Volunteer
September 14th, 2007Whatever your background and interests, there is a United Way volunteer role that’s right for you. Here is glimpse at our current opportunities:
Yes, I want to make a difference. Volunteer!
Everyone has the chance to become an “Every Day Hero”. Celebrate those who give their heart, their time and their talents by nominating a LIVE UNITED Volunteer of the Month!
Nominate a VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH!
To organize a Day of Caring for your company please contact Matt Altstiel, Coordinator Communications and Programming at 847-768-1074 or maltstiel@uw-mc.org
Help out with on-going opportunities like our Financial Stability Investment Committee. Volunteer for a day with our Special Iniatives and events. Volunteer for an hour, volunteer for a lifetime.
Bristol Court Teams with United Way to Provide Thanksgiving for Our Neighbors
When you think of Thanksgiving, you probably thinking of being surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, good food and a confortable home. It is a time to relax and be thankful for what is really important in our lives. However, for some of our neighbors this may not be their reality.
This past year has been filled with economic uncertainty, and for low income families with children, seniors on fixed income, individuals living in motels and the homeless, this year has posed many additional hardships.
Northwest Suburban United Way and Bristol Court Banuqets have teamed up to provide a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 200 individuals and families in need. On Wednesday, November 26th, guests will enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Gary DiTomasi, Owner/Partner at Bristol Count Banuqets in Mount Prospect. This event would not be possible without the coordination between partners and sponsors Performance Food Group, Sysco and US Foods.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to open a soup Kitchen,” says Chef DiTomasi. “I have the ability to prepare the food, and with all of the need in the community, I want to use my talents to give back. This is the first step in achieving my dream.”
When Chef DimTomasi approached Northwest Suburban United Way about wanting to help make a difference for families in need by serving a Thanksgiving dinner, it was not a challenge to find neighbors in need. By partnering with Catholic Charities, Greater Wheeling Area Youth Outreach (GWAYO) and the Village of Mount Prospect, individuals and families in need will find themselves surrounded by new friends this Thanksgiving.
“We are honored that Bristol Court has approached us to partner with them in creating a Thanksgiving dinner for our neighbors,” says Marcia McMahon, Chief Professional Officer for Northwest Suburban United Way. “This is an example of how we all can Live United.”
People ‘Live United’ when they give, advocate and volunteer for the community. You too can Live United by taking part in this community celebration. Volunteers are needed to great guests as they arrive, staff the coat check, serve at the buffet, replenish food items, run the soda bar and staff tables. To make a difference, please call United Way at 847-768-1074 or sign-up through our websiote, www.uwnorthwest.org
Great American Insurance Lends Hand to End Domestic Violence through Northwest Suburban United Way
On October 29th, 2008, volunteers from the Schaumburg office of Great American Insurance donated their time to volunteer with United Way and its partner agency WINGS, an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. Volunteers cleaned and repainted an entire house, raked leaves and made home repairs during their four hours of service. Valued at nearly $20 per hour, 50 Great American Insurance volunteers contributed almost $4,000 of service to the community!
Additionally, Northwest Suburban United was proud to feature Great American Insurance during our LIVE UNITED Week Food Drive as a corporate partner. Through their collaboration, Great American Insurance has proven their commitment to improve the lives of the people they serve.
Make a Difference - Live United
2008 has been a difficult year filled with financial uncertainty. The need for social services and the generosity of the community is greater than ever before. It is in times like these that a gift to Northwest Suburban United Way makes such an impact. The 29 communities, 70+ programs and nearly 900,000 people benefit from the strength of community leaders like you.
As the largest non-governmental funder of social programs in the Chicagoland area, donations to United Way go the distance. For 75 years, United Way has been a champion of the community by funding the agencies that make a difference by delivering sustainability and hope through targeting the building blocks of success: income, education and health. United Way helps the communities you live and work in. United Way provides support for all ages and stages of life from Day Care to Job Readiness to Senior Care.
We invite you to be an everyday hero and give, advocate and volunteer to United Way. Give what you are able, Volunteer your time and talents and advocate the Live United message to your family, friends and neighbors. Thank you for your continued support.
Far Northwest and Northwest Suburban United Way Consolidate to Strengthen Human Services in the Region
Non Profit Leaders Proactively Address Growing Needs
Far Northwest Suburban United Way and Northwest Suburban United Way today announce their merger, which became effective October 1st, 2008, to provide greater efficiency and add more resources to help local residents in their time of need. The new Northwest Suburban United Way will be one of the largest, most comprehensive in the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago system.
“We initiatied this merger as part of our strategic imperative to better serve the people of our communities,” said Tom Flynn, Board President of Far Northwest Suburban United Way and Vice President - Commercial Relationship Manager of AMCORE Bank N.A., Schaumburg. “Not only does this consolidation add financial and people resources to supporting health and human service programs but it also makes it easier for our agency partners, who are stretched more than ever, tp provide help to individuals and families in need.”
The Far Northwest and Northwest Suburban United Ways supported 47 and 51 agencies, respectively, 20 of which they both shared in common; these agencies will now have a central point for funding requests and other specific efforts.
“We readily endorse the merger of two of our most important community partners,” said Patricia Beck, Executive Director or Shelter, Inc., a leading agency that is funded by both United Ways. “Each of these United Ways is a leader and a strong advocate of health and human services. Combining the stengths of both United Ways will enhance the ability to develop more resources to meet the ever increasing needs in our community. Children, individuals, and families who are in need of services will definately benefit from this consolidation.”
According to both United Ways, there is a great overlap in the human service issue people in their communities face and the programs that best address them. With demographic shifts, the aging of the population and decreasing government funding adding more pressure for support, this consolidation allows United Way to proactively build resources and partnerships that help the combined communities flourish.
“What changes,” said Abruzzini, “is around simplifying processes and eliminating duplication. What doesn’t change is the local nature of our work, improving lives in the communities we have always focused on.” These communities include: Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Des Plaines, East Dundee, Elk Grove Village, Gilberts, Hafl Day, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prarie View, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Rosemont, Schaumburg, Skokie, Sleepy Hollow, Streamwood and Wheeling.
The consolidated organization will invest close to $3.5 million in local health and human care programs in the coming year. Local volunteers will continue to determine where the funding should be directed based on the priority needs inn each community.
For more information about how you can volunteer at Northwest Suburban United Way or to make a donation, please contact the United Way offices at 847. 768.1074
