Tag: Wine & Learn

13 Aug

July 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

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Prepare for Kindergarten with United Way

Kindergarten Readiness is a free summer school opportunity for children living in Waukegan or Round Lake who have little to no preschool experience and are entering kindergarten in Fall 2020. This hands-on program will connect children with essential skills to help them prepare for the transition to their new role as a student.

Due to COVID-19, our Kindergarten Readiness program will now be held virtually. Weekly lesson videos will be shared with the children to view at their own pace. Supplemental materials will also be provided to help reinforce their learning.

Capacity is limited. Register by contacting Shareny Mota at shareny.mota@uwlakeco.org or 847-775-1040.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.
29 Jan

January 2020 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

New Year, New Volunteer Opportunities

Want 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 Fundraiser

We 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 Bash

Join 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!

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Sip, Chat and Learn with Leaders United

Join 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

This spring the 2020 Census will take place. The goal is to count every person living in the country and it is done every ten years. The Official Census Day is April 1, 2020.

A full census count is very important to the future of our children in Lake County.

The number of people counted in our state by the Census Bureau will determine where schools, roads, hospitals, childcare centers and senior centers will be built. It will also determine how much money Illinois will get to help pay for All Kids insurance, school breakfast and lunch programs, finical aid for college, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as SNAP or food stamps) and many other programs that are important to keeping our children healthy, strong and well educated.

Children are often missed in the census count.

It is important that you count everyone who is living in your house on April 1, 2020. This includes you, all the children living with you whether they are yours or someone else’s, and anyone else like grandparents, cousins or even friends who are living in your home. You should count everyone, even if they are not U.S. citizens (the Census Bureau does not ask about citizenship). The information you provide to the U.S. Census Bureau is safe and secure and cannot be shared with anyone else by law, including any other government agencies.

Responding to the 2020 Census is an easy, safe and very important way to help provide resources for our children and our communities over the next 10 years.

How to make sure your family is counted.

You will get information from the U.S. Census Bureau in the mail in March and April on how to respond by phone, online or with a mail-in paper questionnaire. You can answer the census questions anytime between March and June.

If you do not answer before the end of April, a Census Bureau worker will knock on your door and ask you the questions face-to-face. The best way to avoid a visit is to respond by phone, online or with the mail-in questionnaire before the end of April.

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 Taxes

No 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!

 

25 Nov

November 2019 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

 

Sold-Out Power of the Purse Raises $66k for Early Literacy Programs

On November 3, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse, at the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. Over 200 women joined for an afternoon filled with a champagne brunch, an assortment of games to win purses, jewelry and much more. This year’s event raised a record $66,000!

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support six critical early literacy programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County children. Since 2014, Women United has granted over half a million dollars to worthy early literacy programs. Power of the Purse ensures that more children receive the support they need to be prepared for kindergarten and are ready to succeed.

“We are so excited to have another successful Power of the Purse event and raise even more than in 2018. We work hard to create an exciting and memorable event that builds enthusiasm and increases dollars year over year. The generosity and support from Women United members truly makes this event possible.”

-Judy Kotsiopoulos, POP Event Chair

To view photos from this year’s Power of the Purse event, click the button below.

Double Your Impact to Help Improve and Save Lives this GivingTuesday

All of the funds raised this GivingTuesday, between November 26 – December 10, will help us sustain our new 211 program in Lake County, IL.

211 is a powerful information and referral service that helps people in need connect to a wide range of available community resources to improve and save lives. 211 provides access to critical services like shelter and affordable housing options, utility assistance, supplemental food programs, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling, employment and education support, health care and mental health, and more!

Thanks to the support of many local partners and individuals, United Way of Lake County is proud to have launched 211 for everyone in Lake County on September 24, 2019!

But our work is not over! We need your help to provide this vital service for many years to come so that all 703,000 Lake County residents have access to critical information and resources. Together, we can ensure that Lake County’s 211 system transforms the way our residents find help.

The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County will be matching 100% of all new or increased GivingTuesday donations up to $5,000.

Please consider making a gift between November 26 and December 10 to help improve and save lives in Lake County, IL.

Be sure to check if your company will match your donation to TRIPLE your impact.

Click below to learn more about our GivingTuesday campaign.

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 throughout 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.

Sign Up for our TAKE ACTION! Advocacy Email

At United Way of Lake County, we believe advocating for good public policy is critical to our mission to improve the lives of children and families in Lake County. United Way engages in public policy advocacy because we recognize our experience, knowledge, partnerships and influence can help inform policymakers’ decisions regarding the policies affecting our community.

Our new, periodic TAKE ACTION! advocacy email will provide a nonpartisan platform for people to take meaningful action that will make a difference.

Sign up for our TAKE ACTION! advocacy email by clicking below.

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You’re Invited to Women United’s Wine & Learn

Women United of Lake County invites you to attend their Wine & Learn on December 4 at 6 p.m. in Libertyville to learn more about membership with Women United 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 Sunday, December 1.

Learn more about the event on Facebook by clicking the button below.

Sip, Chat and Learn with Leaders United

Join Leaders United on Thursday, December 5 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Bosacki’s Brewery (610 East Hawley Street, Mundelein) to sample some tasty brews and learn from current members how this group creates 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.

Register for this free event below or contact Bobbi Selvik via email at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Volunteer Opportunity: The Real Deal

You’re invited to be a part of a wonderful opportunity to help educate, support, and enrich the lives of Waukegan high school students. Waukegan High School (Brookside Campus), in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, is hosting an event on December 6 called “The Real Deal.”

The Real Deal is essentially The Game of Life in an interactive form. Students assume the life of a 25-year-old and learn the value and challenges of financial responsibility, how choices such as smoking, teen pregnancy, and drinking/drug use can dramatically impact their future, and the benefits of education on their career goals and life satisfaction through visiting a variety of different “hands on” stations. They receive real life advice on setting goals and avoiding high-risk behaviors from community members and learn about available resources.

There are two sessions; one in the AM and one in the PM. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Bobbi Selvik at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1022.

UWLC Wins Award for Bringing 211 to Lake County

On November 13, Reflejos, the local bilingual Latino publication, honored United Way of Lake County (UWLC) at their Reflecting Excellence Awards. We were recognized in their “Making a Community Difference” category for our work in bringing 211 to Lake County. United Way staff members, Karla Medina Alamar and Susan Mendoza, attended the event and accepted the award on UWLC’s behalf.

We are honored to be recognized and grateful to Reflejos for helping spread the word about 211 in Lake County!

 

25 Apr

April 2019 e-Newsletter

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Newsletter

Thank You to Our Wonderful Volunteers!

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’d like to say “Thank You” to our incredible volunteers! Our work is simply not possible without our volunteers and we are truly grateful for the dedication, time and the talent of people, like you.

Click the button below to view a video of our staff thanking our AMAZING volunteers. We hope it brings a smile to your face!

Volunteer Opportunity: Reading Buddies

We need volunteers to spend an hour in a classroom reading with kindergartners!

120 children in Lake County will attend a Kindergarten Countdown Camp this summer. Learning the joy of reading is an important piece of this camp and we need volunteers to demonstrate how much fun reading a book can be! Reading with young students brings books to life and shows them how entertaining reading can be. These children come from low-income families – so many don’t have books at home. Introducing them to the concept of books, stories and reading is an important milestone for them as they prepare to enter kindergarten this fall.

Click below for more details.

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Volunteer Opportunity: Kindergarten Countdown Camp

We are looking for several in-classroom volunteers to assist with our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC). KCC is a free summer learning program for incoming kindergarteners who have never attended preschool nor been in a classroom setting. Quality early childhood programs, like KCC, produce lasting effects for a child – entering kindergarten with the academic, emotional and social skills needed to be successful.

Classroom volunteers must be 16 years or older and willing to commit 2-3 days a week for at least 5-6 weeks, between June 10 and July 19. For more details, click below.

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211: One Step Closer to Launch in Lake County

Last week on social media, we shared the exciting news that we signed a contract with our call center, which means we’re one step closer to launching 211 in Lake County!

211 is a free and confidential helpline that can be easily accessed 24 hours a day, every day of the year, connecting individuals and families to health and human services in their community. The service will connect residents to various resources from shelter and housing options, supplemental food programs, health care and mental health services, addiction support and rehabilitation, crisis counseling and more to help improve and save lives.

Want to stay up-to-date on the pending launch of 211 in Lake County? Sign-up for our 211 e-Newsletter below.

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We’re Pleased To Present Our 2018 Annual Report

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.

Women United Invites You to the Next Wine & Learn

Have you been looking for a way to support the Lake County community and meet some amazing women in the process? Join us on May 9 at 6 p.m. in Lake Forest to learn more about membership with Women United and the way we mobilize our efforts to support early childhood literacy.

Women United members 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 Join? Please RSVP to Janice at Janice.Scarbalis@uwlakeco.org before Monday, May 6. Learn more about the event on Facebook by clicking below.

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You’re Invited to our Annual Meeting

Join us for United Way of Lake County’s Annual Meeting event on Thursday, May 16, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.! Enjoy a delicious reception at our Conference Center while networking with other Lake County leaders and advocates.

During the event, you’ll hear about United Way’s successful work in the community as we honor outgoing Board Chair, Andrew Warrington, and welcome incoming Board Chair, Carla Zuniga.

Registration is free, we just ask that you RSVP by Wednesday, May 15. We hope to see you there! To RSVP, please click below.

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