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 definitely 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
