29 Apr

April 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Student Coin Drive Raises $2K for COVID Relief

Community service projects are a great way to encourage students to think about the world around them. At St. Gilbert School in Grayslake, it is an annual tradition to raise money for an organization as a school-wide service project. This year, we are thrilled that the student council members selected our Lake County COVID Response & Recovery Fund! United Way of Lake County established the fund to ensure our neighbors left most vulnerable by the coronavirus can access critical needs, including emergency food and shelter, rent and utility assistance, health care and mental health services, and more.

To help local families who are struggling from the effects of the virus, St. Gilbert students held a coin collection fundraiser from March 1 – April 1. The students were inspired to help others less fortunate while having fun reaching their goal. Each class had a collection jar in their homeroom and classes competed in a series of different weekly challenges, including a penny challenge and a dollar bill challenge. To boost teamwork, classes had the opportunity to win prizes such as earning dress-down passes. The overall winning class with the most money raised at the end of the month earned cookies for their whole class and extra recess.

Small donations add up and can make a life-changing difference. Working together they raised a whopping $2,000! Thank you to the amazing students and families at St.Gilbert for a successful fundraiser in support of our Lake County neighbors.

Thank You, Volunteers!

This week is National Volunteer Week and we’d like to take this time to recognize all of the selfless individuals who lend their time, talent, voice and support to serve our community. As an organization that relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its mission, this annual week of celebration is near and dear to our hearts. Day in and day out, our volunteers help enrich the lives of those in need and build a stronger, more equitable community. Without volunteers, our work is simply not possible.

As a thank you, we created videos for each of our volunteer groups. Check them out below.

Black History Book Drive Delivers 200 Books to Kids

During the month of February, we celebrated Black History Month by hosting a virtual book drive to help put books featuring Black characters and influential Black American figures into the hands of eager young readers in our community.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the fund and helped us raise nearly $2,000! We were able to purchase 200 books that were donated to the following schools: Carman Buckner School in Waukegan, Glenwood School in Waukegan, West School in Zion, and Pleviak School in Lake Villa.

Now so many more students will have access to books that promote a positive equity message!

Register for Kindergarten Countdown Camp

Kindergarten Countdown Camp is a free summer program for children, entering kindergarten in Fall 2021, who have no preschool experience. This year, registrants can choose between hybrid learning (a mix of in-person and remote) or full virtual learning. Registration is now open for students in the Round Lake School District.

Interested? Fill out our registration form below.

Play A-Round for Lake County Kids

Join Women United for Play A-Round for Lake County Kids on Monday, July 19 at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. This co-ed shotgun scramble golf fundraiser will support early childhood education in Lake County through Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund.

Enjoy a day of great golf, food, competition and prizes. Golf event tickets are $150 per person and include an on-course lunch and an outdoor buffet dinner. Golfers will register in twosomes or foursomes. Additional event details can be found on the registration page.

Golfers who register by May 31 will be entered into the Early Bird Raffle for a special prize.

Don’t golf? Join us for dinner! Tickets are $50.

Women United’s Community Dialogue on Race

On April 7, Women United hosted “Community Dialogue on Race: Moving from Ideas to Action.”

Chris Kubic, Racial Equity Facilitator and Principal at New Tech High School in Zion Benton Township and Sandra Bankston, MSW, LCSW, Victim Advocate with Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, engaged in a conversation about anti-racism. They shared details about their own personal journeys with issues around race, discrimination and racial healing. Audience members were able to ask questions in the chat as they listened, learned and became better prepared to be an ally for racial equity. The event culminated in the panelists sharing actionable steps that everyone can use going forward.

This event was planned by Women United’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative which was established in mid-2020 to focus on diversifying membership, getting to know more diverse women, and providing information to members so we can learn, grow and take action in support of racial equity.

Watch the recording below.

Opportunity to Host Early Learning Clubs

Early Learning Clubs (ELCs) are community-led early childhood education workshops designed to help 3 to 5-year-old children and their parents be better prepared to start kindergarten. Children and parents receive a variety of free bilingual educational tools and instruction on how to continue using the tools at home.

If you are interested in hosting an ELC at your organization, school, library or club and serve families who reside in Beach Park, Zion, North Chicago, Round Lake or Waukegan, contact Shareny Mota, Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator, at Shareny.Mota@uwlakeco.org or 847-775-1040. For more information about Early Learning Clubs and parent resources, click below.

26 Mar

March 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Celebrating Read Across America Day

In early March, community and corporate volunteer readers gathered virtually to promote the joy of reading with students at East Elementary in Zion, North Elementary in Waukegan, and Pleviak Elementary in Lake Villa. Throughout the week, more than 725 students were introduced to these special guest readers.

Teachers love this interaction because it helps to reinforce reading goals such as increasing attention span, building vocabulary, and strengthening cognitive abilities. This wonderful interaction also allowed students to connect with other adults from the community.

Thank you to all our incredible volunteer readers for sharing their love of reading with these students! Pleviak School created a special thanks to all our wonderful volunteer readers. View that video below. You can also view photos here.

Senator Johnson Interviews Kristi Long

Senator Adriane Johnson interviewed our President & CEO, Kristi Long, about United Way of Lake County’s work in the community and how we’re making an impact through our education programs, 211 helpline, and pandemic relief efforts. We are honored to be featured on Senator Johnson’s first episode of In the District. You can watch the interview on YouTube below or you can listen on Spotify.

Opportunity to Host Early Learning Clubs

Early Learning Clubs (ELCs) are community-led early childhood education workshops designed to help 3 to 5 year old children and their parents be better prepared to start kindergarten. Children and parents receive a variety of free bilingual educational tools and instruction on how to continue using the tools at home.

Wine & Learn About Women United, Virtually

You’re invited to join Women United virtually on Wednesday, April 28 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. to learn how this amazing group of more than 100 women is 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 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 below.

Sign Up for Bright by Text

United Way of Lake County has partnered with Bright by Text to provide parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age 8 with information on child development plus local events and resources. We encourage you to try out this free service, and you can stop at any time.

When you sign up, you will receive text messages in English or Spanish that are specific to the age of your child and include local community resources targeted by your zip code. Bright by Text messages include research-based content on child development and learning, as well as information about valuable community services and events happening right here in Lake County.

To sign up, text “UWLC” to 274448; or by clicking below.

We are grateful to the many companies, philanthropies, and more than 650 individuals who have already contributed to our Response & Recovery Fund. Thanks to them, nonprofits on the front lines of the crisis have had more support to address Lake County’s greatest needs.

Since the fund was launched on March 20, 2020, more than one million dollars has been granted swiftly back into the community to 45 nonprofits so they can continue their critical work serving our most vulnerable neighbors.

Our work is not over and there is still a lot of need in the community. You can support the fund by clicking below.

Amanda Gorman, America’s youth poet laureate who captivated so many in the recent Super Bowl and Presidential Inauguration, wrote this poem for United Way last year. Inspired by the work she saw United Way tackling during the pandemic, she titled her poem Live United, to motivate people during dark times. Her words elevate the importance of taking care of each other. She captures the promise, possibility, and potential of galvanizing the caring power of communities.

211 Annual Report

Since its launch in 2019, United Way of Lake County’s 211 has made more than 70,000 connections to help. In case you missed our 211 Annual Report for year one, you can view it below. 211 also regularly releases data on top needs and the populations we serve in Lake County. View all 211 reports here.

9 Ways You Can Help Improve Gender Equity in Lake County

Challenges faced together are often easier to manage. That is true no matter your age or stage in life. Having someone who is by your side to help you face challenges is the power of mentorships! This Women’s History Month, we are celebrating the power of mentoring—in all its forms—to challenge current systems and eliminate inequity and gender bias. Click below for nine ways you can challenge gender bias through mentoring.

Company Spotlight: United Conveyor Corporation

United Conveyor Corporation (UCC) has been a committed and thoughtful partner for two decades. Over this time, UCC employees have donated funds and their time and talent to United Way of Lake County (UWLC) efforts, and this past year was no exception. For example, last fall UWLC was honored to help UCC celebrate their 100th anniversary by hosting a school supply drive. Even with Lake County schools fully remote, school supplies were still a great need of our students. UCC raised over $2,700 and was able to provide school supplies for children in Waukegan schools.

UCC’s support of Lake County families did not stop there. Women United secured a donation of 450 gallons of hand sanitizer to distribute to Waukegan Public Schools and several local nonprofits serving those struggling with basic needs during the pandemic. Women United needed a place to store the 55-gallon drums, a space to fill personal sized containers and prepare for distribution. UCC generously provided warehouse space, expertise and equipment to aid in the effort.

UCC has been a steadfast partner in supporting our work as we address the critical needs of Lake County neighbors and families. We thank them for their dedication to our mission and the families of Lake County. We look forward to partnering for decades to come.

Interested in learning more about starting a United Way campaign at your workplace? Learn more below or contact Dennis Burke at (847) 775-1014 or Dennis.Burke@uwlakeco.org.

Follow Leaders United on LinkedIn

Leaders United—our group for young professionals that creates positive change in Lake County—now has a presence on LinkedIn. Follow their page for invitations to fun events and volunteer opportunities, updates on their work in the community, and much more. Click below to view their social media profiles.

Meet the Staff: Elaine Rezotko and April Ryan

Recently, we welcomed both Elaine Rezotko and April Ryan to our United Way family! We are thrilled to have Elaine as our Resource Development Specialist and April as Executive Assistant to our President & CEO and Women United. Learn more about their roles, what they like to do in their free time, and how they connect with our programs.

17 Feb

Meet the Interns: David Astudillo

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

We are excited to welcome David Astudillo, our newest intern! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County (UWLC). As part of our 211 team, David is capturing 211 caller stories for our newsletters and collecting monthly report data. He is also assisting the marketing team by gathering social media analytics, offering ideas to enhance UWLC’s presence on social media, and more. Join us in welcoming David!

Where do you go to school, what is your major, and when will you graduate?

I am currently majoring in communication and minoring in professional writing and psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago. I will be earning a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences this May.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Waukegan, Illinois and I have continued to reside here throughout the pandemic.

What is your favorite type of food?

I love any type of pasta! When it comes to desserts my favorite would have to be banana bread pudding.

What is one of your favorite movies?

Some of my favorite movies to watch are Pixar animated movies! My favorite Pixar movie is, Inside Out.

Who inspires you?

Healthcare workers are people who I appreciate given the recent events that have shaken our country. Since the start of COVID-19 I have been amazed at what healthcare workers have been able to do as they put their lives on the line every day in order to care for citizens.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

During my downtime, I like to scour the internet in search of vintage movie posters to add to my collection.

To learn more about internship opportunities at United Way, click here.

29 Oct

October 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Reserve Your Spot: 211 One Year Later

United Way of Lake County is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of 211 services for Lake County via webinar on Tuesday, October 27. Join with community leaders and stakeholders to learn how 211 has transformed the way individuals and families from 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 will 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 needs 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.

You’re Invited: Power of the Purse!

Please join us on Sunday, November 8, for Women United’s signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. Instead of our traditional in-person event, we will be hosting our first-ever online buying and bidding shopping experience that includes 50+ trendy designer bags and 20+ silent auction purses, baskets and items. You can also help send underserved children to a Summer BOOST Learning Program and donate books and toys to preschool learning centers in Lake County’s low-income communities.

You will find a variety of purse styles such as satchels, shoulder bags, and totes from well-known designers including Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, Karl Lagerfeld and more. Maybe you are more interested in jewelry from Kendra Scott or artist David Parker, wine, spirits, chocolate, baby items or sports paraphernalia. There is something for everyone! Retail therapy is even more fun when 100% of all items purchased support early learning programs in Waukegan, North Chicago, Round Lake and Zion.

Buy your ticket today! Click below to learn more.

UWLC Welcomes New Board Members

United Way of Lake County recently welcomed four new members to our 2020-21 Board of Directors: Michelle Hansen, Senior Partner with Aon; Thomas Hudson, Senior Vice President R&D and Chief Scientific Officer of AbbVie; John Idleburg, the Lake County Sheriff; and Kevin Slawin, President & CEO of Trustmark Companies.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest board members,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO. “Their leadership skills, talents, expertise and genuine interest in our mission make them an asset to our diverse board and the organization.”

The four new members bring unique backgrounds and experiences to UWLC and we are pleased to have them serve on our board.

What’s New with Leaders United?

United Way of Lake County’s young professionals group, Leaders United, has continued to expand their outreach in the community. Recently some members and their families spent a couple of Saturdays volunteering at Cool Food Pantry in Waukegan. The group assisted with organizing the warehouse and sorting food that will go to feed families in need.

Leaders United will also be hosting their first virtual Financial Aid workshop in partnership with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and Waukegan Public Schools on Friday, October 23, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Leaders United members and community volunteers will be available to assist high school seniors, current college students and their families navigate the FAFSA or state aid forms. This workshop is available to all Lake County students. Space is limited. Sign up by emailing Ms. Fulton at efulton@wps60.org.

View the post on Facebook, here.

Meet Our New Intern: Sophie Hyde

We are excited to welcome Sophie Hyde, our newest Success By 6 intern! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County.

As part of our Success By 6 team, Sophie will work to provide parents with resources to help children receive a strong education and aid their overall development. She will also be assisting with the launch of a new program for UWLC called “Bright by Text.” Sophie focuses on embracing a multicultural perspective and promoting inclusivity. Learn more about Sophie below.

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

We are excited to introduce our bilingual 2020-2021 Kindergarten Readiness school year calendars! These calendars are free to you and a great resource for families. The Kindergarten Readiness Calendar (KRC) is designed for preschool-age children and is filled with activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.

KRCs are available to anyone in Lake County and come in a box of 50. If you would like to request calendars, please fill out our form by clicking the button below.

Please indicate at what time you would like to pick up your calendars in the “additional comments” section of the online order form.

Pick-ups will only be available on Mondays from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. at United Way of Lake County’s office: 330 South Greenleaf Street, Gurnee, Illinois 60031.

Domestic violence was already an epidemic before the pandemic hit, but the health crisis has caused a tremendous spike in incidents of abuse. Even as lockdown restrictions are lifted, the abuse will not simply end. It remains a critical time for survivors, and greater awareness, education, and bystander intervention are desperately needed.

This October, join us in spreading the word that resources are available right here in our community to help those who are experiencing violence. Anyone living in Lake County can call our 211 helpline, 24/7, to speak with a real person who will guide you to local resources. Call 211, text your zip code to 898211 or visit 211LakeCounty.org. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency or fear for your safety, call 911.

Your Voice. Your Vote.

Voting is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, duties we as citizens hold. Let’s exercise our right to be educated, informed voters this year.

Early voting is underway now thru November 2. To find a convenient location, click here. Registered voters can confirm their Election Day voting location here. For more information on voting options, click here.

20 Oct

Meet the Interns: Sophie Hyde

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

We are excited to welcome Sophie Hyde, our newest Success By 6 intern! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County. As part of our Success By 6 team, Sophie will work to provide parents with resources to help children receive a strong education and aid their overall development. She will also be assisting with the launch of a new program for UWLC called “Bright by Text”. Sophie focuses on embracing a multicultural perspective and promoting inclusivity. Join us in welcoming Sophie!