt squares for children in the hospital, and helping make soup packets for a food bank.

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Waukegan High School students make quilts for a local after-school program.

After the service portion of the day was completed, the city of Highland Park sponsored a program for the volunteers that included songs, a reading of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech recited by Lynn Epps of Highland Park, and a short speech by Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White, recalling when Dr. King was his minister. The day ended with the fantastic feats of the Jesse White Tumblers.

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The Waukegan High School students and chaperones pose for a picture with Secretary of State Jesse White.

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The Jesse White Tumblers show off their acrobatics.

At the end of the day, almost every student said they would be interested in returning next year for another day of service. It was impressive to see young high school students take their very cold day off from school and spend it helping others. Listening to Dr. King’s speech likely reminded them of the importance of fighting against racism, intolerance, and injustice in our society. As Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It was a good reminder of the importance of service, not just on MLK Day, but every day.

If you missed your chance to serve on MLK Day, but are looking to get involved, there are always opportunities! You can look here for ongoing and one-time opportunities with United Way of Lake County or check out Find Help Lake County for volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County, IL. For more information on becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA, visit here.

By Nicole Delaney, AmeriCorps VISTA, Success By 6

15 Dec

My Internship Experience

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

For seven months I was granted the opportunity be part of United Way of Lake County. I am thankful United Way of Lake County welcomed me as a member of their Community Impact team from day one. As an intern, I was provided with a high-impact learning experience that integrated real world experience. My unique experience gave me the opportunity to attend presentations, meetings, and volunteer events with those in higher management positions. I was able to network, learn about the community and needs within the community. I also organized and hosted a community immunization education training for local organizations.

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One of the memories I’ll carry with me will be Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC). I was given a major role in the behind the scenes planning, which allowed me to grow as a responsible individual. After the intensive planning of KCC, it was rewarding to see the success of the program over a period of two weeks. I witnessed kindergarteners, which had never attended any type of formal preschool, grow out of their comfort zones. They gained confidence, knowledge, and friends by the end of the program.

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My time at United Way of Lake County was enjoyable. I am leaving with useful knowledge and experience in the non-profit field. Most importantly, I am leaving with friends and a rewarding feeling for contributing to my community.

By Liliana Rojas, Community Impact Intern

15 Nov

Congratulations to Judy Kotsiopoulos, Winner of the Women Distinction Award

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

Women’s Leadership Council Member, Judy Kotsiopoulos, was honored as one of Lake County’s most remarkable women by Shaw Media and Lake County Magazine.

United Way of Lake County is proud of Judy’s accomplishments in the Lake County Community. Here is her testimonial of her philanthropic work:

I have been advocating and volunteering for over 20 years now, serving the greater needs of the community and making an active, philanthropic investment into Lake County, my home.

I got into making a difference through volunteerism, philanthropy and leadership development, volunteering with my father at Peace Memorial Church, who organized many different events.

Currently, I am involved with United Way of Lake County, where together, with like-minded business, civic leaders and community partners, I am working towards educating at-risk children in Lake County and preparing them to succeed in a changing world. I have served on the United Way Board of Directors and continue to be a dedicated Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) member. Nationally, United Way’s WLC is the most successful philanthropic network of its kind. In Lake County, WLC is a group 75 accomplished women taking action to ensure children living in Lake County’s most at-risk communities are prepared for Kindergarten and ready to succeed. It is also a great honor to serve as the Chairperson of WLC’s Power of the Purse, their annual signature fundraiser, aimed at raising funds for the Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to help advance the common good through early childhood education and literacy programs in Lake County.

I am also associated with the American Cancer Society, where I serve as a volunteer, have coordinated a relay for life team and wellness education development in Lake County. I am a member of Joy Lutheran Church and have planned their family picnic, summer pool parties, and serve as a VBS leader. I am associated with Canine Companions for Independence and serve as the Fundraising Chairperson. I also volunteer with Orphans of the Storm and PADS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and comprehensive resources to families with children and individuals experiencing homelessness in Lake County. I was involved with United Way of Racine County, as a Corporate Campaign Manager. Have also served as a troop leader for 12 years and Service Unit Manager for 2 years for Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and NW Indiana.

The reason I serve on various nonprofit organizations and human service agencies is personal gratification and as a local professional with two daughters, I see first-hand the need for a strong community. Also, I am now passing along the important things I learned from my father to my beautiful daughters: to think of other’s lives as connected to their own and show compassion for others.

Judy Kotsiopoulos – Women’s Leadership Council Member. Along with her social responsibility commitments, Judy worked as the Human Resources Global Employee Services Manager for Hollister Incorporated. Before joining Hollister Incorporated, Judy worked for Circon Surgitek Corporation. She held several strategic roles in the company such as New Products Manager, Materials Manager, Purchasing and Distribution Manager, and assisted the Plant Manager on special projects. She is the mother of two beautiful daughters, Devan and Ava, and lives with her husband John, in Gurnee, Illinois.

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