June 2024 e-Newsletter
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Tag: Volunteer Opportunities
December 2023 e-Newsletter
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May 2023 e-Newsletter
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211 Illinois Receives State Grant |
We are thrilled to share the exciting news from this most recent Illinois legislative session. The 211 Illinois board has secured a $3 million grant for fiscal 2023-2024 to support 211 services and expand coverage to uncovered counties. The funding announcement is a huge victory and will allow 211 Illinois to plan for and strengthen the future of our statewide 211 network.
The challenging and tireless work to expand 211 coverage for all Illinoisans has been led by 211 Illinois Board Chair, Kristi Long, who also serves as President & CEO of United Way of Lake County. Thanks also to Steve Carlson and Glenda Abbott who continue to champion Lake County’s 211 and serve on the Illinois 211 Board, as well as Kelly Cotter and Michelle Crombie who provided the tremendous support on the grant application and submittal process.
United Way of Lake County is proud to help lead the way to bring 211 services to all Illinois communities and be a model program. 211 has now expanded to more than 90% of the state, up from 36% just a year ago. As of right now, 7 million more Illinoisans have access to 211!
We’re Hiring: 211 Manager
We are seeking an innovative individual passionate about serving others to develop and lead a team in ensuring that 211 Lake County excels in the delivery of referral services and information to the residents of Lake County. The 211 Manager will be responsible for ensuring that 211 Lake County provides a positive experience for individuals, non-profit organizations and government agencies and is a valued partner to stakeholders throughout the county.
February 2023 e-Newsletter
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Holiday Opportunities Guide is Here!
Each holiday season, we publish a guide that includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County. This easy-to-use guide includes winter volunteering opportunities, agency wishlists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.
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. When we work together and LIVE UNITED, we make a tremendous impact on our community. To view our 2022 Holiday Opportunities Guide, click here.
September 2020 e-Newsletter
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Launch a Workplace Campaign with United WayChange doesn’t happen alone. Your organization, large or small, can help us create a stronger Lake County through a United Way workplace campaign. United Way’s workplace campaigns are about bringing your coworkers and staff together through the workplace to inspire change and strengthen your local communities. Campaigns make it easy for your company, agency or group to make impacts on their communities by giving. Not only do workplace campaigns make giving easier by allowing for small increments to build into larger gifts, but it also educates your community about local issues while connecting them with resources or opportunities to help those in need right here in Lake County. Whether your campaign is virtual or in-person, we’ll provide you with the tools you need to plan, coordinate and implement a successful fundraising campaign. Check out the Campaign Toolkit on our website for available resources below.
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Save the Date! Help Celebrate the One-Year Anniversary of 211
United Way of Lake County and our partners are celebrating the one-year anniversary of 211 services for Lake County!
We are planning a virtual event on October 27 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. with community leaders and stakeholders to share how 211 has transformed the way individuals and families from all across the county are connecting with essential health and human services. You’ll hear about 211’s measurable impact, data on community-specific needs, and the results we have seen in year one, including the increased needs arising from the pandemic. You’ll also hear stories of how 211 has made a real difference in Lake County for community members, employers, agencies, and local government. 
Marc Jones, Director of Waukegan Township’s Eddie Washington Center, 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, including a more in-depth discussion on the top need(s) and solutions to address them.
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, and celebrate the year one results we’ve achieved together.
More information and a registration link will follow next week.
Watch an Update About Our Efforts Amid COVID
Our President and CEO, Kristi Long, recently had the opportunity to sit down with State Representative Mary Edly-Allen. They discussed how United Way of Lake County is helping our local community during COVID-19 by providing education, implementing the 211 helpline, and organizing response and recovery efforts.
Register for Better Together, Now Virtual
Registration is now open for our free, virtual Better Together program. Better Together is designed for children ages 0-3 living in North Chicago or Great Lakes to develop the readiness, physical and cognitive skills crucial to their education, alongside their caregiver. The program encourages interactions, self-exploration, and guided learning through print materials and videos.
We are offering bi-weekly curbside pick-up of material. To see the schedule for material pick-up or to learn more, click here.
Shop Kendra Scott and Support Local Literacy Programs
Women United is partnering with Kendra Scott to host both an online and in-store event. 20% of your purchase will go to Women United’s philanthropy fund. All funds raised by Women United will support early literacy programs in Lake County.
The in-store event will be on October 8 at the Kendra Scott store in Deer Park (20530 N Rand Rd Suite 300). Anyone can shop between 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. There is a six-customer limit inside, but there will also be an open-air tent and waiting-area outside. Make sure to mention Women United. If you bring in a children’s book, you will get 15% off your purchase.
To participate online, visit KendraScott.com on October 8 or 9, do your online shopping, and at check-out, make sure to use the code GIVEBACK8920.
In-Store Event
Online Event
Computer Lottery for Waukegan Families
Waukegan families with a K-5th grade student in their household and that do not own a computer are eligible to apply to receive a computer.
Go to compudopt.org/chicago, choose the “Far North Suburbs Lottery” button, and complete the registration. If chosen in the random lottery, Comp-U-Dopt will send you a text and provide information regarding how to pick up the computer.
August 2020 e-Newsletter
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Reading Success Is Going Virtual
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Scholastic and United Way Help Kids Stay Connected to Books
Baxter Gives Back
Volunteer in Lake County
Get Involved with UWLC
Census 2020: A Full Count Is Important for the Future of Our Children
July 2020 e-Newsletter
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Wine & Learn about Women United
Please join Women United virtually on Tuesday, August 18 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. to learn how this amazing group of over 100 women are strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism. The group is flexible so women can choose their level of involvement and there is a ‘no guilt’ policy because all those attracted to Women United are generally very busy people. As donors to United Way, they lead by example to ensure that Lake County’s most vulnerable children are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.
Now is a great time to learn more about this fabulous group and the community-minded women who are involved. To receive the event details, please RSVP to Diana Nielander at diana.nielander@uwlakeco.org. Learn more about the event by clicking below.
Leaders United Assist with COVID Relief
Leaders United members and friends helped 300 Zion families in need by distributing boxes of food as well as hand sanitizer and face masks. Together they loaded trucks for remote sites, packed boxes for distribution, directed traffic and distributed boxes filled with produce, meat and milk. Thank you to Northern Illinois Food Bank, Humanity First Lake County and Zion Park District for coordinating this event.
Follow Leaders United on Facebook for more updates about their work in the community and to get involved.
UWLC Staff Participate in Pride Drive
Here at United Way of Lake County, we fight for equity and justice for all. On June 30, UWLC staff participated in Waukegan’s first Pride Drive. Participants decorated their cars and joined the drive through downtown to celebrate our incredibly diverse community. Amazing things happen when the community comes together!
Now Available: Annual Report 2019
Thanks to your generosity and kindness, we are transforming communities by bringing together people who have the passion, the expertise and the resources needed to get things done.
We are proud of all that we have achieved together and extend our deepest thanks for the financial resources our supporters have entrusted us with to create lasting change for children and families in Lake County.
Looking for Volunteer Opportunities?
We have teamed up with Lake County Government to coordinate local COVID-19 response volunteer efforts. Volunteers are needed to pack and prep meal boxes, deliver meals to homebound seniors, write letters of encouragement, provide general office support, and more. You’ll find a list of volunteer opportunities on the 211LakeCounty.org website.
The most urgent need is for homemade cloth masks. There are various locations around the county that are collecting these masks to distribute to vulnerable populations. For more information about donating masks and other volunteer opportunities, click below.
Respond to the 2020 Census Today
The next 10 years depends on your next 10 minutes! Answer 10 questions and help bring a decade of funding to Lake County for roads, schools, healthcare and much more. It’s easy, confidential and important. You can respond online at my2020census.gov, by phone at (844) 330-2020, or by mail.
If you need help responding or have questions, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
June 2020 e-Newsletter
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January 2020 e-Newsletter
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New Year, New Volunteer OpportunitiesWant 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 FundraiserWe 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 BashJoin 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! .
Sip, Chat and Learn with Leaders UnitedJoin 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
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 TaxesNo 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! |
