Women United of Lake County, Gurnee, IL Videos

Little Kids, Big Futures Grantees 2024-2025
We are pleased to announce that we will distribute $181,000 through our Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund this year to support 8 critical early education programs! These funds will help ensure a foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s young learners. United Way of Lake County, Round Lake Area Park District, Family First Center, Affirm Leadership Christian Academy, Mothers Trust Foundation

A heartfelt shoutout to Taylor Bellson! Taylor's dedication to United Way of Lake County, Women United and fostering positive change within our community has made a profound impact. Thank you for being such a driving force for good! We extend our warmest wishes for success and fulfillment as you continue your next chapter in your career journey. Though you may be transitioning, you'll continue to be a cherished community member. Here's to new beginnings and endless possibilities!

Meet the 2024 Steering Committee of Women United of Lake County. Collaboration, input and strong leadership are crucial to success. We are pleased and grateful to have brought together a group of exceptional women who share the goal of ensuring that children in our community are prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

Our deepest gratitude to Lori Miller who has served as Women United's Board Chair these past few years. Lori's dedication and outstanding contributions have been instrumental in advancing Women United's mission to invest in early childhood education in Lake County. Thank you, Lori, for your leadership and the positive impact you’ve made on our organization and on the children and families we serve.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to the 2023 Steering Committee. United, they committed to fostering unity, amplifying voices, and driving impactful initiatives this past year. Here's to the amazing women who lead with strength, compassion, and a shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Power of the Purse 2023
What an amazing event! Thank you for helping ensure that children in Lake County receive the early learning programs needed to start kindergarten strong. 💗 P&G, Northwestern Medicine, Great Lakes Credit Union, Old National Bank, Aldridge Electric, Inc., Sysmex America, Wintrust, Aon, Austin's Saloon & Eatery, AbbVie, American Place Casino, Aspire Planning Group, Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor, Penny Lenzen, North Shore Gas, Waukegan Tire, Whispering Oaks Apartments, Lake County IL Clerk of the Circuit Court, Erin Cartwright Weinstein , Lake County Treasurer - Office of Holly Kim, Nichols Crane Rental Co, Inc.

Women United - Women Build 2023
Women United teamed up with Habitat for Humanity Lake County, IL to create the building blocks of hope and stability during their Women Build. We spent two days harnessing the collective power of women to begin building two homes in Waukegan where children will be able to learn and grow. These efforts are an investment in our young children. Having a safe, stable place to call home is foundational to wellbeing and critical to children’s development. Learn more about Women United: LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.com/WU

Women of Color: United in Leadership
Women United is proud to build a strong professional network of women of color through our leadership program, Women of Color: United in Leadership. This program helps professionals to develop their authentic voice and unleash their full potential while connecting with a diverse community of like-minded women who share aspirations, experiences and commitment to community service. Through expert guidance, we dive deep into leadership strategies, effective communication, and personal growth and development. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our next cohort beginning this fall, let us know by emailing Jessica Ceisel at [email protected]

Little Kids, Big Futures Grantees 2023-2024
We are pleased to announce that we will distribute $186,000 through our Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund this year to support 9 critical early education programs! These funds will help ensure a foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s young learners. United Way of Lake County, Round Lake Area Park District, Family First Center, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Affirm Leadership Christian Academy, Mothers Trust Foundation, Waukegan Public Library

HUGS - Whispering Oaks Early Learning Club
A hug is like a boomerang; it always comes right back to you. This is exactly what happens with our Women United HUGS, Whispering Oaks Early Learning Club. When we sit down with our youngest learners and their families, we aren’t just engaging in learning through play; we are helping to activate creativity, flexibility and build confidence. Each week as these skills develop, we find the kids turning around and helping to activate our own natural desire to learn.

Power of the Purse 2022
What an amazing event! Because of YOU, we netted more than $70,000! Our most successful event yet. Thank you for helping ensure that children in Lake County receive the early learning programs needed to start kindergarten strong.

What a wild and crazy evening we had last Tuesday at the Lumberjaxe Axe Lounge in Libertyville. Check out the fun, and if you go, tell Jason and Tristan there you’re from Women United. They were excellent hosts!

Women United hosted a fabulous “Little Kids, Big Feelings” event at the Whispering Oaks apartment complex on October 15. Building on the theme of Social Emotional Learning as introduced by our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Initiative during a September educational forum, the HUGS Committee took the reins and brought the book, Feelings by Todd Parr to the little ones at Whispering Oaks. We love the families there who are doing everything right to put their children on the path to academic success. Look how much fun we all had!

Don't miss out on the fun! | POP 2022
💗 There's still time to get your tickets! 💗 Join us for a fun-filled afternoon where we’ll enjoy a champagne brunch, games, prizes, and special surprises! There will be 50+ designer bags, silent auction purses, and baskets to bid on in person. And 100% of the proceeds will support local early education programs! LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/pop

💗 Early Bird Deadline this Friday! Get your tickets by 10/14 to be entered to win a Tiffany & Co. bracelet! 💗 Come away for a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate the special women in our lives! We’ll enjoy a champagne brunch, games, prizes, and special surprises. There will be 50+ designer bags, silent auction purses, and baskets to bid on in person. 100% of the proceeds will support local early education programs! LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/pop

Power of the Purse 2022 | Women United of Lake County
💗 Power of the Purse tickets are now ON SALE! 💗 Come away for a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate the special women in our lives. We’ll enjoy a champagne brunch, games, prizes, and special surprises. There will be 50+ designer bags, silent auction purses, and baskets to bid on in person. 100% of the proceeds will support local early education programs! LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/pop

LKBF Spotlight - The Formative Years
This year, Women United provided funding to support nine critical, local education programs—one of which is the Family First Center of Lake County’s “The Formative Years” program, which serves families with children ages 0-5. This group focuses on early literacy while providing milestone activities that encourage growth, development and creativity through play, support and outings. This funding will provide bi-weekly sessions for parents and 46 children on basic skills and preschool enrichment activities to prepare them for school. We are proud to support the expansion of this awesome program! Learn more about the Family First Center: www.familyfirstcenter.org Learn more about Women United: www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/wu 📸: K. Foster Photography

Women United's Corporate Future Leaders of Color cohort, volunteers, sororities and the Waukegan Public Library all came together to organize a free “Back to School Fun Fest” at Whispering Oaks Apartments in Waukegan. The 90°+ weather did not spoil the celebration, dancing, games, meaningful family time, smiles, laughter, and magic. Around 225 people joined us, and attendees of all ages had a fabulous time. Thank you all for making this event a success! BoyLosCrazy, #GoodAmericanBarberCo, Modern Grooming Barbershop, Inc., Magic By AL- Magic and Animal Balloons, S’More Sweets by Shanda McKnight, Hillery's BBQ - Beach Park, #WhiteheadsBarberShopWaukegan

Become a Part of Something Bigger
Looking to add more fun, community connections, amazing women, and more meaning to your life? Then you're a perfect fit for Women United! On August 18, join our Wine & Learn to find out what this group has to offer and if it's right for you! To RSVP or ask questions, contact Alina at [email protected]. Become a part of something bigger and contact us today!

Happy Monday! Here's a feature from Power of the Purse: