04 Feb

January 2021 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Year-End Campaign Raises $117,000!

At the end of 2020, we launched a campaign to raise funds for our education programs and 211. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, we raised more than $117,000! That amount includes a $7,500 matching gift from our sponsor, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County. We want to thank our supporters for making it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community to help improve and save lives.

We Accept the Challenge. Will You?

We’re joining our neighbors across the state to learn how inequity and systemic racism impact our lives and communities. Join us by signing up for the free 21-week Equity Challenge today. The Challenge started this week but it’s not too late to join. You will receive one email per week between now and June 19, 2021. Each challenge activity will take approximately 15 minutes per week.

United, we can help create a stronger, more equitable Illinois economy and stronger, more inclusive Illinois communities.

Bright by Text: A New Partnership

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 click below.

Wine & Learn About Women United, Virtually

You’re invited to join Women United virtually on Thursday, January 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.

Register for Better Together’s Virtual Spring Sessions

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 pickup of materials. To see the schedule or to learn more, click here.

Company Spotlight: Incredible Technologies

Thank you to Incredible Technologies, a Vernon Hills-based company, for organizing a fundraiser with us in December. Due to their employees’ generosity, they were able to raise $10,000 in support of our local community. You all are INCREDIBLE!

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

Celebrating MLK Day with Virtual Storytelling

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) hosted their first virtual storytelling. In collaboration with West Elementary School and Zion School District, GLCU volunteers were virtually invited into classrooms to read a story about Dr. King. It was an exciting morning filled with great energy, thoughtful discussion and learning more about a man who strived to make the world a better place for all. GLCU will collect the books and donate them to the school so that teachers can add them to their classroom libraries.

We would like to thank GLCU for this incredible Day of Service and West Elementary for sharing their students with us for a little while. Every volunteer walked away with a greater depth of appreciation for teachers as they navigate new learning strategies to keep students engaged and striving towards success.

Learn more about hosting a Day of Service like this with your workplace by contacting Bobbi Selvik at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1022.

Celebrating Black History Month with February Book Drive

To celebrate Black History Month, we will be hosting a virtual book drive during the month of February. The books will be donated to local elementary schools, increasing young readers’ access to books promoting a positive equity message.
Follow us on social media to be alerted when the book drive launches and to learn how you can contribute.

Lake County’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund

We are grateful to the many companies, philanthropies, and more than 650 individuals who have already contributed to our Lake County COVID-19 Response and 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 in March 2020, more than one million dollars has been granted back into the community to 46 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.

211 Partners with EverThrive Illinois

We have partnered with EverThrive Illinois to ensure that Lake County families are tapped into a network of resources to support them before, during and after pregnancy.

Find assistance with health care, housing, nutrition, postpartum support, and more when you connect with our 211 helpline. Reach immediate, comprehensive and confidential assistance. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 now!

17 Dec

December 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Brighten Countless Lives in Lake County

Through December 24, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.

Your gift will make it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community to improve and save lives. Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County is matching all new or increased gifts up to $7,500.

The tough work that is needed to help Lake County recover, rebuild and thrive is the work United Way of Lake County does every day. We create lasting change to break the cycle of poverty through education, by empowering families to become and remain self-sufficient, and connecting people to life-changing support.

Together, we can achieve long-lasting results for our community, neighbors and children.

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Despite the many challenges and changes this year, you helped us accomplish so much! Thank you for supporting our mission to create lasting change in the Lake County community. We are grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.

– Your friends at United Way of Lake County

P.S. View our holiday card video below.

211 is Here for You

The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people, especially this year. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with mental health services, food, shelter, transportation, or other health and human services—call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected.

Winter Break Boxes for Local Students

Women United funded, decorated, and assembled Winter Break Boxes for students in our Reading Success program and their families. Each box contains a grade-appropriate book and a winter break packet containing winter-themed activities in reading, writing, and math that will keep kids on track during the break. It also includes healthy snacks, a Walmart gift card for parents, a pack of 5 reusable face masks, a 211 card, and a handwritten note of encouragement and good wishes.

All boxes will be delivered in time for winter break and are guaranteed to make the season a little brighter!

Register for Your COVID-19 Vaccine

A COVID-19 vaccine is coming soon and the Lake County Health Department’s AllVax Portal is now open. Register to be notified when it is time to make your appointment for the vaccine. It is free, easy and secure.

An Interview with Leaders United

Leaders United is a group of young professionals within United Way of Lake County who strive to make a difference in our community through philanthropy and volunteerism. Learn more about Leaders United and what makes the group special by watching this new interview with co-chairs, Alecia Hollen and Anton Mathews.

Follow Leaders United on Facebook for invitations to future events and updates on the meaningful work they’re doing in the community. Interested in joining? Contact Bobbi Selvik via email at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Check Out Our Holiday Guide

Each holiday season, we publish our Holiday Guide that includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County. The guide also includes agency wish lists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

07 Dec

Power of the Purse 2020

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News

On Sunday, November 8, more than 165 generous women joined together virtually for Women United‘s signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. The event raised $62,000, which will support early literacy programs in Lake County, IL. Those funds will help ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children.

In past years, Power of the Purse has been an in-person fundraising event with games and a champagne brunch. Due to COVID-19 and to ensure all attendees’ safety, we adapted Power of the Purse into an online buying and bidding shopping experience. The event featured 50 designer bags, 20 silent auction purses, baskets, and items. Additionally, women could help send underserved children to a Summer BOOST Learning Program for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience. Furthermore, books and toys for preschool learning centers in Lake County’s low-income communities were also available to be bought and donated.

“We are thrilled about the success of this year’s Power of the Purse event, which surpassed our fundraising goals,” said event chair Judy Kotsiopoulos. “While we were not able to be together in person due to the pandemic, we worked hard to transform this year’s event into a fun online experience knowing that our local children have never needed us more. We are extremely grateful for the generous support of Women United members and their friends who make this event possible every year.”

Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund is directed by members and since 2014 nearly $700,000 has been raised and granted for early literacy programs with the goal of creating lasting change in Lake County

United Way of Lake County recognizes the sponsors for 2020’s Power of the Purse:

Uploaded Image

To learn more about Women United, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/wu.

30 Nov

November 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Double Your Impact to Improve and Save Lives in Lake County

Now through December 24, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.

Together, we can achieve long-lasting results for our community, neighbors and children.

Lake County Celebrates Measurable Results of 211 Helpline

United Way of Lake County marked the first anniversary of 211 services for Lake County on Oct. 27 with a 90-minute virtual event targeted to key stakeholders, partners and community leaders.

The event highlighted 211’s measurable year-one results and impact, including how the system has transformed the way individuals and families in Lake County are connecting to essential health and human services. A panel of Lake County human services experts discussed how 211 more efficiently connects people in need to a wide range of available resources to improve and save lives.

The free, confidential, multi-lingual, 24-hour information and referral helpline was launched Sept. 24, 2019, by United Way of Lake County in collaboration with the county and many community partners. Through 2019, more than 95% of the U.S., but less than 30% of Illinois, had access to 211. Lake County is the largest county in Illinois to have implemented 211.

In its first year of service, 211 has made a combined total of 56,423 connections, including 6,760 calls and texts to the 211 contact center and 49,663 visits to the 211LakeCounty.org website.

Power of the Purse Raises $62k for Early Literacy Programs

On November 8, Women United held their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse. Instead of their traditional in-person event, they hosted their first-ever virtual fundraiser in the form of an online buying and bidding shopping experience. More than 165 generous women joined forces virtually to raise $62k!

Power of the Purse raises funds for Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support 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 nearly $700k 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 thrilled about the success of this year’s Power of the Purse event which surpassed our fundraising goals,” said event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos. “While we were not able to be together in person due to the pandemic, we worked hard to transform this year’s event into a fun online experience knowing that our local children have never needed us more. We are extremely grateful for the generous support of Women United members and their friends who make this event possible every year.”

Check Out Our Holiday Guide

When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.

Reading Success: The Pivot to Virtual Tutoring

Due to the pandemic, United Way of Lake County’s Reading Success program has transitioned to a virtual format in order to ensure that students who need reading tutoring can continue to connect to our volunteer tutors.

Reading Success volunteers meet weekly with their students using the Google Classroom platform. Each volunteer and student pairing reads stories and answers story-related questions together. The readings largely come from Learning A-Z and Raz-Kids, which provide leveled reading resources and deliver interactive computer-based books and quizzes at 29 reading levels. In addition, volunteers have opportunities to share their own favorite stories with their students.

The goal of Reading Success remains the same: to help ensure the students chosen for the program achieve at or near grade level reading by the end of 3rd grade.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, the teachers who have welcomed the volunteers, and the Waukegan Public School District staff who have assisted us in launching virtual Reading Success. It truly takes a community!

For more information on Reading Success, please contact Sue Baehr at sue.baehr@uwlakeco.org.

High School Student Supports Pandemic Relief Efforts

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.

Live Well Lake County

Everyone has times when they need emotional support. Even if you can handle what you are going through alone, you don’t have to.

United Way of Lake County has partnered with the Health Department’s new Live Well Lake County initiative to offer easy ways to get help, such as grief support, options for safe telehealth visits and harm reduction training. To learn more, please visit LiveWellLC.org/TakeCare.

To connect with local resources, please call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars

Our bilingual 2020-2021 Kindergarten Readiness school year calendar is free and a great resource for Lake County families. The calendar is designed for preschool-age children and is filled with activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.

If you would like to request calendars, please fill out an order form below and indicate at what time you would like to pick up your calendars in the “additional comments” section. Pick-ups are only 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, IL 60031).

United Way of Lake County is Hiring

Want to join our team? We have two open positions:

19 Oct

September 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Launch a Workplace Campaign with United Way

Change 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.

Questions about workplace campaigns? Contact Quinton Snodgrass at (847) 775-1046 or Quinton.Snodgrass@uwlakeco.org.

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.

Check out the video on Facebook below.

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.

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

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.

You can view the event details on Facebook by clicking below. Please share and invite your friends!

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.

Please note that, during registration, you will be asked if you have a working computer in your home. Answer the question “No” if you do not OWN any of the computers you have in your home. Many students have received loaned computers from school or work, but those will go back once the pandemic ends.

24 Aug

August 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Reading Success Is Going Virtual

Reading Success has adapted its program for the 2020-2021 school year in order to link 1st through 3rd grade students with volunteer reading tutors online. The program provides a flexible, convenient, rewarding and impactful way for volunteers to connect with a student and contribute to their love for reading and future success.

Volunteers will tutor students virtually utilizing the Google Meet platform through Waukegan Public Schools. Teachers will select students for one-on-one tutoring and volunteers will be matched with students based on their availability. All tutoring will take place during the school day.

A selection of books matched to the students’ reading level is provided in a guided format including interactive ebooks and reading quizzes. Together the volunteer and student read through the book, then discuss the questions on the quiz. The program tracks each students’ reading progress.

We are looking for volunteers to commit to a minimum of two 30-minute sessions per week. You should enjoy reading with children, be comfortable using email and internet links and have a desktop, laptop or tablet computer.

Volunteers must also pass the background check required by both United Way and Waukegan School District. It is free, confidential and only takes about a minute to complete. Volunteers will receive tutor training and then get paired with a student (or students). Ongoing support is provided from the teacher, United Way and the volunteering platform.

To apply to be a volunteer reading tutor, complete our application form by clicking the button below. For more information, please email Sue.Baehr@uwlakeco.org.

Scholastic and United Way Help Kids Stay Connected to Books

For the second year, Scholastic has partnered with United Way to get books to kids in need during the summer, keeping every child reading. United Way of Lake County received 4,000 books for Pre-K through 5th grade that were distributed to the communities we serve through our educational programming. Principals and staff accepted the books at their schools and will share them with their students.

We are always proud to get the opportunity to share the gift of reading with children in our community!

Baxter Gives Back

Baxter’s Northern Illinois Finance Community recently partnered with us to give back to their community by participating in activities from our new list of virtual and remote volunteer opportunities. Despite not being able to network through in-person community projects as they have done with us for many summers, Baxter associates still wanted to give back and keep their team engaged in volunteering.

Volunteers collected and donated diapers, wrote notes of encouragement for home-bound seniors and veterans, created health and hygiene kits for local people in need, created sidewalk chalk designs and summer activity kits for kids, and much more. A huge thank you to all the Baxter volunteers—your impact on Lake County is outstanding!

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with your organization through United Way of Lake County, please contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Volunteer in Lake County

We have partnered with Lake County Government to coordinate local COVID-19 response volunteer efforts. Volunteers are needed to pack and prep meal boxes, deliver meals to home-bound seniors, write letters of encouragement, provide general office support, and more. You’ll find a list of volunteer opportunities on the 211LakeCounty.org website.

Get Involved with UWLC

United Way of Lake County has two affinity groups in which you can get involved: Leaders United and Women United. Leaders United is our young professional action group that is making a difference in Lake County by helping more kids achieve and succeed. Women United is Lake County’s premier women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging.

Despite the pandemic, both groups are still working hard to support their missions. Interested in learning more? For Leaders United, contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org. For Women United, contact Diana.Nielander@uwlakeco.org.

Census 2020: A Full Count Is Important for the Future of Our Children

The next 10 years depends on your next 10 minutes! Answer 10 questions and help bring a decade of funding to Lake County for schools, roads, healthcare, child and senior centers, 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.

13 Aug

July 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

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.

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.

24 Jun

June 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Women United Allocates $684,000 in Six Years to Early
Literacy Programs in Lake County

Women United is Lake County’s premiere women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging.

Just this month, the group announced that it will distribute $165,650 in grants through its Little Kids, Big Futures Fund to support seven critical early literacy programs. Since 2014, Women United has distributed $684,000 to worthy nonprofits to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed.

Read more about the Little Kids, Big Futures Fund and its funded programs below.

Premier Leadership Event Raises $215,000 for Our Education Programs and 211

During the first week of June, we held our first-ever virtual Premier Leadership Event, which featured exciting new videos each day highlighting the measurable impact of our vital programs and a special livestream gala on June 4. Together we celebrated 10 years of our powerful Reading Success program and honored Judge Luis Berrones and a team of Lake County judges for their devoted volunteerism as reading tutors in the program.

We are thrilled to share that we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised
$215,000 to support United Way’s educational programs and 211 helpline, thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and sponsors! The funding will help us meet real needs right here in Lake County that are likely going to be greater than ever before.

Better Together Summer Registration Now Open

Due to COVID-19, our Better Together program will now be a mail-in program. Better Together is designed for children ages birth to 3 to develop the readiness, physical and cognitive skills crucial to their education.

The lesson plans will connect families to videos, songs and other learning resources. We will mail a kit to all registered participants with books, materials and activities to complete at home with their child.

Capacity is limited. Register by contacting Shareny Mota:
Shareny.Mota@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1040.

Meet Our New Intern: Olivia Jensen

United Way of Lake County relies heavily on the work of volunteers to help make an impact on our local communities. This includes our interns who are ready to volunteer their time and talents to help make a difference. Our interns are a valuable part of what we do and how we do it.

Our Marketing team has welcomed Olivia Jensen as their summer intern and will be utilizing her design experience for several graphic design projects. Click below to learn more about Olivia.

Lake County’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund

On March 20, we established the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support local nonprofit organizations serving Lake County’s most vulnerable neighbors.

Since launching, a total of $863,262 from the fund has been granted swiftly back into the community to 38 local nonprofits so they can continue their work providing critical resources for Lake County’s most at-risk children and families.
We are so grateful to the hundreds of individuals and organizations who have donated! If you’d like to make a gift in support of the fund, please click below.

Respond to the 2020 Census Today

If you need help responding or have questions, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

Looking for Volunteer Opportunities?

17 Jun

Women United Allocates $684K in Six Years to Early Literacy Programs

by Jennifer StromCategories: News, Women United

Women United is Lake County’s premiere women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging. Just this month, it was announced that Women United will distribute $165,650 through its Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund to support seven critical early literacy programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children.

Women United members at United Way’s Premier Leadership Event on June 26, 2019. Pictured (left to right) Back row – Nancy Coolley, Mary Sue Welch, Tejal Vakharia, Wendy Warren, Karen Mahnke, Michelle Crombie, Karen Warrington, Glenda Abbott, Julie Gordon, Middle row – Diana Nielander, Marilyn Mines, Sami Porter, Front row – Judy Kotsiopolous, Monica Burmeister, Sharlene Abbott, Ann Maine.

The following programs will receive funding:

$65,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Summer Kindergarten Readiness Program (KCC)

Beach Park, North Chicago, Round Lake & Waukegan

Provide children, who have never been to preschool, with summer learning opportunities and materials for kindergarten readiness.

$32,250 – United Way of Lake County’s Home Visiting program

North Chicago, Waukegan & Zion

Home Visiting provides in-home early intervention via phone and video for families (with infants and preschool-age kids) struggling with poverty and who have limited access to health and community services. Funding will support high-risk families in North Chicago, Waukegan and Zion with their most critical needs. The collaboration will provide this essential service to 20 more families.

$25,000 – B.E.S.T. Pre-K Program

Round Lake

Funding will continue to allow this Round Lake Park District program to provide 20 scholarships for children who otherwise would not have access to preschool. With this opportunity, children will be prepared for kindergarten and ready to learn.

$15,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Better Together program

Green Bay Early Childhood Center in North Chicago

A weekly mail-in program for young children (birth to three years) and their caregiver where they receive resources and materials to learn, play and develop school readiness skills together.

$15,000 – Mano a Mano

Round Lake

Funding will launch the Healthy Kids/Healthy Families Initiative which will expand literacy programs for families with 3-5 year olds through home visits.

$8,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Early Learning Clubs

Waukegan Public Library

Early Learning Clubs provide bi-lingual opportunities for children to learn basic skills while their parents are empowered to be their child’s first teacher. Curbside pick-up will connect more children to Early Learning Clubs.

$5,000 – HUGS/North Preschool Partnership

Waukegan

HUGS (Heroines United for Giving and Support) is a community engagement initiative of Women United where members embrace a school, project or community with the resources and care it needs to succeed. Last year, Women United’s HUGS Committee started a new partnership with North Preschool in Waukegan to support reading in schools, special events, family programming, parent workshops and other curricula to enhance learning programs for the 140 students.

Women United of Lake County is a powerful network of more than 100 women who enable each other to leverage our passions, ideas, expertise and resources to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. Women United is a critical community within United Way of Lake County.

Thinking ahead to 2021 and beyond, Women United’s philanthropy is poised to continue to grow and mobilize community-minded women through leadership and resource development in order to expand its impact on early childhood literacy.

To learn how you can get involved in Women United of Lake County and to know about the Little Kids, Big Futures Philanthropy Fund Guidelines, please contact Affinity Group Manager, Diana Nielander, at Diana.Nielander@uwlakeco.org.

For more information about Women United, visit: www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/womenunited

26 May

May 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Women United Donates Nearly Two Tons of Hand Sanitizer

In just 3 hours, a team of amazing volunteers labeled, poured, capped and boxed nearly two tons of hand sanitizer. We first want to thank the Women United members and other volunteers for their time and hard work. Shout out to Karen Jones and her nonprofit, Chocolate Chips Association, for loaning the volunteers lab coats and safety glasses. A special thank you to Andrew Warrington at United Conveyor Corporation. This project wouldn’t have been possible without his commitment of warehouse space and the expertise of his engineers who helped coordinate the machinery needed for this project.

“We are pleased to mobilize our membership for this project that gets 450 gallons of hard-to-find hand sanitizer in the hands of Lake County nonprofits and residents,” said Diana Nielander, manager of Women United. “As a result, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Catholic Charities, Waukegan Public Schools, ElderCare and others have hand sanitizer to use while delivering critical programs and can offer it to their clients. We are very proud to be able serve in this way.”

View photos of our amazing volunteers in action, below.

Leaders United’s Mask Donation Drive

Leaders United, a group of young professionals supporting the work of United Way of Lake County through volunteerism and philanthropy, launched a mask donation drive to support 3,500 Waukegan Public School students and families in need during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The mask drive is running through May 28. Donate unused disposable or homemade masks to help out essential workers and families. Drop off your mask donations at the Waukegan Police Department located at 101 N. West St., in Waukegan.

Read more about the donation drive in the Lake County Journal. Stay up-to-date on what Leaders United is doing by following them on Facebook.

Lake County’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund

On March 20, we established the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support local nonprofit organizations serving Lake County’s most vulnerable neighbors.

Since launching, a total of $453,262 from the fund has been granted swiftly back into the community to 35 local nonprofits so they can continue their work providing critical resources for Lake County’s most at-risk children and families. Additional grants will be awarded on a rolling basis to quickly respond to urgent and evolving needs, as funds are available.

For a limited time, First Midwest Bank is doubling the impact of gifts made to the fund, up to $50,000. That means your gift will count twice. Donations of any amount will make an immediate impact on critical needs in Lake County. United Way covers all administrative costs so that 100% of donations go directly to recipient agencies.

We are so grateful to the hundreds of individuals and organizations who have donated! If you’d like to make a gift in support of the fund, please click below.

Women United’s Kendra Scott Partnership

Thank you to all of the people who participated in Women United’s virtual Kendra Scott Gives Back event. As a result of your shopping efforts, Women United raised $900, which will support early literacy programs in Lake County. This successful effort is the first piece of an exciting partnership with Kendra Scott, which will include a special in-store event in October.

Stay up-to-date on what Women United is doing by following them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn..

Respond to the 2020 Census Today

If you need help responding or have questions, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

Have you seen our signs?

Keep an eye out for our six billboards throughout Lake County promoting United Way of Lake County’s 211 helpline.

If you need assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can guide you to available resources. 211 is open to everyone in Lake County, 24/7. You can also visit 211LakeCounty.org.

New 211 Videos Available

We now have 30-second promotional videos for 211! There are two versions in both English and Spanish. You can view or share the videos on Facebook or view them on YouTube. You’ll find other promotional materials available on 211LakeCounty.org, in the 211 Toolkit. Thank you to everyone who has helped us spread the word about this great helpline!

Newer posts

Older posts

Tag: Women United

Year-End Campaign Raises $117,000!

Brighten Countless Lives in Lake County

Power of the Purse 2020

Double Your Impact to Improve and Save Lives in Lake County

Launch a Workplace Campaign with United Way

Reading Success Is Going Virtual

Prepare for Kindergarten with United Way

Respond to the 2020 Census Today

Looking for Volunteer Opportunities?

Women United Allocates $684K in Six Years to Early Literacy Programs

The following programs will receive funding:

$65,000 – United Way of Lake County’s Summer Kindergarten Readiness Program (KCC)

Beach Park, North Chicago, Round Lake & Waukegan