Women United of Lake County

We're hiring! The Women United Coordinator forms and enriches donor relationships, partners with donors to raise funds, supports volunteer events, meetings and activities, and provides value to Women United's community impact initiatives.

Learn more about the position: indeedhi.re/3xp3fuQ
Learn more about Women United: LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/WU

We're thrilled to share the success of United Way of Lake County's Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC), Women United's signature program! This year, we proudly allocated $86,000 in grant funds to support this vital initiative.

KCC prepares our young learners for kindergarten. Over the past few weeks, classrooms across Lake County have been filled with eager children engaging in play-based learning. Our Women United volunteers have had opportunities to step into the classroom to support the students as they develop key skills like writing their name, cutting, social interaction, hand-raising, and leadership.

Our philanthropic support is enabling our youngest learners to become kindergarten ready this summer! Together, we're paving the way for these children’s educational success.

We were proud to share about Women United’s work and accomplishments at United Way of Lake County’s Annual Meeting, hosted at the National Museum of the American Sailor.

At Women United, philanthropy isn't just a word; it's our heartbeat. Last week, we came together with our Little Kids, Big Futures grant-funded programs to dive deeper into the incredible work they're doing to shape early learning in Lake County. We gained a more comprehensive understanding and conversed with United Way of Lake County, Family First Center, Affirm Leadership Christian Academy, Round Lake Area Park District's B.E.S.T. Preschool and Mothers Trust Foundation.

The event was hosted at the beautiful new Brittane's Event Center —a proud women, veteran, black, and locally owned space. We were not only inspired by the programs but also treated to soulful live music by Davarrius Wilson and Zion Ari.

Together, we're making a difference, one heart, one mind, and one child at a time. Stay tuned for more updates on how we're impacting lives and building brighter futures for our community!

Last week many of us represented Women United of Lake County at United Way of Lake County’s Premier Leaders Event. Together we had a fabulous evening sharing in conversation, live music and supporting programming vital to our community! More than $242,000 were raised to expand UWLC's education programs and 211 helpline.

We hosted a book club discussion on "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein—a powerful journey through history and injustice. We delved into systemic racism, uncovering how it has shaped our cities and neighborhoods. We identified leverage points for change, realizing that together, we can make a difference in dismantling these inequities. We talked about how individuals in our communities have to be like flowers in the concrete, finding resilience even in the toughest circumstances, breaking through barriers to create beauty. Together we will keep reading, learning, and striving for a more equitable world.

Women United has loved spending the past five weeks at Affirm Leadership Christian Academy, providing enrichment activities for their young scholars. We were greeted each time by smiling faces and lots of hugs! 🤗

Our volunteers worked with the young women on budgeting, career exploration, cooking, and meal presentation. We also had the opportunity to partner with Building Bridges, who engaged the scholars in a Beverage Chemistry experiment. We realized that these lessons were not only expanding the minds of our learners, but we were also helping to strengthen and build community bonds.

We hold two monthly Early Learning Club sessions at Whispering Oaks Apartment Complex in Waukegan. Over the past two years, we've enjoyed watching babies grow into toddlers, families evolve, parents achieve professional successes, and young learners thrive in school.

This incredible journey is made possible by our dedicated volunteers who prepare dinners, donate household items, teach lessons, create additional learning opportunities for parents and track the measurable growth of our little ones. Thank you for helping us build a stronger community!

Surrounded by gorgeous colors and fragrances, Women United members gathered at Country Bumpkin Garden Center Inc. for an enchanting afternoon of planting and socializing.🌼

Laughter and conversation filled the air as we immersed ourselves in the creative process, selecting vibrant flowers and gorgeous grasses to personalize our planters, under the guidance of skilled gardeners.

The serene setting of the garden center provided the perfect backdrop while fostering a sense of community and joy among all who attended. Each of us left with a uniquely crafted planter, brimming with colorful blooms and memories of time spent together. Thank you to our social committee for organizing this lovely event!

Last week, we held our final Women of Color: United in Leadership workshop. Throughout the past several months, our incredible volunteers have led this group through numerous seminars, circles, and mentorship groups with topics ranging from Allyship to Communication to Self-Care and beyond.

We look forward to the next stage of our program, where our cohort members will tap into their collective strengths to create a community-impact volunteer project!

Before we move forward, we want to thank the women who thoughtfully crafted these learning opportunities for our cohort. Our profound gratitude goes toward Marisa Livingston, Pooja Agrawal, Sandra Bankston, Tracy Henriques, Holly Kim, Paula Racquel, Jennifer Rich, Jasmine Taylor-Newton and Tejal Vakharia.

In addition, many other Women United members have helped guide our cohort this year through executive coaching and attending workshops. When we come together, we do amazing things!

Thank you to our incredible volunteers; your time and talents tremendously make a difference in our community and create lasting change where everyone can thrive! 💛

Next Wednesday, May 1, at noon — join us for a virtual Lunch & Learn! Connect with incredible women while learning about new opportunities to volunteer, socialize, and make a difference for children and families in Lake County.

Learn more: https://fb.me/e/3zRUcDqjt
To RSVP, contact Alina at [email protected].

Friday morning was full of sparkle and shimmer! ✨ Several wonderful members of Women United joined Little Kids, Big Futures grantee Mothers Trust Foundation at their Prom Shoppe. We became personal shoppers for the gorgeous and grateful high school girls in our community who chose their complimentary gowns and accessories for prom.

The girls also toured the University Center and CLC while receiving interview skills and FAFSA help. We loved being a part of this event and the preparations for the girls’ big day!

Connect with amazing women while learning about new opportunities to volunteer, socialize, and make a difference for children and families in Lake County. Join us on Zoom on May 1 at noon for a prospective member Lunch & Learn.

Learn more: https://fb.me/e/3zRUcDqjt
To RSVP, contact Alina at [email protected].

Women United members brought their A game for trivia night at Tonality Brewing Company. The evening at this excellent new brewery was loaded with sharp wits, teamwork, friendly competition and local libations.

Are you interested in becoming a member of Women United? Join us on May 1 for a virtual Lunch & Learn!

You'll learn how our group of 130+ community-minded women make a difference for children and families in Lake County. Become a part of something bigger!

Learn more: https://fb.me/e/3zRUcDqjt
To RSVP, contact Alina at [email protected].

Reflecting on our inspiring site visit to the Waukegan Public Library, we witnessed firsthand the incredible work being done by this Little Kids, Big Futures grantee. 👧📚 Their Early Learning Club is aimed at fostering kindergarten readiness skills in our youngest learners!

We watched families engaging in activities that spark curiosity while building the foundation for lifelong learning and success. The enthusiasm and dance moves of the children were truly heartwarming.

Every child deserves a strong start, and initiatives like this ELC are paving the way for a brighter future for our community.

Little Kids, Big Futures site visits continued with a visit to Mothers Trust Foundation where we were invited to join a weekly service. Throughout the week, Mother’s Trust Foundations receives service “requests" from our Community partners located at schools, social service agencies and more! Each week, during the service meeting, these requests are carefully presented, discussed and approved for funding. These submissions range from needs for eye glasses, summer camps, baby supplies, food, housing needs and more. Women United is proud to have supported many of the applications for early childhood education programming.

We recently had the opportunity to visit Mano a Mano Family Resource Center’s Healthy Families program, one of our Little Kids, Big Futures grantees. The program is tailored for 3-5-year-olds and offers a range of activities designed to support children's development. We appreciate their focus on fostering healthy habits during these critical years.

We had a delightful afternoon visiting Family First Center’s Formative Years program, one of our Little Kids, Big Futures grantees. We observed families engaging joyfully as children explored textures and activities, fostering both fine and gross motor skills, while also creating a strong foundation for their developing early literacy. This program breaks down barriers for families in temporary housing by bringing resources directly to them and demonstrates their commitment to every child's development.

Women United had the incredible opportunity to visit the Round Lake Area BEST Preschool, a Little Kids, Big Futures grant-funded program! Last year, they received $26,500 to fund scholarships for 20 children to attend preschool.

Their dedication to nurturing these young minds blew us away! At B.E.S.T. Preschool, it’s not just about ABCs and 123s but also about fostering empathy, resilience, and self-awareness from the start. Emphasizing their students’ academic growth and social-emotional development helps our young learners become kindergarten-ready!

The location at the Rolek Center provides their students access to the Round Lake Children's Neighborhood Museum and Prairie Grass Nature Museum. From exploring nature to hands-on museum exhibits, these little learners have opportunities to embark on adventures beyond the classroom walls.

We’re beyond impressed with the innovative approach B.E.S.T. Preschool takes in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. Women United is proud to support the fantastic work and dedication to creating little learners with BIG futures!

Happy International Women's Day! Today, Women United gathered at Taste of Paris to celebrate the extraordinary essence of womanhood. From the trailblazers who shatter glass ceilings to the nurturing hearts that fuel communities, we honor the diverse roles and endless potential of women everywhere. Join us in celebrating the strength, resilience, and beauty of who we are. Together, let's continue to inspire, uplift, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Reading helps the mind bloom!🌷Women United members joined United Way of Lake County at Pleviak Elementary in Lake Villa to celebrate Read Across America by sharing diverse stories with the kindergarten students!

Women United had the incredible opportunity to host a thought-provoking documentary screening of "Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America."

A huge thank you to Mary Lynn Carver for her exceptional facilitation during the post-screening conversation! Her insights sparked meaningful discussions and shed light on innovative ways to reshape education for the better.

Together, we're paving the way for a brighter future where every child has access to quality education and endless opportunities!

💕✨ Love was in the air at Whispering Oaks! Our Early Learning Club families gathered for a Valentine's Day celebration, made possible by generous donations from The Goddard School in Vernon Hills.

We enjoyed Valentine’s crafting activities, which help develop fine motor skills and enhance creativity and imagination. They also foster cognitive skills such as problem-solving and decision-making as children choose materials and plan their projects.

The kids bonded with their families as they expressed themselves and learned important skills in a fun and engaging environment. 💖🌟

Patrice Maloney-Knauff and Jessica Ceisel travelled to New Orleans to meet with the Women United Global Leadership Council where Patrice serves as Advocacy Chair. This group creates a stronger connection for the over 155+ Women United groups worldwide. 🌟

The Council engaged in strategic planning, shared best practices and laid the groundwork for the summit in October. Then at the United in ALICE Summit, they dove deep into discussions on leveraging United For ALICE data to provide solutions for those struggling to meet basic needs.

Thank you to Forest & Bluff Magazine for featuring Women United members and friends who attended our Power of the Purse fundraiser back in November! Check it out in their February edition.